Rural partnerships development manager jobs

 
Job Description

Job Title: Catchment Partnership Programme Manager

Salary: £42,546 - £48,846 (Manager Band B, Manager Band C,)

Contract length: Permanent, Full time.   

Location: Hybrid, flexible, based at Thames21 office in Guildhall and/ or Bromley by Bow

Responsible to: Head of Improving Rivers

Responsible for: Catchment Partnership Officers and Roding Rises Project Manager

About Thames21

Thames21 is an environmental charity that works across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers, while also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them. 

Diversity at Thames21

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success and as such we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds, this we feel is key in ensuring that everybody has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against because of their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees, and we strive to work in a collaborative, innovative balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.

Purpose of the job

Thames21 is seeking an energetic, experienced and committed person to lead our team of Catchment Partnership hosts. This role will involve overseeing the development of our portfolio of 10 hosted and co-hosted Catchment Partnerships across a diverse landscape of urban and rural river catchments spanning London and the wider Thames Basin.

Each partnership is unique, and we pride ourselves in developing each according to the local partners’ vision and as is appropriate for the character of the area and river. Our primary aim is to deliver the Catchment Based Approach and tangible on-the-ground improvements that achieve clean, healthy rivers which deliver social benefits for our communities.

The successful candidate will have operational experience at catchment level as well as management experience. The candidate will take a strategic overview of all catchment partnerships and guide our team of Catchment Partnership hosts and officers, enabling the enhanced delivery of the four priority themes: –

Stakeholder and community engagement as part of active, delivery focused partnerships.
Project identification and development to support delivery of catchment plans, sub-catchment plans and Thames21’s 5-year plan.
Successful fundraising for delivery of river catchment improvement projects.
Knowledge sharing, to bring people together in a way of working that is inclusive, collaborative, cross boundary and catchment wide.

Finally, the role will take a lead in ensuring the Thames21 Catchment Officer/host role is resiliently funded by working closely with partner organisations to increase investment in catchment partnerships to deliver healthy rivers and catchments.

Key responsibilities

· Work with Thames21’s Catchment Partnership Officers/hosts to develop their Catchment Partnership networks and ensure each is delivering against clear catchment and sub catchment action plans.

· Lead on the administration and reporting of Catchment Partnerships programme and line management of the Catchment Partnership team.

· Oversee the management of the Catchment Partnership Team budget, working proactively to identify and fill any funding shortfalls.

· In partnership with the Head of Improving Rivers and Catchment Partnerships Officers, develop each catchment partnerships value to partner organisations with a view to them investing in the catchment partnership host role.

· Support Thames21’s strategic work with external stakeholders through working alongside the Chief Executive Officer to administer the River Partnerships in London (RiPL) group.

· Work closely with Environment Agency catchment coordinators to develop multi-year strategic approaches to delivering national Water Environment Improvement objectives and National Success Measures for Catchment Partnerships.

· Help Catchment Partnership Officers identify, develop and raise funding for river catchment improvement projects, taking a leading role in strategic technical funding bids and working closely with the Heads of Improving Rivers and Fundraising team.

· Contribute to the strategic direction of Thames21 Improving Rivers Team and long-term. sustainability of the organisation.

· Arrange, host and coordinate Catchment Partnership Meetings including production of agendas, minutes and actions.

· Oversee the delivery of strategic projects.

This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within the post at various times and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other reasonable duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with other Thames21 activities and those in this document.

Project Manager and Catchment Partnership (CaBA) Host

Salary:                             Manager Band A, Level 1 £38,520 per annum

Contract length: Full-time position (35 hours per week) over 3.25 years from January 2026, with possible                                                          extension. 

Location:Hybrid working from home and Thames21’s offices at the Guildhall, City of London and Bow Locks. On-site working as required throughout the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Area.

Responsible to: Thames21 Catchment Partnerships Manager

About Thames21

Thames21 is an environmental charity that works across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers, while also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them. 

Diversity at Thames21

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success, and as such, we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds. We believe this is crucial in ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against due to their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees and strive to work in a collaborative, innovative, and balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.

