Philanthropy Events Coordinator

The Canal & River Trust is a charity entrusted with the care of over 2000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs in England and Wales. These historic, natural and cultural assets form part of the nation’s strategic and local blue-green infrastructure network, linking urban and rural communities as well as habitats. Our waterways contribute to the health and well-being of local communities and economies, creating attractive and connected places to live, work, volunteer and spend leisure time. They also play an important role in mitigating the impact of climate change and provide valuable habitats and much-needed biodiverse corridors for wildlife.

The Canal and River Trust is committed to growing its fundraised income and has developed ambitious targets for fundraising over the coming years. Currently seeking a Philanthropy Manager. The Philanthropy Manager is an exciting role within the Philanthropy & Partnerships team which will identify, cultivate and maximise relationships with Major Donors and Family Foundations through research, networking, events, proposals, and excellent stewardship. Securing philanthropic income against target to further the work of the Canal & River Trust.

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

• Identify, cultivate and develop a portfolio of Major Donor and Family Foundation prospects.
• Meet or exceed fundraising targets each year.
• Develop high quality funding proposals, applications and reports for submission to prospects and donors.
• Support the development of the new Major Donor fundraising programme, taking a proactive approach to networking, and cultivating new cold contacts and prospects.
• Support the development and delivery of the Stewardship and Events programme and other Philanthropy processes.
• Depending on experience, may be involved in developing the US fundraising strategy with the support of the Senior Philanthropy Manager, Head of P&P and Director of Fundraising.
• Displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.

 Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience of philanthropy fundraising with a track record of initiating new philanthropic relationships.
• Successful track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
• Experience of identifying and cultivating cold prospects.
• Experience of deepening donor relationships and growing philanthropic giving year on year.
• Thorough knowledge of legal, financial and ethical considerations related to fundraising from Major Donors and Family Foundations.
• Experience of developing high quality proposals and stewardship reports for prospects and donors.
• Experience of effectively using a CRM system for fundraising.
• Experience of fundraising in the Heritage or Environment sector is desirable.

Skills & Personal qualities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written presentation abilities and strong attention to detail.
• Strong relationship building skills with the ability to influence at a senior level.
• Motivated by the cause of the Canal & River Trust.
• Ability to understand, interpret and craft complex information into compelling cases for support.
• Ability to manage own workload and prioritise multiple tasks, work under pressure and within tight deadlines.
• Positive team player with a professional, solution focused attitude.
• IT literate and numerate.