Fundraising and grants officer jobs

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting a national financial support charity in the search for a Trusts and Foundations Officer.

This organisation is a national charity tackling financial insecurity and its structural causes. They support people facing financial hardship to access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, while working to challenge stigma and change the systems that drive financial insecurity.

The Trusts and Foundations Officer willm be joining a collaborative team and supporting on securing income from existing and new relationships with trusts and foundations. This will including managing a portfolio of donors capable of giving under £10k, as well as working and supporting on grant applications of £10k-£50k levels. This is a really great development opportunity for someone with some fundraising experience and an interest in trusts and foundations fundraising. With the support and mentorship of the team and excellent manager, this role will work towards a team target and get to develop new relationships. 

To be successful as the Trusts and Foundations Officer you will have experience and knowledge of fundraising, and ideally had some connection to trusts and foundations fundraising. This person will need to demonstrate good engagement skills through writing and relationship building, and be open to working both autonomously and as a team.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application please contact Rhiannon Mehta at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this leadership position, please submit your CV and a covering letter in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering with a great charity to recruit the Business Development Manager to help drive forward the charity mission at a crucial time, as they adapt to a changing funding landscape and build sustainable income for the future.

 About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a key leadership role within the organisation. You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering income generation strategies, building strong partnerships, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

This is a hands on and varied role where you will:

• Lead and grow diverse income streams including grants, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising
• Develop compelling funding proposals and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, and stakeholders
• Oversee flagship fundraising events and support third-party fundraisers
• Line manage charity shop managers and nurture a network of volunteers
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
• Represent the charity externally with confidence and professionalism

About You

We are looking for a proactive, organised and motivated individual who can think strategically while delivering practical results.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or a similar role
• Strong track record in securing funding (grants, trusts, corporate, or individual giving)
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing events, campaigns, and stakeholder relationships
• Confidence in presenting, networking, and representing an organisation
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• Experience managing staff or volunteers
• A collaborative, resilient, and adaptable approach

Experience within the charity sector and knowledge of fundraising regulations is desirable.

Full job description available upon request.

Salary: £35,229- £40,885 this will be pro rata of the 30 hours

Contract Type: permanent, part-time, Flexible (maximum 30 hours per week)

Location: Stockport

Application: Cv and Supporting statement to

Deadline: On rolling basis

If you’re interested and would like to review a full job description, please contact Lucy at Harris Hill.

 As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.

We are looking for a senior partnerships officer who will ensure our vital work to address the
environmental crisis is well funded, working to secure new partnerships and stewarding existing
funder relationships.

This multifaceted role works across teams to coordinate and deliver Green Alliance’s fundraising
activities and grant management. Collaborating with the organisation’s policy and political
experts, you support the creation of creative and impactful new project proposals that address
environmental problems and support the organisation’s strategy. You will identify funders for this
through prospecting and relationship building and will guide proposals through processes to
secure funds. You will monitor the organisation’s progress against fundraising targets and lead on
management of our funding pipeline.

Stewardship of existing funding relationships is a significant part of this role which means
ensuring we have excellent communication with our funders, making sure they receive high
quality reports on Green Alliance’s impact and supporting the team to see our funders as partners.
You will manage our Business Circle and maintain relationships with its members and support
efforts to recruit new business members into Green Alliance Task Forces.

Excellent communication skills are at the heart of this role, both written and verbal. You will be
confident, efficient, and resourceful; calm under pressure and enjoy building strong relationships
with a variety of senior stakeholders, as well as working independently. Strong skills in relation to
organisation, administration and prioritisation are essential.

You will need to understand, or be willing to learn about, the political and environmental policy
contexts we work in.

Salary: £27,000 FTE (pro rata £16,200)
Hours: Part-time, 24 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid with at least 1 day per week onsite in South Wales

Play a key role in funding meaningful change
A well-established, purpose-led animal welfare charity is entering an exciting new phase following a major shift in its operating landscape. With ambitious plans to grow its reach and impact, the organisation is strengthening its fundraising team to build sustainable income for the future.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Trusts and Foundations Officer to contribute at a pivotal moment, helping secure vital funding that directly supports life-changing work.

