Grassroots development officer jobs in Southwark, greater london

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Finance Director

London Community Foundation
Salary: c. £80,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: London (hybrid, typically 1 day per week in the office)

London Community Foundation exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups.

We are now seeking a Finance Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our future, strengthening our financial sustainability, supporting our governance, and enabling us to deliver greater impact for London’s communities.

The role

As Finance Director, you will sit at the heart of decision-making within a purpose-driven organisation, influencing strategy, supporting the Board, guiding investment decisions and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO, Board, and committees to ensure strong financial leadership, governance, and long-term sustainability.

You will:

· Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance across the organisation

· Provide clear, accessible financial insight to support decision-making at Board and executive level

· Oversee financial control, reporting, audit, and compliance (including SORP)

· Support stewardship of investments and endowment funds

· Lead risk, assurance, and governance processes, including engagement with the Finance, Risk & Resources Committee

· Act as Company Secretary, ensuring robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Oversee contracts, supply chain, and value-for-money across the organisation

· Provide strategic oversight of systems, data, and technology, including line management of the Technology Manager

· Lead and develop a high-performing finance team

This is a broad and influential role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, well-suited to someone who enjoys working across organisational boundaries and shaping how an organisation operates.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience operating at a senior level and advising Boards and executive teams.

You will bring:

· A track record of leading financial strategy, planning, and organisational performance

· Strong experience in governance, risk, and compliance within complex environments

· Confidence working with Boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

· The ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insight

· Experience leading teams and developing people

· An understanding of systems, data, and organisational infrastructure

· A commitment to inclusive leadership and equity

Experience in grant-making, philanthropy, or endowment management is welcome, but not essential.

Our commitment to inclusion

At London Community Foundation, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with lived experience of the issues our work seeks to address.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the opportunity or if you require any additional support with your application, please contact Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment

Recruitment timetable 

• Closing date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026
• Interviews with London Community Foundation W/C 15th June

About Access to Sports Project

Access to Sports Project is at a pivotal moment in its growth.

Over the past year, we have secured significant new investment from major funders including National Lottery, BBC Children in Need, Sport England and Garfield Weston Foundation. Demand for our work continues to grow across North London and we are now ready to invest in our first-ever full-time Fundraising Manager.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead fundraising within a respected, community-rooted sports charity. This is your opportunity to play a central role in our ambition to become a £1m+ organisation within the next three years.

The Opportunity

The Fundraising Manager will play a central role in managing and growing partnerships with key funders to ensure they are well stewarded, renewed and, where possible, developed into larger, multi-year relationships.

Alongside this, you will be responsible for securing new income, with a particular focus on trusts, foundations and statutory funding, while also supporting the development of additional income streams over time.

While the role spans multiple income streams, the primary focus (especially in year one) will be on trusts, foundations and statutory funding, with other areas (corporate, community, events) developed over time.

You will also help build the foundations for long-term fundraising success by:

• Supporting the development and delivery of a fundraising strategy
• Helping implement a CRM system to manage relationships and pipeline
• Strengthening monitoring and evaluation approaches to evidence impact and support funding

This role does not initially involve line management, but you will lead the fundraising function and play a key role in shaping its future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Trusts, Foundations & Statutory Funding

• Write high-quality funding applications, cases for support and grant reports
• Manage and steward a portfolio of existing funders, maximising renewal and uplift opportunities
• Research, develop and submit new funding applications
• Work with delivery staff to gather impact data, outcomes and case studies

Systems, Data & Insight

• Develop and implement a clear monitoring and evaluation approach to support fundraising, reporting and impact measurement
• Research, recommend and help implement a CRM system for fundraising and relationship management
• Track income, prospects, deadlines and reporting requirements
• Produce clear fundraising reports and insights for the CEO and trustees

Relationship Management & New Business

• Build strong, long-term relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Represent The Access to Sports Project at meetings, events, funder visits and site visits
• Work with the CEO and trustees to unlock networks and cultivate new opportunities

Fundraising Strategy & Delivery

• Co-develop a 3-year fundraising strategy with the Chief Executive and external fundraising consultant
• Translate strategy into clear annual plans, pipelines and targets
• Take ownership of day-to-day delivery and implementation

Collaboration & Culture

• Work closely with delivery teams, coaches and managers to understand programmes and impact
• Be an active, visible part of a small, close-knit and supportive team
• Spend time on programmes and community activity to stay connected to the young people and communities we serve

You’ll be embedded within our sports environment at Sobell Leisure Centre. You’ll regularly be close to delivery, impact and the energy of community sport.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is ambitious, proactive, relationship-led and values-driven.