 

Purpose of the job

We are recruiting an enthusiastic and committed individual to fulfil the combined role of project manager for the Roding Rises project, and catchment partnership co-host for the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne catchment partnership. The Roding Rises is an ambitious 3-year project funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund that aims to deliver the following key outcomes: 

1. Raise the value placed on the river Roding by the local community through a river connection programme of engagement events that will work with urban and rural communities throughout the Roding catchment.

1. Raise protection of the river Roding through a citizen science action programme, giving communities and catchment partners the data and knowledge to advocate for the river, and through a masterplan for the lower Roding, which will influence and inform future development. 

1. Raise the quality of the habitat in and along the river through the delivery of a significant capital river restoration scheme and a catchment grants programme, so the river brings maximum benefits to both people and wildlife.  

1. Deliver a legacy for the river Roding by integrating the outputs of The Roding Rises with ambitions of the wider catchment partnership and using the project as a springboard for leveraging further catchment-scale restoration work.

The Roding Rises Project Manager will work alongside a multidisciplinary Thames21 team to ensure each element of the project is delivered on time, within budget, and with maximum impact. 

Within the role of co-host of the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership, this position will help develop and advance the namesake catchment’s action plan through building the partnership, facilitating knowledge exchange between various partners, and working across the partnership to develop and successfully fundraise for river & catchment improvement projects. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee the delivery of ‘The Roding Rises’ project, ensuring each work programme delivers its required goals on time, within budget and with maximum impact.  

• Work with The Roding Rises admin and finance officer to ensure the smooth administration and reporting of the project. 

• Develop and oversee the administration of The Roding Rises grants scheme.

• Support the Roding Rises Engagement, Evidence and River Restoration leads with the administration and coordination of their direct areas of work.

•  Line manage and oversee the work of the Roding Rises Reporting and Finance Officer.

• Work with Catchment Partners and Thames21 support functions, to identify, scope and develop river and catchment improvement projects which are realistic and fundable, thereby enabling the implementation of the Catchment Partnership’s Objectives and Catchment Action Plans to meet national environmental objectives.

• Arrange, host and coordinate meetings for The Roding Rises and the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership to share knowledge, news and project progress between stakeholders, including the production of agendas, minutes and actions.

• With support from Catchment Partners and Thames21 support functions, lead on the development of match funding applications for The Roding Rises project, and wider funding applications to enable the delivery of river improvement projects across the catchment partnership.

• Work with Catchment Partners and Thames21 support functions, to share information between partners and stakeholders to ensure that all interested parties are up to date with the latest information and knowledge of techniques, opportunities and developments in areas relevant to the Partnerships. 

• Update Thames21 central record-keeping databases in line with GDPR requirements. 

• Represent Thames2, the Catchment Partnership and The Roding Rises project at events throughout the catchment. 

Other Duties

This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within Thames21. At various times, the post-holder will be directed to carry out other reasonable duties in support of other Thames21 activities that are consistent with those in this Job Description.

For more information, please refer to the attached job description

This is a senior leadership position focused on developing and delivering a diocesan Generosity Strategy. You will work closely with clergy, lay leaders, and diocesan staff to foster long-term relationships, increase pledged income, and embed generosity as a core value across the diocese.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of generosity in the Diocese of Lincoln. You’ll be part of a supportive team, working in a role that blends strategy, community engagement, and faith-based leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a diocesan Generosity Strategy
• Promote the Parish Giving Scheme and contactless giving
• Build relationships with parishes, treasurers, and deanery partnerships
• Lead and manage the generosity team, including professional development
• Serve as a key liaison between parishes and the bishop
• Deliver regular reports to diocesan committees and parishes
• Implement and oversee donor management systems and CRM tools
• Collaborate with the National Giving Team and generosity professionals

Generous Giving Manager
Canterbury, Kent
£36,397 pa plus excellent benefits
35 hours per week

The Generous Giving Manager is a very exciting and influential role at the Diocese, as you will build on the strong and energetic foundations within our two-person Generous Giving Team to strengthen the financial sustainability of local churches by encouraging generosity in time, talents and financial giving.

