Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager

Job title: Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager

Salary – £40-45k per annum

Contract – Full time, permanent

Line Manager – Chief Executive

Direct Reports – Communications Officer

Location – Home based with regular domestic travel and infrequent international travel

Fundraising & Income Growth

The initial focus of this role will be to grow income from trusts and foundations and selected corporate partnerships, with priorities agreed annually.

• Implement and deliver WasteAid’s Trusts and Foundations income stream with support and collaboration from CEO and Director of Programmes.
• In collaboration with the SMT develop and implement a strategic plan to grow income from major donors, and corporate partnerships.
• Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to shape funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support.
• Set and deliver ambitious income targets, ensuring a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio.
• Stay informed on sector trends and emerging opportunities to drive innovation in fundraising approaches.
• Ensure WasteAid’s communications outputs support our fundraising goals.

Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with our existing funder base – philanthropists, and corporate partners and develop new relationships positioning WasteAid as a leading cause in the sector.
• Undertake targeted outreach to develop new funding relationships and lead internally on incoming leads and enquiries.
• Develop and deliver tailored donor engagement and stewardship strategies and events that enhance retention and long-term investment.
• Represent WasteAid externally, leveraging networking and partnership opportunities to expand the supporter base.
• Collaborate with programme teams to articulate impact and develop compelling donor communications.

Leadership & Team Development

• Champion excellence and fundraising good practice within the wider WasteAid team ensuring a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Embed best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and compliance across the team.
• Adhere to good practice and WasteAid’s policies and processes in the line management of the Communications Officer.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on income performance, using insights to refine strategy and inform decision-making, working closely with the Head of Strategy and Impact
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and organisational policies.
• Maintain accurate records in CRM systems, supporting data-driven decision-making.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven experience of securing income from at least two of the following areas: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or philanthropy.
• Experience of developing successful funding applications, proposals and donor reports.
• Experience of building and managing external relationships that lead to income generation or strategic partnership development.
• Experience of managing a fundraising pipeline and working to income targets.
• Experience of working collaboratively across teams to gather information and develop compelling donor communications.

Essential knowledge and skills

• Experience of fundraising in the international development, environmental or climate-related sectors.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clear, persuasive and tailored proposals and reports.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to use data and insight to monitor performance and improve fundraising activity.
• Understanding of fundraising good practice, compliance and ethical standards.
• Experience of using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal attribute

• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work independently in a home-based role.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively across a small and ambitious organisation.
• Strategic in outlook while remaining practical and delivery-focused.
• Committed to WasteAid’s mission and values.

Desirable

• Experience of developing corporate partnerships linked to sustainability, circular economy or shared-value goals.
• Experience of supporting senior leaders with donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Experience of working in a small charity or growing organisation.

Success in the role

In the first 12 months, success in this role is likely to include:

• Growth in the value and quality of the fundraising pipeline
• Submission of strong, timely proposals and reports to priority funders
• Increased income from agreed fundraising streams
• Effective stewardship and relationship management of key donors and partners
• Accurate CRM records and clear internal reporting on fundraising activity and performance

Guidance for Applicants

To apply please send your CV and covering letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining your interest in the role and how your profile aligns with the criteria laid out in the person specification by email to recruitment@wasteaid.org with Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager in the email subject box. 

Deadline for applications is Monday 11^th May 2026

Please note that WasteAid may review, shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date so we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible. If we receive a very high response, we may close the vacancy early and will not accept further submissions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

WasteAid is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from candidates from historically underrepresented groups.