Essential

• Proven experience securing income from trusts, foundations and/or statutory bodies (including 5-figure or significant grants).
• Strong bid writing and grant reporting skills
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple funding deadlines and priorities
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Confidence working independently while collaborating closely with senior stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience across corporate fundraising, community fundraising, events or individual giving
• Experience implementing or working with a CRM
• Experience in a small or growing charity environment

Personal Qualities

• Entrepreneurial mindset. Excited by building systems, testing ideas and shaping strategy
• Comfortable being hands-on and “mucking in” as part of a small team
• Curious, adaptable and motivated by impact as much as income
• A genuine passion for sport and belief in its power to change lives (a big plus)

Safeguarding & Values

• Access to Sports Project is committed to safeguarding children and young people.
  
• The successful candidate will be expected to share this commitment and will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
• We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Why Join Us?

• A rare opportunity to build and lead fundraising in a growing, respected sports charity
• Real influence, autonomy and trust from day one
• A passionate, supportive team rooted in community sport
• Hybrid working with a vibrant base at Sobell Leisure Centre
• The chance to help shape the future of grassroots sport in London

Please see attached Recruitment Pack for full job description and person spec for the Senior Programme and Network Lead.

This role leads our work across Birmingham at an exciting moment. We are developing a participatory, community-centred approach to analysing the city's economy, identifying opportunities for change and coordinating alliances to act on them. This means bringing together mixed groups, including grassroots changemakers, researchers, funders and other partners, and facilitating processes that help people make sense of complex information together, find common ground and make decisions about collective priorities. The role requires someone who can hold these processes well: strong facilitation skills, communicating complex ideas accessibly, building trust across groups, sustaining momentum over time and helping diverse coalitions move from analysis to strategy to action.

The Senior Programme and Network Lead will develop and deliver initiatives that support a growing movement for economic justice across the city, with a particular focus on building support and engagement amongst grassroots changemakers and communities experiencing economic injustice. It will manage projects and resources, conduct programme development and delivery, oversee outreach and partnerships, changemaker recruitment and contribute to fundraising, ultimately playing a key role in shaping our regional impact. This position is crucial in coordinating our work across Birmingham and driving meaningful collaboration with local and national stakeholders, in particular working collaboratively with Economic Justice Brum, a long-standing initiative working on local economic systems change.

About Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK)

RFUK is a values‑driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

RFUK is now embarking on an ambitious new 2033 vision to scale up our work and impact in these regions and globally. All our work is delivered in close partnership with Indigenous and grassroots organisations in rainforest countries who are at the heart of what we do. We have a growing team of 30 staff members who are mainly based at our London office in the UK, in France or in DRC.

About the role

Do you want to lead fundraising efforts that make a global impact?

This is a key role to help drive RFUK’s income generation and donor engagement strategies. As Senior Fundraising Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in the creation and delivery of RFUK’s fundraising strategy to sustain and broaden the organisation’s scale and impact. Reporting to the Head of External Relations and part of the Fundraising and Communications team, you will lead a range of activities and are responsible for developing and cultivating partnerships with institutional donors, trusts and foundations, ethical corporates, and individual supporters.

Based in London with hybrid working options, we offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

For further details regarding the role and specific qualifications required, please consult the attached job description.

About you

You are an organised, self-starter and experienced fundraising professional with a proven track record managing a diverse fundraising pipeline from identification and cultivation through to securing gifts and successful stewardship. You have confidence engaging with foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and are excited to build long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You are eager and ready to implement new digital tools and a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to streamline processes and maximise long-term donor engagement and support. You have excellent communication skills, can juggle multiple tasks, thrive in a collaborative environment, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Application process

To apply, complete the online application form via our website by 9AM, Thursday 14th May 2026.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in-person on Thursday 21st May 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an interview on this date.