You will play a central role in securing income from trusts and foundations, working across the full fundraising cycle from research and bid writing to reporting and relationship management.

As part of a collaborative income generation team, you will contribute to an ambitious income target while building and managing a diverse portfolio of funders.

What you will be doing

• Managing and growing a portfolio of trust and foundation funders
• Writing compelling, high-quality grant applications across a range of values
• Researching and developing new funding opportunities and prospects
• Producing clear, timely monitoring and impact reports for funders
• Building strong, long-term relationships through effective stewardship
• Developing and maintaining a robust funder database
• Working collaboratively across teams to shape strong, fundable cases for support
• Supporting the wider development of the fundraising strategy
• Maintaining accurate records using CRM systems

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised fundraiser who is motivated by impact and collaboration.

You will bring:

• Experience in trust and grant fundraising, including successful bid writing
• A track record of securing low, medium and high value grants
• Experience producing monitoring and reporting for funders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to manage workload independently and meet deadlines
• Experience building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships
• Confidence working with CRM systems (such as Beacon or similar)
• A collaborative approach and commitment to working within a small, purpose-driven team

What you will receive

• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays), pro rata
• £200 annual CPD allowance
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses

Why join?
This is an opportunity to be part of a committed organisation at a defining moment in its journey. Your work will directly enable impactful programmes and help build a sustainable future for those it supports.

If you are passionate about fundraising and want to see the tangible impact of your work, this role offers both purpose and opportunity.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Head of Income Generation and Communications

We are seeking an experienced fundraising and communications leader to drive sustainable growth, develop new income streams and strengthen organisational impact.

Position: Head of Income Generation and Communications
Salary: £30,600 (£51,000 FTE)
Location: Essex (Hybrid Working)
Hours: Part Time, 22.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 17th July 2026

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraising or communications professional who wants to make a genuine difference in a values-led organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Delivery Officer and working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will lead fundraising, public sector contracting and communications activity. From securing new income streams and developing strategic partnerships to increasing organisational visibility, you will play a key role in ensuring future sustainability and growth.

This is a varied, hands-on role where you will combine strategic leadership with practical delivery, supporting a small and flexible team to maximise impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading fundraising, contract tendering and communications functions
• Developing and growing income from grants, corporate partnerships, community fundraising and statutory contracts
• Building strategic partnerships that strengthen services and expand reach
• Overseeing communications and marketing activity to increase awareness and engagement
• Provide leadership and support to a high-performing team.
• Report on performance and ensure income generation remains sustainable.

About You

You will be an experienced leader with a strong understanding of fundraising and relationship management. You may already be working at Head of level or be ready to take the next step in your career.

You will bring:

• Experience across a range of fundraising disciplines, particularly grants, corporate and community fundraising
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills
• Experience developing partnerships and identifying new opportunities
• Financial awareness and confidence managing budgets and resources
• Previous experience leading and developing teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach

Experience of public sector tendering, commissioning or contract management would be advantageous.

About the Organisation

This values-led organisation supports autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and be part of inclusive communities.

With a strong focus on innovation, partnership working and improving outcomes, the organisation is committed to building sustainable services that enable people to thrive and achieve their aspirations.

Benefits include flexible working options, pension scheme, training and development opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme, Blue Light Card and free on-site parking.

Although this role is advertised on a part-time basis, increased hours may be considered for the right candidate. Conversations about flexible working and hours are welcomed during the interview process.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Fundraising, Head of Development, Head of Partnerships, Head of Income Generation, Fundraising Manager, Business Development Manager, Director of Fundraising, Head of Communications, Head of Marketing and Fundraising, Strategic Partnerships Manager.

If you're passionate about creating sustainable growth and helping communities thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Harris Hill is delighted to partner with Age UK Oxfordshire, supporting their search for an interim Trust and Foundations Officer.

This role is a 6 month contract, working 3 days per month in Abingdon, and the rest remotely. 

