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Help Shape the Future of Rivers in the North East
Tyne Rivers Trust is seeking an ambitious and inspiring Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to lead the growth of our fundraising, strategic partnerships and philanthropic income at an exciting moment in our development.
As a thriving environmental charity, we work to protect and improve rivers for wildlife, communities and future generations. Following our expansion in 2025 to include the Northumberland river catchments, we are entering a new phase of growth and impact across the North East.
This is a rare opportunity to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in securing the funding, partnerships and support that will enable us to deliver lasting environmental change.
About the Role
Working closely with the CEO, Chief Scientist & Technical Director and wider leadership team, you will lead the development and delivery of Tyne Rivers Trust's philanthropy, fundraising and partnership strategy. You will cultivate and steward high-value relationships with major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners, statutory bodies and other key stakeholders, helping secure sustainable income and long-term investment in our work.
You will also lead and grow our partnerships across the Tyne and Northumberland catchments, ensuring we build strong collaborations that maximise environmental and community impact. As the Trust continues to expand, you will help position TRT as a leading environmental charity and trusted delivery partner across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Strategic Partnerships
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Develop and strengthen relationships with businesses, funders, public bodies, charities and community organisations.
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Lead the strategic development of catchment partnerships across the Tyne and Northumberland.
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Identify and develop new partnership opportunities that support our mission and growth.
Drive Fundraising and Philanthropy
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Develop and deliver our fundraising strategy and income diversification plans.
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Build a strong pipeline of major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters.
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Secure significant funding to support TRT's long-term sustainability and growth.
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Develop compelling cases for support and partnership investment opportunities.
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Create and deliver innovative fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
Champion Impact and Influence
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Lead partnership communications and impact reporting.
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Develop compelling stories that demonstrate the value and impact of TRT's work.
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Support profile-raising activity and strengthen the Trust's reputation across the North East.
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Ensure partnership activity aligns with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
Lead and Inspire
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Provide leadership to a growing philanthropy and partnerships team.
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Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
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Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation.
About You
We are looking for an experienced fundraising and partnership professional with a proven track record of building successful relationships and securing significant income.
You will bring:
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Experience developing and managing high-value partnerships and stakeholder networks.
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Significant experience designing and delivering fundraising strategies.
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A strong track record of securing six-figure funding from a range of income streams.
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Experience working with trusts, foundations, major donors and corporate partners.
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Experience leading and developing teams.
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Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
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The ability to identify new opportunities and turn ideas into investment and impact.
Why Join Tyne Rivers Trust?
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to some of the UK's most important river catchments while helping a successful and ambitious charity achieve its next stage of growth.
We offer:
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Flexible and hybrid working.
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A supportive and dedicated team.
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Opportunities for professional development.
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A senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy.
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The chance to improve rivers, nature and communities across the North East.
This role is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are strengthening our team and increasing our capacity to protect and restore rivers across the region.
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
Thank you!
Global Head of Philanthropy
We are seeking an experienced philanthropy leader with a strong understanding of US giving to grow major donor income and lead an international Development Team.
Position: Global Head of Philanthropy
Salary: £55,000 to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location: Home-based, with frequent travel to London and the United States
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: 21 August 2026
There is a strong preference for the successful candidate to be based in the UK, although applications from the United States or the Netherlands will also be considered.
About the role
This is an influential, hands-on fundraising role within an international charity protecting cultural heritage and supporting artisan communities.
Reporting to the COO and working closely with the President, you will develop and deliver a multi-year philanthropy strategy, with a particular focus on generating major donor income in the United States. You will also steward relationships across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and other emerging markets.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing an established portfolio of major donors and prospects, typically giving between four and seven figures
- Personally securing major gifts through relationship building, tailored proposals and direct asks
- Supporting the President, COO and other senior leaders with high-value donor relationships
- Maintaining a strong major donor pipeline and delivering agreed income targets
- Mobilising Board members and ambassadors to strengthen networks and fundraising opportunities
- Leading and developing a small Development Team
- Setting clear objectives, priorities and performance measures
- Overseeing donor reporting, proposals, pitches and stewardship activity
- Improving CRM systems, data quality, forecasting and pipeline reporting
- Identifying and managing fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities
- Working across international teams to develop compelling donor communications
About you
You will be an accomplished philanthropy professional with strong knowledge of US giving and a proven record of managing major donor portfolios and generating significant income.
You will need:
- Substantial experience of US philanthropy, ideally within cultural heritage or a related field
- Evidence of personally securing major gifts
- Excellent relationship management and communication skills
- Strong leadership and team management experience
- Experience of donor reporting and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of CRM systems, ideally Salesforce
- A structured, organised and highly collaborative approach
- The confidence to work closely with senior leaders, Board members and influential stakeholders
- The ability and willingness to travel frequently to London and the United States
- Fluent written and spoken English
Candidates may be qualified by experience, and formal qualifications are not essential. Applicants must have the right to work in their country of residence, as visa sponsorship is not available.
About the organisation
The organisation is an international charity that works with artisan communities to protect and revitalise cultural heritage. Its programmes support traditional crafts, restore historic buildings and improve access to healthcare and education for artisans and their families.
Please apply with a CV and covering letter combined into one PDF document. Applications may close early if a high volume is received.
Other roles you may have experience of could include Director of Philanthropy, Head of Major Gifts, Head of Fundraising, Global Fundraising Director, Major Donor Manager, Development Director or Head of Development.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, NFP People.