About us

With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK-based women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.

About the Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager role

In this varied and exciting position, you will manage high profile WI campaigns and play a key role in achieving change on key issues affecting women and their community.

The Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager provides essential management of the Public Affairs team and its activities- including campaigning, lobbying, research and policy work- whilst working closely with the Director of Campaigns and Membership to maintain a strategic overview of the department’s work.

You will be responsible for devising appropriate lobbying strategies to achieve our key objectives, responding to governmental policy and consultation papers and supporting the NFWI’s media work in relation to all campaigning and Public Affairs activity.

This role also plays a vital part in managing departmental projects, from the development and implementation of campaign project plans, to identifying funding opportunities and administering budgets.  

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

Location: Hybrid working, with at least one day per week at our London office.

About you

Experienced in all aspects of campaigning and lobbying, with a strong understanding of current affairs and issues across the policy spectrum, you will be adept at taking a campaign from start to finish, whilst developing impactful influencing strategies in a political context. You will be a confident line manager, with experience of supporting and overseeing your team’s performance, development and wellbeing.

The ability to represent the NFWI externally- to civil servants, government departments and external organisations- as well as working closely with volunteers and members at a grassroots level is also key.

An understanding of key policy issues relating to areas such as women’s health or the environment would also be desirable, however your passion for helping the WI achieve its mission by making a difference every day will be the key to your success in the role.

Benefits

In return, we will offer you a hybrid working arrangement, which means a minimum of one day a week in your primary office and the rest worked from home, although you can work up to three days in the office if preferred; 28 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service with the flexibility to take your annual leave in hours; membership of our healthcare scheme; enhanced family-friendly policies; a commitment to employee wellbeing; and more.

How to apply

For further information about the Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.

To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.

Closing date: 13 May 2026.

First and second-round interview dates: w/c 18 May 2026, with the first round conducted virtually and the second in-person at our London office.

No other media or agencies, please.

The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England)

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England

Location of work: Remote but role holder will ideally be London-based to be able to frequently commute for meetings/ events at Westminster. The role may involve also some infrequent travel across the UK.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, although flexible/ compressed hours will be considered. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000

BACKGROUND

Magic Breakfast is the UK’s leading school breakfast charity and makes a difference to over 350,000 children and young people every day by offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle child morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland.

This is an exciting time for Magic Breakfast as the benefits of school breakfast provision are increasingly recognised by policymakers, educators and the public. The Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Team is central to this work. And through our new organisational strategy, Nourishing Futures, the work of the PPA Team is growing to meet our advocacy ambition to expand school breakfast provision and deliver our vision which would see every child in the UK nourished, empowered and thriving.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Policy and Public Affairs Manager is a high-impact role, central to designing and delivering Magic Breakfast’s national policy and public affairs strategy in England. The role holder will lead the development of evidence-based policy positions and work collaboratively to drive forward strategic, integrated and impactful advocacy campaigns to successfully influence decision-makers, policy change, and funding frameworks aligned with our key objectives. Specifically, you will also lead the design and implementation of our new workstream to expand school breakfast provision to secondary schools and early years settings, alongside our work to ensure the effective implementation of the Free Breakfast Club Programme.

More broadly, you will keep abreast of political developments relevant to Magic Breakfast - proactively identifying opportunities to respond, influence and shape the debate across the school food system and provide strategic, analytical and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team.

Using your excellent communication skills, you will be able to translate complex policy into tailored and effective communications, policy briefings, positions and submissions, and will play a lead role in confidently engaging external stakeholders including UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, special advisers, officials and sector partners.

We are looking for someone who enjoys collaboration, who shares our passion for driving systematic change, and who can use their experience to navigate, respond to, and influence the fast-moving political environment to deliver lasting and meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative and ambitious organisation, working at the intersection of policy, practice and impact – putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do and helping to ensure every child starts their day nourished, empowered and ready to thrive.

KEY RESPONSOBILITIES

• Lead the policy development process in consultation with cross-organisational teams and external organisations to develop clear, evidence-based policy recommendations and positions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Special Advisers, officials and sector organisations, including conducting stakeholder mapping and power analysis to identify key routes to influence.

• Design, lead and implement integrated advocacy campaigns to deliver maximum impact in collaboration with cross-organisational teams.

• Work closely with colleagues to share expertise and intelligence, inform and shape research areas, support campaign activities aligned with advocacy objectives, and respond proactively to live developments across the organisation.

• Line manage and support the development of the Public Affairs Officer.

• Strong ability to translate complex policy into clear, persuasive communications tailored to specific audiences to deliver maximum impact.

Please read the full job description attached below. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive.

Please see our job pack below

Please see our website

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast .com

Shortlisting: w/c 25th and 26th May

Interview 1: w/c 1st and 2nd June

Interview 2: w/c 8th and 11th June

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

About WasteAid

WasteAid is an international non-governmental organisation that works in low and middle-income countries to implement environmental and economic development programmes, focusing on support to nascent green businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs. The work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

WasteAid promotes and shares locally appropriate, evidence based and inclusive practices, supporting and empowering others to take positive action. We partner with public, private and community-based organisations in countries where practices are harming the environment, economy and society.

About the Role

The Partnerships Manager will play a key role in driving income growth through philanthropy and strategic partnerships. Reporting to the CEO, this role will contribute to the delivery of an ambitious growth strategy. The post-holder will build and steward relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organisations to ensure alignment with organisational objectives, and will lead the development of high-quality fundraising and outreach that deepen engagement, grow income and strengthen relationships.

This is a senior, hands-on role involving the management of a portfolio, proposal development/writing and leading conversations with donors.

This role will line manage WasteAid’s Communications Officer (0.6 FTE).

Fundraising & Income Growth

The initial focus of this role will be to grow income from trusts and foundations and selected corporate partnerships, with priorities agreed annually.

• Implement and deliver WasteAid’s Trusts and Foundations income stream with support and collaboration from CEO and Director of Programmes.

• In collaboration with the SMT develop and implement a strategic plan to grow income from major donors, and corporate partnerships.

• Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to shape funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support.

• Set and deliver ambitious income targets, ensuring a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio.

• Stay informed on sector trends and emerging opportunities to drive innovation in fundraising approaches.

• Ensure WasteAid’s communications outputs support our fundraising goals.

Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with our existing funder base - philanthropists, and corporate partners and develop new relationships positioning WasteAid as a leading cause in the sector.

• Undertake targeted outreach to develop new funding relationships and lead internally on incoming leads and enquiries.

• Develop and deliver tailored donor engagement and stewardship strategies and events that enhance retention and long-term investment.

• Represent WasteAid externally, leveraging networking and partnership opportunities to expand the supporter base.

• Collaborate with programme teams to articulate impact and develop compelling donor communications.

Leadership & Team Development

• Champion excellence and fundraising good practice within the wider WasteAid team ensuring a culture of collaboration and excellence.

• Embed best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and compliance across the team.

• Adhere to good practice and WasteAid’s policies and processes in the line management of the Communications Officer.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on income performance, using insights to refine strategy and inform decision-making, working closely with the Head of Strategy and Impact

• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and organisational policies.

• Maintain accurate records in CRM systems, supporting data-driven decision-making.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven experience of securing income from at least two of the following areas: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or philanthropy.

• Experience of developing successful funding applications, proposals and donor reports.

• Experience of building and managing external relationships that lead to income generation or strategic partnership development.

• Experience of managing a fundraising pipeline and working to income targets.

• Experience of working collaboratively across teams to gather information and develop compelling donor communications.

Essential knowledge and skills

• Experience of fundraising in the international development, environmental or climate-related sectors.

• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clear, persuasive and tailored proposals and reports.

• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Good analytical skills, with the ability to use data and insight to monitor performance and improve fundraising activity.

• Understanding of fundraising good practice, compliance and ethical standards.

• Experience of using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal attribute

• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work independently in a home-based role.

• Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively across a small and ambitious organisation.

• Strategic in outlook while remaining practical and delivery-focused.

• Committed to WasteAid’s mission and values.

Desirable

• Experience of developing corporate partnerships linked to sustainability, circular economy or shared-value goals.

• Experience of supporting senior leaders with donor cultivation and stewardship.

• Experience of working in a small charity or growing organisation.