Job Purpose:
We are looking for a proactive and resilient writer and fundraiser who thrives on crafting persuasive content for Trusts, Foundations and Grant Makers.
Building on our current success, and understanding the competitive climate, this role will unlock both existing and untapped funding opportunities to diversify our income and fuel our new five-year strategy.
The post holder will lead on researching prospects, writing funding applications, and account-managing existing relationships. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that applications reflect the most accurate and relevant content, playing a critical role in generating income that sustains our impact on local older people and unpaid carers.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious, growth-focused team committed to delivering success.

Role Description:
1 Work Plan Development
• Prioritise Funding: Collaborate with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing to set funding priorities.
• Pipeline & Annual Plan: Develop and maintain a pipeline of targeted trusts, foundations, and grant makers.

• Record Keeping: Improve and develop the management and workflow of Trust and Foundation fundraising through our CRM, keeping accurate records.
2 Application Content
• Content Creation: Work with relevant staff to produce high-quality, persuasive proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Budget Translation: Interpret existing budgets into funder-specific templates.

3 Stewardship of Existing Funders
• Donor Stewardship: Implement high standards of stewardship for a portfolio of trust and foundation partners (typically giving between £25k– £100k per annum along with non-financial support).
• Relationship Building: Establish strong working relationships with funder representatives, including senior staff and trustees.
• Stewardship Plans: Develop and execute tailored stewardship plans, including engaging communications and targeted meetings.
4 Development of New Partnerships
• Prospect Development: Proactively identify and engage trusts and foundations not currently supporting Age UK Oxfordshire.
• Network Mapping: Collaborate with colleagues to map funder networks and uncover new opportunities.
5 Team Systems Co-ordination
• Database Management: Maintain and utilise our Trust and Foundation database to track donor information and performance.
• Reporting: Work with service delivery staff to manage funder reporting requirements, ensuring prompt and high-quality responses.
• Prioritisation: Collaborate with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing to prioritise options for new funding opportunities.
• Ongoing Research: Keep abreast of sector research and
administrative developments as required.

Experience
Essential:
b) Demonstratable experience in grant writing with a proven track record of securing income from Trusts, Foundations, and/or Grant Makers.
c) Experience in identifying, researching, and developing funding opportunities.
d) Working effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
e) Building and nurturing relationships with grant-making bodies.
f) Working to ambitious targets and building and maintaining a pipeline.
 

Desirable:
2+ years of experience in Trust and Foundation fundraising.
Experience in securing £100,000+ grants and multiyear funding.
Experience in using data insights to inform funding proposals.
Experience in working with delivery staff to collect compelling quotes, beneficiary
stories, and data to help bring projects to life for potential funders.
Experience working with delivery staff and finance teams to help shape budgets and
translate those into funders preferred language/templates.

The client is interviewing on an ongoing basis, so will go as soon as they see someone they like. Please apply ASAP to avoid any disappointment.
Experience reporting on KPIs, variances and forecasting.

The role presents an opportunity to bring your core skills – including excellent written and verbal communication, research and analytical skills, relationship and project management – to help Breast Cancer UK grow sustainable and impactful income streams. We have been developing our corporate partnerships activity for several years and are now looking to take this programme to the next level, while introducing a proactive approach to raising funds from grant makers and high net worth individuals. In this role you can be part of something really exciting – honing existing areas of work, and building new income streams which have the ability to fuel organisational growth and drive down cases of breast cancer.
 
You will provide support across high value fundraising (corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations and major donors), getting the opportunity to develop your experience and confidence in these income streams. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you’ll provide excellent account management for a portfolio of partnerships and donor relationships – delivering inspiring communications, creative engagement opportunities and ensuring that both the charity and the supporter benefit from the relationship. And you will make a significant contribution to new business – identifying funding and partnership opportunities, cultivating donor relationships and preparing high quality applications and proposals. 

To be successful in this role you’ll enjoy building relationships and collaborating with others – both externally and internally – to make things happen. You’ll be proactive and a problem-solver, able to spot opportunities and identify synergy. You’ll be highly organised, detail-focused and reliable – able to manage a diverse and fast-paced workload. And you will enjoy learning and developing new skills.

