Partnerships Manager

Purpose of role:        To support the Head of Partnerships in managing and retaining the charity’s existing donor base and in establishing new major donor partnerships to secure significant income for the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN): an impactful fundraising and grant-giving wildlife conservation NGO focused on supporting grassroots projects across the Global South.

Reports to:                 Head of Partnerships

Contract:                    Full-time, permanent contract, working 5 days p/w

Deadline to apply:     Friday 23rd May (but please apply at your earliest convenience). Initial interviews will be targeted for end of May.

Whitley Fund for Nature

Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassador Sir David Attenborough. Our funding is raised each year, mainly from family trusts and foundations, as well as from individuals, corporates, and international NGOs, with a current annual income of around £2.6m/year. We raise funds based on winner need, and in the coming years are seeking to steadily grow what we provide in support to winners, actively pursuing new partnerships to support our mission.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Partnerships Manager to join our small and dynamic team. This new role will support the Head of Partnerships and wider WFN team in delivering our fundraising strategy, stewarding high-value donor relationships, and unlocking new opportunities for income growth. 

The Partnerships Manager will work directly with some of WFN’s existing portfolio of 30 Major Donors made up primarily of Trusts, Family Foundations and High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI) supporters, with some Corporates. The Partnerships Manager will maintain close professional relationships with supporters that are bespoke and require excellent interpersonal skills, with most meetings taking place in-person, in central London. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a highly respected conservation organisation making a real difference on the ground.

PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential

·       A proven track record of fundraising, donor management, and/or building relationships with stakeholders in the non-profit or philanthropic sector.

·       Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience drafting donor materials and reports.

·       A proven track record in the development of grant applications, including drafting objectives, activities, timelines, indicators, and budgets, as well as coordinating narrative content and inputs from across the team.

·       Past experience coordinating and delivering fundraising and engagement events.

·       Experience coordinating volunteer committees.

·       Exceptional interpersonal qualities, and comfortable liaising with high-profile individuals and senior stakeholders.

·       Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

·       Proactive, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities.

·       A flexible ‘can do’ approach with the ability to chase opportunities, while remaining resilient and positive

·       An open and collaborative working style, with a willingness to share information, communicate clearly, and contribute to a supportive small team environment.

·       A genuine interest in conservation and/or passion for social and environmental equity through a grassroots approach. 

Desirable

·       Experience working with donor databases or Salesforce. 

·       Familiarity with trusts and foundations, HNWI fundraising, or corporate partnerships.

·       Previous work in a small, agile team or start-up-style organisation.

Additional details and benefits

·       Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays.

·       Training and professional development opportunities provided.

·       Hybrid working opportunities

·       The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability