Friends of the Earth has finally found someone to lead its fundraising function, two years after the departure of former fundraising director Ruth Ruderham.

Joe Jenkins (pictured) has started this week in the new post of director of fundraising, communications and activism. He is charged with leading the charity’s strategy to bring in new financial supporters and garnering public support for the charity’s campaigns for political change to protect the environment.

To this end, he will oversee all three divisions to ensure consistent messages across communications, fundraising and activism.

Jenkins joins from the RNIB where he has been head of fundraising strategy for the last five years. Before that he was a senior account manager at telephone fundraising agency Pell & Bales.

Friends of the Earth has been without a permanent top fundraiser since the summer of 2008 when Ruth Ruderham left to join Christian Aid. Her departure coincided with a restructure at the organisation and Jenkins’ post was only advertised at the beginning of this year.

A head of fundraising is still being sought.