Why join us? 

To be part of a fantastic supportive team. 

Work for an organisation that values a positive and inclusive culture. 

Fully remote working. 

Competitive salary of £29,012 to £34,764 depending on experience 

29.5 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays. 

Option for full time colleagues to compress hours and work a 9 day fortnight. 

Healthcare cover and employee assistance programme. 

Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity pay. 

Great supportive culture with generous professional training and development programmes. 

For full details of the role and the full Job description please see our here : recruitment pack 

The closing date for applications is 9AM 6th July  2026. 

Interviews will be held 15th  July 2026.

For further information on the charity, see our website.

About the team

We have big goals over the next few years.

We're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before.

Together we'll be working to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Team information

Will you join us?

The Income Generation Directorate brings together Fundraising, Retail, Business Development and Operations into one team with a shared purpose: to grow sustainable income that powers Mind's work and reaches more people who need us.

We are deliberately set up to work across boundaries. Rather than teams operating in isolation, everyone here contributes to a collective effort to hit ambitious targets, deepen relationships with our supporters and partners, and bring commercial thinking to a mission that matters.

Corporate Partnerships sits at the heart of this. We grow income through high-value relationships and through new, venture-style commercial opportunities, from cause-related marketing to merchandising collaborations, that look and feel different to traditional charity fundraising. Working hand in hand with Retail and colleagues across Income Generation, we turn partnerships into real commercial value and real impact.

We are a newly integrated directorate, which means there is genuine opportunity here to shape how we work. Priorities will evolve, and there will be times when we all roll up our sleeves on something beyond our day-to-day remit. For the right person, that is part of the appeal.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder will:

The New Business Officer (Corporate Partnerships) will play a key part in winning and developing new, high-quality corporate partnerships, and in providing the operational and coordination backbone that keeps the Corporate Partnerships team running well. The postholder will help deliver the Corporate Partnerships strategy and contribute directly to an ambitious income target.

This role will contribute to the team's accountabilities by:

-Securing new restricted and unrestricted income through proactive new business activity

-Building and managing a healthy pipeline focused on long-term, high-value partnerships

-Developing opportunities that deliver both income and added value, including gift-in-kind and pro bono support

-Identifying and engaging new corporate audiences and sectors to fuel Mind's long-term growth

-Giving prospective partners a high-quality experience that lays the foundation for strong, lasting relationships

The role involves working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including other fundraising teams, colleagues in brand, communications and policy, the social impact team, and key external contacts.

This role may be subject to an appropriate DBS check. We are committed to safer recruitment and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; this will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances of your offences. Mind complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants fairly.

Mind's equity statement

Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please refer to the Job Description while completing your application as candidates will be shortlisted based on how closely they match the criteria in the personal specification.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

As one of the UK's leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.

Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve.

What You'll Be Doing

Trusts and Foundations Fundraising:

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant-making organisations
• Develop and submit compelling funding applications and supporting documentation
• Maintain a robust pipeline of funding opportunities up to 6 figures, supporting on 7 figure opportunities
• Work with internal teams to gather information, budgets and impact data for applications
• Achieve agreed income targets and key performance indicators
• Monitor application deadlines and funding renewal opportunities

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with trust and foundation funders
• Prepare funding reports and stewardship communications for existing funders
• Support funder visits, meetings and engagement opportunities
• Maintain accurate records within CRM systems

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience:

• Experience of researching and applying to charitable trusts, foundations or grant-making organisations
• Experience of writing compelling funding applications, reports or proposals
• Experience of applying to statutory sources
• Experience of managing multiple projects, deadlines and competing priorities
• Experience of CRM systems - Raisers Edge and Beacon
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to fundraising

Essential Skills:

• Excellent written communication and proposal writing skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to interpret and present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable:

• Experience of securing five-figure and six-figure grants
• Experience of working within the charity sector
• Knowledge of trust and foundation fundraising best practice

Working Arrangements

37.5 hours per week. Hybrid working with attendance in Midlands office as required and occasional travel to meetings and events.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking may be necessary for this role.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about securing funding that transforms children's lives and want to advance your career with a leading charity, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join our mission of changing lives every day.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is a thriving, dynamic community charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants across South East London. This is an exciting new role to the organisation forming a senior management team alongside the Executive Director, Casework Manager and Education and Finance Manager. This key senior position combines line management of central staff, high level fundraising, grants monitoring and compliance, development of enhanced member co-production, oversight of operational systems and management of pilot projects emerging from AFRIL’s 2027-30 strategy.