Working closely with deaneries, parishes and their leadership teams, you will identify local challenges and opportunities for generous giving, sharing innovative giving practices to help parishes and deaneries develop creative and effective ways to resource their mission.

Communicating clearly and inspiringly the principles of Christian giving to diverse audiences, you will keep up to date with National Church resources, promoting and supporting a wide range of giving methods such as the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), online and contactless giving. You will also offer guidance to parish officers for resources on giving campaigns, legacies and grant funding.

This is an ideal role for someone with a good understanding of church life, a passion for helping local churches thrive, a strong commitment to community engagement and an understanding of generosity grounded in Christian teaching.

With demonstrable experience in fundraising or parish ministry, you should bring an awareness of the financial and missional challenges facing churches today, particularly in rural contexts. 

With an understanding of the Church of England’s structures, ethos, and range of traditions, you will have the proven ability to plan, advise on and lead giving or fundraising programmes in a not-for-profit or charitable context. You should also have a clear understanding of the teaching which underpins the Christian principles of giving.

Your motivational and collaborative approach across a variety of settings, combined with your outstanding interpersonal skills and natural ability at rapport building will ensure you are able to generate and develop creative, solution-focused ideas, engaging and inspiring individuals and groups, both in person and online.

Typically, you will operate during office hours but will need to adjust your working pattern in order to meet with parishes in the evenings and/or occasionally attend their Sunday worship, so the ability to travel to remote locations and work flexibly is a necessity.

Canterbury Diocese is the oldest diocese in England, stretching from Maidstone to Thanet, the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney Marsh. We have 350 miles of coastline with historic ports and seaside resorts, alongside rural communities, market towns and commuter-belt urban developments. Affluent areas often sit alongside pockets of major deprivation, offering an exciting and challenging mission context. 

At the heart of all we do is a vision of transformation for ourselves and our communities: no one can encounter God and remain unchanged. In the Diocese of Canterbury, we want to increasingly become a Christian community transformed through encounter with Christ, growing and overflowing to transform and bless the families, homes and communities we serve: Changed Lives, Changing Lives.

Closing date: 20 November 2025.

Ripon Cathedral is a magnificent building in the heart of the stunning rural region of North Yorkshire. It is a place of mission and worship which welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year.

The cathedral plays a key role as a major events venue and tourist attraction in the city. However, their dedicated team also work in partnership with other local charities to support the community, providing a range of educational programmes and activities.

We are looking for a Fundraising Manager to join their ambitious team, could this be you?

The Role

This new role of Fundraising Manager is a key part of the ongoing work to implement the Cathedral’s strategic plan. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the role will be vital in securing sustainable funds to support the Cathedral’s ambitious plans for growth. Main responsibilities include:

• Creating and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
• Leading and developing the existing Patrons Programme
• Developing a pipeline to secure grant funding from trusts and foundations
• Introducing and leading a new culture of legacy giving
•  Increasing the average donation per visitor and growing individual giving

The Person

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies that deliver financial growth. You should be experienced in working to targets and managing budgets and possess a sound knowledge of fundraising regulations and legislation and GDPR.

We are looking for someone with exceptional communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders. You should also be able to write compelling communications, including applications and proposals.

Previous line management experience is desirable, but most importantly, you should be collaborative, ambitious, and resilient, ready to drive projects forward. This is a diverse role with huge potential to build on historic success and shape the future of Ripon Cathedral!

Why Ripon Cathedral?

Ripon Cathedral has a rich history stretching back almost fourteen centuries. Its development and growth over the last decade have been remarkable, and there are ambitious plans for the future.

The team is forward-thinking and committed to a wide variety of projects, from installing solar panels on the Cathedral roof to continuing to support the excellent Cathedral Choir and providing opportunities for young people to benefit from musical training.

This is an opportunity to join a team that is friendly, collaborative, and aspirational.

The Cathedral offers a generous holiday allowance and a range of other benefits, including staff discounts.

If this sounds like the type of role and charity that could suit the next phase of your career, then please get in touch. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Charlie, Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Jen or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

 

 

RABI is the farmers charity.
 
RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life.
 