Success in the role

In the first 12 months, success in this role is likely to include:

• Growth in the value and quality of the fundraising pipeline

• Submission of strong, timely proposals and reports to priority funders

• Increased income from agreed fundraising streams

• Effective stewardship and relationship management of key donors and partners

• Accurate CRM records and clear internal reporting on fundraising activity and performance

Job title: Senior Philanthropy Lead (USA)
Department: Development    
Responsible to: Director of Development and Funded Programmes
Location: London (UK) - Hybrid working. Alternatively USA  based.
Working pattern: Full-time, 38.5 hours per week
Duration of contract: Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible

Help shape the future of global education through transformative philanthropy.

UWC International is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Lead (USA) to advance major gifts fundraising and strategic philanthropic engagement across the United States.  This is a newly created role, reflecting our ambition to significantly grow our fundraising capability and expand our reach. Reporting to the Director of Development and partnering closely with the UK-based Executive Director, you will lead the cultivation of a high-value donor portfolio, secure transformational gifts, and build long-term, trust-based relationships with individuals, foundations, and partners who share our vision.

This is a pivotal senior role with the opportunity to elevate UWC International’s presence in the U.S. while developing your own expertise within a globally connected organisation. You will work alongside experienced international fundraisers, including senior leadership and board members, offering a unique platform to learn, grow, and influence strategy at the highest level. Bringing strategic insight and creativity, you will help grow income, strengthen donor engagement, and advance key priorities, including the UWC Global Endowment and ambitions set out in our  2030 Strategy. Collaboration will be central—working closely with schools, particularly UWC-USA in Montezuma, New Mexico, as well as national committees and dedicated supporters to unlock new opportunities for impact.

The role is UK-based with regular travel to the United States, though we are open to exploring a U.S. base for the right candidate. We are looking for a relationship-driven leader who combines sharp strategic thinking with a strong track record in major gifts fundraising. Experience or strong knowledge of the U.S. fundraising, advancement, or development landscape would be a distinct advantage. You will be confident in identifying and engaging new prospects, stewarding high-level donors, and translating ambition into measurable results, ultimately strengthening UWC’s visibility and influence in the U.S. and contributing to a global movement that transforms lives through education.

About us

UWC is a global movement of 18 schools across four continents, united by the mission to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. Each year, we bring together young people from over 150 countries to live and learn in diverse international communities, developing academic excellence, cross-cultural understanding, and a drive for social impact.

Our students go on to become leaders in politics, NGOs, business, education, and grassroots movements, shaping a more just and sustainable world. Today, our global network includes over 85,000 alumni united by the values they developed at UWC.

About UWC International 

UWC International is the operational arm of UWC, a UK-registered and Germany-registered charity at the heart of the global UWC movement. Based in London and Berlin, our team works closely with stakeholders across the UWC network and supports a global alumni community.

Our work includes global fundraising, communications, promotion and support for the network of more than 150 UWC national committees. We also lead on global strategy and provide key services to UWC schools and colleges.

We are proud to reflect the diversity we champion. Our international team represents over 25 nationalities, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) across all aspects of our work – ensuring our organisational culture reflects the values we promote across the UWC movement.

What we offer

As part of a commitment to our employees, we offer the following:

• Hybrid working -  we operate hybrid working arrangements, with at least 20% of the week in the office and up to 80% working from home. This role however will require flexibility to travel to and spend additional time in London or abroad beyond the 20% in-office requirement.

• Flexible working hours - our standard working hours are 38.5 per week. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss different working patterns.

• Generous annual leave allowance – we offer 28 days holiday per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part-time or fixed-term contracts).

• Paid leave for personal growth - up to 2 days per year for volunteering or up to 2 days per year for study leave. 

• Learning & development opportunities – we have access to various learning and development platforms to support your professional growth, as well as a budget set aside for professional development.

• Income Protection & well-being support - We offer income protection to all employees, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with access to a legal support helpline, remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, mental health support, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, personal trainer and nutritionist sessions, and a well-being calendar featuring podcasts and webinars. 

• Exclusive discounts & perks - with access to a range of discounts across shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment, with thousands of offers on hundreds of top retailers.