Job Purpose:

• To manage and coordinate the operations of the organisation, overseeing high level day to day operations including IT and systems, GDPR, Health and Safety, volunteer management, operational policies and procedures.

• To provide leadership and line management to the Monitoring and Operations Officer, Experts by Experience Coordinator and Community Activities Coordinator. With possible additional line of other project staff as organisational capacity requires.

• Lead the enhancement of processes and systems which support AFRIL’s frontline systems to work effectively and holistically together, providing capacity and support to project managers and leads.

• Lead the development and delivery of AFRIL’s co-production work, supporting the Experts by Experience Coordinator to amplify members' voices at all levels of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director in delivering the organisation's fundraising strategy. Writing a range of funding applications, holding key funder relationships and developing new funding relationships, including the establishment of enhanced individual, community and corporate fundraising relationships.

• Leading on the management and oversight of the grants compliance and reporting cycles, producing monitoring reports for funders with the support of the Operations and Monitoring Officer. Overseeing and developing evaluations and impact measurement systems alongside the Director.

• Assist the Director with the implementation of AFRIL’s strategy, taking a leading role in the delivery of new projects and areas of work to advance the mission and vision of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director with the development and implementation of a communications strategy, enhancing awareness of the organisation's work and impact.

• To represent AFRIL at a range of stakeholder meetings, and develop and manage partnerships to benefit AFRIL’s service users.

• To work collaboratively and dynamically in a small team, following AFRIL policies and reflecting AFRIL’s values.

We’re looking for a Philanthropy Officer to join the Leeds Community Foundation team.

As a Philanthropy Officer, you’ll support the delivery of high-quality stewardship of donors, including administrative and communications support across the donor lifecycle.

Key information

Salary: £27,000 – £30,000 p.a. pro rata, dependent on experience

Hours of work​: 3 days per week (0.6 full time equivalent) including Mondays, usually worked between 9am and 5pm

Location: Leeds (city centre offices) with some work in Bradford, and hybrid working options

Contract term: Permanent contract subject to a three-month probationary period

Closing date: Thursday 2 July 2026

Interview date​: Wednesday 15 July 2026​

 About the role

The Philanthropy Officer role includes coordinating key aspects of donor engagement, database management and providing excellent donor care.​

It combines elements of relationship management, administration support and storytelling, to help sustain donor support and meet strategic objectives.

About you

We’re looking for someone with experience in administration, customer service, donor support or CRM use, and familiarity with fundraising or stewardship activity in a charity or membership organisation.

Equal Opportunities​

Leeds Community Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. The communities we serve are very diverse and we aim for our staff team to reflect those communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from communities experiencing racial inequity, and trans people, who are currently under-represented within our staff team. All applications will be considered solely on merit. As such, we redact details that may identify any protected characteristics on job applications.

How to apply

If you want to learn more about the role, and find details on how to apply, head to our website.

This is a new capacity-building role, created in response to the scale of the Trust’s future repair programme and the need to diversify and grow income streams.
We are looking for an experienced and proactive fundraiser who can work strategically and independently within a small team environment. Using the Trust’s existing network of contacts and grant target list as starting points, the post holder will develop and manage a pipeline of grant applications, cultivate relationships with trusts and foundations, build corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and help position the Trust for larger strategic funding opportunities.
The role requires a self-motivated individual who can balance long-term relationship building with the discipline of meeting application deadlines and income targets. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustees, embedding fundraising as a core organisational function.

Please view the full job description and find details of how to apply at: Current Vacancies | Norwich Historic Churches Trust
This post is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis (either 1FTE or 0.8 FTE), with the intention that, subject to performance and income secured, the role will be reviewed with a view to permanency.

• Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships 
• Location: United Kingdom - Candidates can work remotely with occasional travel to the office
• Contract: 1 year FT contract with the possibility of extension  
• Salary: UK £120,000 to £135,000 
• Working pattern: Full-Time initially with the option to go to 4 days after 3 months if required. 

About FILE  

The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation working to accelerate legal action on climate change.   

Through grant-making and in-house legal expertise, we empower our partners to deliver strategic, innovative legal interventions and we support lawyers in their own countries to bring their own cases.   

Legal action can unlock the systemic changes in finance, policy and social systems needed to protect all of us from climate change. The power of the law is both direct (changing policy and practice) and indirect (signalling the wider shifts taking place across these systems).  

FILE is a ‘regrantor’ - this means we do not bring legal action in our own name. We receive grants from our philanthropic donors and make onwards grants to partners who align with FILE’s charitable aims and purposes. We do not seek to make any profit from our activities either in a relevant financial year or in the longer term.  

The Role  

We are looking for an inspiring and strategic interim leader to join FILE during a period of organisational transition, as we shape our strategy for the next three years and review our long-term leadership structure. 

This is a strictly interim appointment, created to provide visible senior leadership across our Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships functions while FILE undertakes a wider review of its long-term organisational design and permanent leadership arrangements. 

As Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, partnering closely with the Executive Director, Supervisory Board, and senior leaders to strengthen the connection between our fundraising, donor engagement and grantmaking activities. You will help build an integrated approach across teams, ensure our resources are deployed to maximise impact and long-term sustainability, and support the transition to a new permanent leadership structure. 

This is an opportunity for someone who combines strong relationship-building and leadership skills with a deep understanding of philanthropy, partnerships and systems change, and who is excited by the chance to help shape FILE's future direction at an important moment in our growth. 

The role spans five core areas: strategic leadership, team development and operational excellence, grantmaking strategy and portfolio oversight, strategic fundraising and partnership development, and external engagement and ecosystem stewardship. 

Key Responsibilities  

Strategic Leadership (20%) 
As an interim Senior Leadership Team member during a period of change, you will support the development and delivery of FILE's Strategic Plan, contributing to collective SLT decision-making and accountability. You will advise the Executive Director, SLT and Board on grantmaking, philanthropic partnerships, ecosystem trends and strategic growth opportunities, and lead strategic planning and scenario analysis on funding and grantmaking priorities together with the Interim Finance Director. 

Leadership, Team Development and Operational Excellence (25%) 
You will provide integrated leadership across the Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships functions, acting as their ambassador within the SLT and ensuring their perspectives are visible in senior decision-making. This includes building leadership capability and succession across both teams, ensuring effective governance, performance and accountability frameworks are in place, and fostering a coherent approach to impact, relationship management and organisational learning across the two functions. 

Grantmaking Strategy, Risk and Portfolio Oversight (20%) 
You will provide strategic oversight of FILE's grantmaking approach, portfolio risk, due diligence and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the evolving needs of the climate legal ecosystem. You will champion grant process improvements and innovative grantmaking approaches, embed JEDI principles throughout grantmaking policies and decision-making, and ensure robust oversight of portfolio performance, impact and learning. 

Strategic Fundraising and Partnership Development (20%) 
You will lead FILE's Philanthropic Partnerships function, co-developing and delivering a long-term fundraising strategy aligned to FILE's priorities and growth ambitions. This includes overseeing funding diversification, major donor engagement, income pipelines and fundraising performance, engaging the Board on partnership opportunities, and fostering an organisation-wide culture of relationship stewardship and resource mobilisation. 

External Engagement, Influence and Ecosystem Stewardship (15%) 
You will represent FILE at the most senior levels with donors, partners and sector stakeholders, positioning the organisation as a trusted voice within the climate philanthropy and climate justice ecosystem.