At the heart of RABI’s mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive. 
 
Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost £250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst the charity’s professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2022. RABI’s wrap-around support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year. 
 
RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.
 
Are you an experienced strategic leader with a passion for innovation and impact?
RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) is seeking a dynamic Head of Business Development to shape and lead our research, pilots, and partnership programmes that address the Farming Wellbeing Gap. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our 2025–2030 strategy, ensuring that farming people have access to innovative, evidence-led support.
 
 As Head of Business Development, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight of our research agenda, ensuring insights inform services and sector influence.
• Lead major pilots that support farmer wellbeing.
• Develop organisational grant and partnership frameworks to extend reach and impact.
• Build and lead a high-performing team culture within Business Development.
• Represent RABI with credibility to external stakeholders and partners.

About you:

You are an experienced leader in business development, service innovation, or research, ideally with a background in the charity, public, or rural wellbeing sector. You’ll bring strong strategic and programme management skills, confidence in building partnerships, and a proven track record of leading change. An affinity with RABI’s mission and farming communities is essential.
 
Key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide strategic oversight of RABI’s research agenda, ensuring insights shape organisational direction, new initiatives and create sector influence.
• Lead the identification, scoping, and piloting of new services and programmes that address farming families’ health and wellbeing needs.
• Drive the development of organisational grants and partnerships frameworks to strengthen resilience and widen impact.
• Champion innovation while ensuring pilots and research are underpinned by robust evaluation and impact measurement.

 
Team Leadership & Management:

• Build and lead a high-performing team culture that is collaborative, ambitious, and aligned with RABI’s goals.
• Ensure team structures and resourcing reflect the organisation’s growth, creating opportunities for talent development and succession.

 
Research and Insights:

• Oversee the commissioning and delivery of the research strategy, ensuring a balance of community engagement, applied practice based work and academic partnerships.
• Ensure research outputs are usable, timely, and embedded into any new RABI service design or pilot, and shared wider in support of advocacy and profile building.

 
Innovation and Partnerships:

• Lead major pilots including Farmers Aid Critical Care app and Click & Chat Mental Wellbeing platform, ensuring effective design, launch and evaluation.
• Oversee the development of an organisational grants framework to support partners and extend reach and impact.
• Embed new service models into organisational practice ensuring a structured handover to Service Delivery or other delivery partners to create seamless transition into BAU.

 
Cross-Organisational Collaboration:

• Work closely with Communications, Service Delivery and External Affairs to ensure alignment of initiatives with the overall organisational strategic intent.
• Collaborate with IS, Volunteering and Fundraising to maximise impact and ensure integrated CRM data and insight.
• Contribute as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team to organisational strategy, planning, and risk management.

 
Representation & Advocacy:

• Act as a spokesperson for RABI, representing the charity with credibility to external stakeholders, partners, and media as required.
• Champion the needs and voices of farming people, ensuring services are designed with and for the community.

 
Person Specification:
 
Essential

• Proven leadership experience in business development, research, service innovation, or related fields within the charity or public sector.
• Track record of developing and implementing strategies that drive organisational growth and innovation.
• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams through periods of change and expansion.
• Strong understanding of overseeing a portfolio of research and its role in shaping services.
• Ability to oversee the design and delivery of multiple pilots that are scalable, sustainable, and evidence based.
• Excellent planning, programme management, and project evaluation skills, with the ability to balance a diverse portfolio.
• Skilled at developing and maintaining effective partnerships and external stakeholder relationships.
• Strong communicator, confident in representing the organisation externally at senior levels.
• Affinity with the goals and objectives of RABI.
• Full, clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work occasional unsociable hours.

 
Desirable

• Experience within the UK farming/agricultural community or rural wellbeing sector.
• Knowledge of grants and partnership frameworks within a not for profit context.
• Programme or project management qualification (e.g. Prince2, MSP).

 
This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments at RABI
 
BENEFITS

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (based on full time working).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%. 
• Life assurance from day one. 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site parking.

 
RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI as a result of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process strives to ensure that individuals are selected only based on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.
 
