Philanthropy stewardship manager volunteer roles

About the Role

Baobab Foundation operates through two closely connected Community Benefit Societies: the By and For Community Fund, which is the registered charitable entity, and the By and For Foundation, which is the non-charitable entity. Together, these two legal entities provide the structural flexibility needed to advance Baobab’s mission for radical racial justice.

Baobab is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for ensuring that the organisation operates in a way that advances racial justice, centres Black and Global Majority communities, and remains rooted in Baobab’s values of Unity, Justice and Freedom.

Trustees work in partnership with the PT (Project Team) and Baobab’s members. The PT Team leads the day-to-day coordination and delivery of Baobab’s operational activities, while trustees focus on governance and collective accountability. Together, trustees, PT team  and members each play distinct but complementary roles in ensuring that Baobab remains values-led, member-centred and effective in advancing its mission for radical racial justice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Baobab strives to model a different way of working that enables people to be accepted as  their full selves. For a horizontal structure to be effective, we ask all Baobab Trustees to commit fully to the principles of Justice, Freedom and Unity and work with integrity, openness and care. We encourage  those in the space to hold themselves and co-workers accountable in an equitable way, leading and making decisions within their remit, holding themselves accountable for their work and behaviour towards others and communicating transparently and openly. Maintaining a strong decolonial and horizontal organisational structure requires Trustees to commit to collective accountability within the team. 

All those working for Baobab must adhere to the code of conduct and all policies, procedures and processes. in order for us to equitably  realise our radical and decolonial aims of resourcing  Black and Global Majority communities with integrity, cohesion and care.
 

Collective Accountability 

• Contribute strategic insight and constructive challenge to strengthen the impact, quality and effectiveness of Baobab’s systems and ways of working.

• Review the organisation’s governance and operating structure periodically to ensure it remains aligned with our principles  and continues to serve the needs of Members and the organisation.

Values Alignment

• Ensure that Disability Justice, decolonial and anti-oppressive practices are embedded across the organisation.

• Ensure open lines of communication are in place to support the interdependence of the organisation’s working collective and strategic working practices.

• Offer support and reflections that are caringly rooted in Babab’s principles of Unity, Justice and Freedom.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an individual who shares Baobab Foundation’s commitment to racial justice, collective liberation and shifting power to Black and Global Majority communities.

We are looking for someone who can offer strategic insight, constructive challenge and collaborative support, and who is committed to stewarding Baobab’s resources in service of long-term racial justice and collective freedom.

Required

• Strong governance experience, including legal, financial and regulatory oversight.

• Relevant professional and/or lived experience rooted in Black and Global Majority communities.

• Strategic thinking and sound judgment.

• Understanding of anti-oppressive, decolonial approaches.

• Commitment to Baobab’s values of Unity, Justice and Freedom.

Desirable

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be valuable:

• Grantmaking and philanthropy

• Fundraising and donor engagement

• Financial stewardship, treasury or endowment management

• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Governance and constitutional matters

• Organisational strategy and development

Time Commitment 

We recognise that trustees contribute their time, expertise and networks alongside other commitments. We anticipate an average commitment of approximately 10 hours per month, with some flexibility depending on current priorities and areas of involvement.

This is expected to include:

• Attendance at  Board meetings;

• Preparation and review of Board papers and other key documents;

• Participation in occasional working groups; and

• Ad hoc strategic support where relevant.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to help shape a bold, justice-rooted funding organisation that is transforming philanthropy in the UK working in a values-led, justice-rooted team committed to doing things differently.

• Space for collective learning, reflection and radical imagination.

• The opportunity to contribute your skills, experience and networks in service of Black and Global Majority communities organising for racial justice.

• A flexible, remote, working culture 

• Non-hierarchical collaboration, radical imagination, and collective learning.

• Paid, relevant governance and trustee training to support your ongoing development in the role and beyond.

Remuneration

In line with its status as a charitable BenCom, By and For Community Fund trustees serve in a voluntary, unpaid capacity. Reasonable expenses incurred in fulfilling the role will be reimbursed in line with Baobab’s expenses policy, and accessibility support and reasonable adjustments will be provided to enable full participation.

We are seeking to recruit a Trustee with expertise in major donor fundraising to join our Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a global charity working to improve diagnosis, treatment, support and research for people affected by encephalitis.

The Role

As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and sustainability of Encephalitis International.

We are particularly seeking someone who can bring experience and insight in major donor recruitment, retention and stewardship to support the charity’s development and fundraising ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic guidance on major donor and philanthropic fundraising
• Help strengthen our approach to donor engagement, stewardship and long-term relationships
• Support the development of sustainable income streams and fundraising strategy
• Act as an ambassador for Encephalitis International and its mission
• Contribute to Board discussions and decision-making

This role is strategic rather than operational, though trustees may occasionally open doors, make introductions or support relationship-building where appropriate.

What We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in:

• Major donor fundraising or philanthropy
• High-value relationship management
• Philanthropic giving within the charity, corporate or private sectors
• Developing or advising on major gift strategies

You may have gained this experience through work in the non-profit sector, philanthropy, corporate leadership, wealth advisory, or as a major donor yourself.

We are also particularly keen to welcome candidates from under-represented groups.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year (usually virtual) and one in-person away-weekend.
• Occasional participation in committee meetings or events
• Preparation time for meetings

This is a voluntary role, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why Join Us?

By joining the Board of Encephalitis International you will play a vital role in helping the organisation expand its impact globally. Strengthening philanthropic support will allow us to reach more people affected by encephalitis, accelerate research and increase awareness of this often misunderstood condition.

You will be joining a passionate and committed Board helping to drive forward meaningful change for patients, survivors and families worldwide.