Manager of Funder Stewardship – Strategic Partnerships

About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

ECF is a network organisation that plays four key roles in the climate philanthropy community – strategic grantmaker, throught leader, narrative shaper and network enabler. We support over 300 grantee partners to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

Key responsibilities

The postholder will swiftly develop an in-depth understanding of the ECF funding partnership landscape. The postholder will forge strong working relationships with relevant contacts in partner organisations. Working closely with Strategic Partnerships and programme co-workers, the postholder will develop a comprehensive stewardship programme including bespoke plans for ECF’s top funding partners. The postholder will ensure that the stewardship programme integrates ECF’s funder reporting, renewal and donor communications cycles. The postholder will manage the rollout of the Strategic Partnerships team flagship webinar series (the Green Deal Knowledge Network) and will oversee and prepare the content of briefs for senior Foundation executives’ group and individual donor meetings.

The Senior Manager, Funder Stewardship will be responsible for:

• Designing, implementing and project managing a comprehensive stewardship plan for all ECF funding partners
• Advising and guiding internal stakeholders on benchmark stewardship practice in philanthropy
• Overseeing the coherence and delivery of donor reporting
• Leading and project managing the preparation of proposals for funding renewals
• Managing discrete stewardship initiatives such as the Green Deal webinar series and other pilot projects
• Leading strong working level partnerships with peers in funding partner organisations
• Collaborating with ECF’s Monitoring Evaluation and Learning team to maximise MEL tools for funder stewardship.

Experience and competencies

The ideal candidate has at least 8 years experience in a philanthropic advancement setting with hands-on experience of fundraising and funder relations processes and cycles.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in a philanthropic advancement or funder relations environment such as higher education or the not-for-profit sector;
• Frontline experience of dealing with philanthropic foundations;
• Project management and line management skills;
• Negotiation skills – finding balance between what donors ask and what ECF can deliver;
• A donor centred approach in complex multi-stakeholder partnerships and /or working with mission driven colleagues;
• Very strong verbal, written and presentational skills in English, other languages are an asset;
• Structure, driven and ability to manage multiple simultaneous processes;
• Proven track record of working in an environment that demands professionalism, discretion and confidentiality;
• Genuine interest in the mission and values of the ECF.

Personal attributes

The Manager of Funder Partnerships is a team player, a flexible person, and is a good listener. Comfortable with ambiguity and willing to go the extra mile when necessary, the Manager brings a positive, can-do attitude to the team and exudes joy and pride in being an advancement professional.

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• A full-time permanent contract.

Location

London preferred, Brussels, Paris or Berlin possible.

Start date

As soon as possible.