Director of philanthropy and partnerships volunteer roles

Trustee and Chair of Trustees

Help shape the future of environmental philanthropy and strengthen funding for climate, nature and people.

Location: Remote, UK wide
Remuneration: Voluntary, unremunerated. Reasonable expenses covered
Term: Three years, renewable once
Time commitment: Approx. 8 days per year for Trustees, approx. 12 days per year for Chair
Closing date: Monday 30 March, 17:59
Interviews: From Wednesday 22 April

About the opportunity

An established and respected network within the environmental funding community is seeking a new Chair of Trustees and two additional Trustees to join its board.

This organisation works to create an effective, flourishing ecosystem of environmental philanthropy that is supporting people and the planet to thrive together. With a growing membership of funders, advisors and fundraisers, it plays a vital role in convening, connecting and strengthening the sector.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight and guidance across finance, programmes, communications and relationships. As Chair, you will lead the board, act as a line manager to the Executive Director and ensure strong governance and effective decision making.

You will bring sound judgement, a willingness to offer constructive challenge and a commitment to high standards of governance. Above all, you will share a belief in the importance of environmental action and effective philanthropy.

About the Trustee role

Trustees are responsible for ensuring:

· Clear strategic direction and delivery of charitable objectives

· Effective stewardship of resources

· Robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Thoughtful risk management

· Insight into the wider global context affecting environmental funding

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Environmental funding, including international funding

· Financial and operational management

· Strategic communications and influencing

· Network coordination and development

· Philanthropy advisory or working with family offices

· Fundraising and membership models

About the Chair role

In addition to the above, the Chair will:

· Lead quarterly board meetings

· Support and line manage the Executive Director

· Ensure the board has the right balance of skills and perspectives

· Act as an ambassador and external figurehead

We are looking for prior leadership or chairing experience, strong strategic capability, an understanding of charity governance and experience engaging with funders.

Commitment

Board meetings are held online quarterly, with additional sub-committee meetings and preparation time. There is one in person team and trustee away day each year. The Chair role includes monthly meetings with the Executive Director and additional preparation responsibilities.

These are voluntary roles. Expenses are provided.

Inclusion

Diversity of background, perspective and experience strengthens governance and impact. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals from marginalised communities and those most affected by climate change and nature loss.

If you would like to play a meaningful role in strengthening environmental philanthropy at a critical time, we would welcome your application.

You may also have experience in areas such as; Non Executive Director, Board Member, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Charity Trustee, Foundation Trustee, Trust Director, Philanthropy Advisor, Grant Maker, Environmental Programme Lead, Director of Fundraising, Head of Partnerships, Chief Executive, or Senior Strategic Leader.

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

Eastside seeks expressions of interest from prospective trustees who believe that they can make a significant and positive contribution to the organisation as we enter our 4th decade of delivery.

Remuneration: This is a pro bono role. Domestic travel expenses will be covered and reimbursed where required.

Reports to: Chair of the Trustees

Key Relationships With: Trustees, CEO / Artistic Director, Eastside Team, Key Stakeholders and Partners

Term of Appointment:  3 years +

Location: Eastside’s office on Hackney Road, E2 7NX, with occasional project visits across London and annual away day

Role Specification

Eastside is seeking Trustees to provide guidance and support for the CEO and senior executive team as well as expertise to the Board of Trustees. The organisation is in a strong position going into 2026 and is set on significant growth and expansion, aiming to maximise the opportunities created by recent successes; these include outstanding results on our national projects:  Creativity Live   (streaming live creativity workshops into schools and classrooms across the UK); SPOKEN WORD POWER (which has engaged and captured the voices of thousands of young people from deprived neighbourhoods across the country); sell out West End Gala fundraising nights (APRIL FOOLERY) and a national lottery heritage fund supported 30th anniversary project.

The Trustees will support the team in delivering exciting new projects across the creative arts, with particular focus on spoken-word poetry, the dramatic arts and film/digital media programmes. The Trust's work in schools is expanding and, while London remains a priority, there are clear plans to bring Eastside's offering to a national and international audience.

Person Specification

Eastside is looking for individuals who are passionate about its work with children and young people, and its mission to transform educational provision and learning experiences across the capital city and beyond through the application of art, culture and creativity.  Applicants will have strong professional experience and networks, as well as stakeholder, funder and partner leverage.

Trustees will advise on how to reach wider audiences, grow corporate partnerships and provide support for Eastside's educational programmes.  We particularly encourage applications from those representing diverse backgrounds and those with relevant lived experience. Experience at a senior level within the Arts/Youth Fundraising and Philanthropy sectors, Digital or creative arts (particularly film, TV and theatre), Legal, Education and Facilities management sectors (with revenue generation experience) would be welcome.

We welcome candidates who have experience of fundraising, either for a non-profit or a commercial organisation. Those without direct experience but who have good connections to high-net-worth individuals, grant-giving Trusts & Foundations or Corporate/Family Foundations are also highly encouraged to apply.

In addition to attending Board meetings, it is hoped that Trustees will attend Eastside projects where possible to engage with the creative delivery and the organisation's artists, advocate for its work within their own professional and personal networks, and promote individual and company-wide fundraising initiatives. Sitting on a trustee board requires the ability to take a more advisory approach than in executive roles. If you have not previously held any trustee or non-executive positions, you should demonstrate a track record of influencing the direction of your organisation at board level. If you already have significant trustee or non-executive experience, please detail this.