REF-224 884

Salary: Officer, Band C Level 1, £33,290- £35,289 per annum equivalent (depending on experience and skill level)

Contract length:               0.6FTE (3 days per week) for 3 years from January 2026  

Location: Thames21 Head Office, Central London and at other Thames21 offices in London, as required                                                 and throughout the River Roding Catchment.

Responsible to: Thames21 Engagement Programme Manager

About Thames21

Thames21 is an environmental charity that works across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers, while also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them. 

 

Purpose of the job

We are seeking a skilled engagement officer to deliver an innovative programme of community-led river engagement activities in and surrounding the River Roding as part of a project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, ‘The Roding Rises’. This role will engage with groups from the urban and rural reaches of the river Roding catchment to co-design activities that support the delivery of The Roding Rises activity plan and encourage participants along an engagement pathway from awareness to participation and independent action. This role offers the post holder the opportunity to make a difference in diverse areas of London, with varying challenges and a range of ambitions.

The key skill for this role is being able to connect with and bring people together. The project relies on creating strong networks of grassroots organisations, community leaders and representatives from the public and private sectors, including councillors and politicians.

The key value for this role is curiosity. Being interested in people, able to ask questions, listen, and encourage them to get involved in whatever way they are able, will help you succeed.

You’ll thrive in this role if you can identify the strengths and assets of communities and individuals and create opportunities for them to flourish. By working together with local people in diverse communities beside waterways, you will establish a new and positive ongoing relationship between Londoners and their blue spaces.

A typical day is likely to involve keeping on track with what’s happening across the Roding catchment, meeting with key partners, being alert to upcoming network meetings, or delivering community events or activities. You might be working from home, or out of our offices in Bow or Guildhall, or be out and about with a community group or local organisation, co-producing an engagement event.

You might be posting on social media or updating the web page. You may be working on strategic, long-term plans to share the learnings from the project. You’ll be thinking both big and small on any given day!

Diversity

We primarily serve a London community, and we would love our organisation to better reflect the diversity of this great city. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Being a diverse and inclusive organisation is very important to us. We actively encourage applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. This role is primarily about community engagement. For that reason, while an interest in environmental issues is essential, experience of working in the environmental sector is not required.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Work with The Roding Rises Project Team, local community organisations and representatives to co-produce and deliver an inclusive and culturally relevant programme of 21 events and activities over the three-year life of the project as part of the River Connections programme of events within The Roding Rises activity plan.

2. Work with The Roding Rises Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of the externally contracted River Testimonies and Roding Arts and Walking Festival and community co-development aspects of the Roding Masterplan.

3. Support community groups and partners with community-focused applications to the Roding grants scheme

4. In partnership with colleagues, conduct inclusive outreach activities that will engage a wide diversity of people with a range of backgrounds and life experiences, from both rural and urban areas in our core locations.

5. Build a catchment-wide community network, uploading details to Thames21’s CRM system in line with GDPR.

6. Collect and record qualitative and quantitative data on events and activities run, including written and verbal feedback from partners and participants, photos and numbers of attendees, keeping to GDPR requirements. Evaluate this information to develop the methods for engagement and inform future activities.

7. Carry out the administrative duties to run events, including conducting risk assessments and method statements, managing event registrations, liaising with local councils and community groups and maintaining and managing event equipment.  

1. Work with the Thames21 Training Officer to establish a group of volunteers who are trained in Thames21’s modules to maintain and monitor local sites. Includes supporting existing volunteers and assisting with building their capacity so groups become autonomous.
2. Represent Thames21 and The Roding Rises at relevant local forums and proactively recruit volunteers through in-person engagement events.
3. Maintain clear records of progress, ensure all administration and statistical information is kept up to date,
4. Work with Thames21’s Communications Team to promote the project, celebrate its achievements and learnings; ensure key milestones are recognised, funders are acknowledged, and volunteer opportunities are publicised.
5. Attend Thames21 Team Meetings and liaise with other Thames21 staff.

This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise at various times within the post, and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other reasonable duties from time to time that are broadly consistent with other Thames21 activities and those outlined in this document.

For more information and how to apply, please see the attached job description.