Key Outcomes  

• FILE's Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships teams implement FILE's strategy in a highly collaborative environment, working effectively with the Strategy team, Communications and the Organisational Development offer.  
• Key functions are supported and enabled for transition to a new permanent leadership structure during a period of change.  
• FILE raises funds to meet its strategic ambition, with strong relationship management, and is viewed by donors as a trusted partner and thought leader.  
• High quality insight and guidance is provided to the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board across grantmaking and partnerships.  
• Strong risk and resilience approaches are embedded across all grants and partnerships activity.  
• FILE's grantmaking is equitable, inclusive and values driven, with JEDI principles visibly embedded in grantmaking design, decision making and partner relationships.  
• Efficient, adaptable and effective systems, policies and processes are in place across grantmaking and partnerships, reflecting FILE's values and culture.  
• The Board is actively engaged on philanthropic partnerships matters, with Board relationships leveraged effectively to support funder introductions and income development. 
• JEDI principles are championed and embedded across FILE, with the Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships modelling and advancing these values in all aspects of their leadership  

About you  

We know that long lists of criteria can be discouraging and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply. 

We also recognise that skills and experience can be gained in unexpected places, so we welcome applications from candidates who feel they have relevant skills for the role, gained from a wide range of professional, lived and learned experiences. 

Essential criteria 

Technical Skills 

• Significant experience in grantmaking in international contexts, particularly in high risk geographies or settings.  
• Proven experience in donor relationship and funding management, especially within private philanthropy.  
• Demonstrated fundraising experience at a senior level, with a track record of securing significant income.  
• Strong experience in organisational development within the non-profit or philanthropy sector, with the ability to strengthen team capability, resilience and effectiveness. 

Power Skills  

• A visible, values-driven leader who leads through change with confidence, coaches and enables their team, and fosters a culture of collaboration and transparency. 
• Communicates with clarity and confidence at all levels, including Board and executive level, adapting style and language to the audience. 
• A strategic thinker who can hold the big picture while ensuring operational coherence across complex, interconnected functions.  
• Exceptional relationship builder and stakeholder manager, able to engage and align diverse internal and external audiences towards shared goals.  
• Highly collaborative and adaptable, remaining effective and grounded during periods of ambiguity and organisational change. 
• Acts with integrity, exercises strong professional judgement, and actively champions JEDI principles across all aspects of their leadership. 

Location  

We are advertising this role for candidates based (and with the right to work) in the UK and in the Netherlands. Please note that you will see this role advertised in multiple locations but that we are only hiring for one position based in either location, and that we are able to offer collaborative working spaces only in the Netherlands and the UK.  

Please apply to the job post for your preferred location. 

Working for FILE  

FILE is a collaborative community of individuals who share a passion for climate, nature, and justice. We bring together knowledge and experience to support our mission.  

Our people are empowered to lead their work both individually and as part of a wider team in order to make impactful change. As a relatively young organisation with the ambitious mission to change global systems, our roles are ideally suited to those who are strategic, innovative and collaborative, and open to growing in line with the Foundation.  

FILE is committed to challenging systemic injustice. Our ability to do so is strengthened by the diversity of our partners and staff. Our mission, work and impact is global, with staff and partners from across the world and a range of lived experiences. We are actively working to create a culture where colleagues feel welcomed, heard and supported to succeed and thrive.  

How FILE supports its staff  

FILE is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. FILE offers a generous annual leave policy and additional time-off work to support wellbeing. Amongst other benefits, FILE offers private healthcare, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, enhanced sick leave, flexibility working remotely and also abroad and a matching contribution to a pension scheme.  

Applications  

Please apply on our website and upload your CV and Cover Letter. This role is open for applications immediately and we accept applications on a rolling basis but we will not accept any applications after 01 July 2026. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Representation and Culture  

FILE recognises the under-representation of historically marginalised communities and individuals in climate, nature and philanthropy spaces. We are committed to developing an organisation that represents the world we are looking to protect, and building a culture that supports this.

We are keen to hear from people belonging to communities that are often under-represented in climate justice and philanthropy, including those from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ communities, and Disabled communities, as well as others with experience of marginalisation and those belonging to more than one of these communities.

FILE is committed to building policies and practices that ensure no current or prospective employee is discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.