• Cyclescheme and eyecare vouchers

• Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity leave

• Enhanced sick pay

• Higher-than-standard pension contribution scheme - UWC International will contribute up to 8% of the employee’s gross salary toward their Pension scheme with NEST in the UK.

• In-person meetings: Yearly Staff Away Days, team retreats and travel to our international schools and international events as needed to create connected teams.

Visa requirements

Anyone who applies to work at UWC International in London must have a work visa before starting employment, in compliance with the relevant immigration rules. Please provide confirmation of your eligibility to indefinitely work or reside in the UK in your application. If you are planning to be USA based, please make this known in your application. Any offers of employment made by UWC International will be subject to a right-to-work check on your immigration status.

Application Process
Do you want to be part of our team?  To apply, please submit an up to date copy of your CV along with a cover letter in English (each a maximum of 2 pages) on the application link provided. 

Your cover letter must:

• Provide details of  your expected salary and location

• Outline your experience, skills and competencies against the Person specification section in the attached Job Description.

• Explain why you want to join UWC International.

• Provide confirmation of your eligibility to work or reside in the UK or US.

• Provide the name and contact details of two professional referees, including their job title, email address and the capacity in which you are known to them. References are taken up prior to the second round interviews.  We will not contact your referees without first letting you know.

PLEASE NOTE: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be arranged as soon as we receive a set of suitable candidates. If you are interested, submit your application as soon as possible. 

For further information on this opportunity, please contact us to connect you with the recruiting manager.

Safeguarding Statement
The job holder might have to travel to UWC schools and colleges. Therefore, a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) or international equivalent will be required before any job offer is made. We will also take up references before the second stage of the interview process. 

Diversity Statement

UWC places deliberate diversity at the heart of our educational model because of its critical importance in our mission ‘to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’. At the UWC International Office, we believe this commitment to deliberate diversity must be reflected within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and accessible.

We will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background.

We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment and to act accordingly as we aspire best to serve the UWC mission and our global community. It is an ongoing journey and we welcome all those ready to travel with us.

Predominantly home-based with regular travel to locations across the UK
up to £45,000 per annum
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Office facilities are available at our Newark office at The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT, for those within easy travelling distance. There is a requirement to attend in-person the monthly team meetings at the Newark office

Closing date for applications: 10th May 2026

First interview:  27th May 2026 (Online)

Second interview: 3rd June 2026 (Online)

About Us

The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities.

About You

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing transformational support for nature in the UK and beyond. Working with senior leaders to build and steward high-value donor relationships, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious Major Gifts Fundraiser with exceptional relationship-building, communication and storytelling skills, and a commitment to inspiring philanthropic support for nature’s recovery.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute not only to income growth but also to strengthen major donor fundraising across The Wildlife Trusts.

We are looking for an exceptional Major Gifts Fundraiser to join one of the UK’s most cherished nature charities at a pivotal moment for nature’s recovery.

In this influential role, you will be instrumental in expanding our network of high-net-worth supporters. Working closely with our Head of Major Donor Fundraising, Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and our Wildlife Trust colleagues, you will focus on identifying and cultivating meaningful, long-term relationships, that delivers transformational support for nature’s recovery in the UK.

You will be a confident, compelling communicator, and engaging Major Gifts Fundraiser, with the ability to express The Wildlife Trusts’ case for support in tackling the nature and climate emergencies, both through our work on nature’s restoration on the ground to driving change through policy, influencing and campaigning. You will be highly experienced in inspiring donors by connecting their values with our mission to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

We are looking for an experienced Major Gifts Fundraiser with a track record of securing significant restricted and unrestricted income. You will be skilled at initiating and developing mutually beneficial relationships, motivated by ambitious targets and driven by the opportunity to make a genuine difference for nature.

The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.

RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and, as a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds, will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack. As part of our Disability Confident Scheme, RSWT offers an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with disabilities and therefore not all applicants with disabilities would be entitled to an interview as they must still satisfy the minimum requirements for the job. This commitment is designed to help reduce barriers and promote equal opportunity. We actively work to remove barriers throughout the recruitment journey and are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment experience by offering reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process, as well as within the workplace. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you during your application or interview process, please let us know and we will be pleased to put the appropriate support in place.

At RSWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy. Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.