ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are ending violence against women and girls and helping change lives, for good. We won’t stop until women and girls are out of danger, out of poverty and on track to create the future they want. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with significant Trusts & Foundations fundraising experience to take the next step in their career with a leading international development charity.

You will be working in a dynamic, friendly and successful team of five, who work to drive income for ActionAid from Trusts & Foundations based in the UK and internationally. You will collaborate closely with colleagues from across our Philanthropy & Partnerships Team and the wider ActionAid international federation, with lots of opportunities for cross-team working.

About the role
We are looking for an experienced Trusts Manager who can work with the Head of Trusts & New Markets to develop the team’s strategic framework, particularly around new business, and ultimately, grow trusts and foundations income.

This role has been created due to growth in the team – so this is an exciting opportunity to join a successful, well-resourced team and really make your mark in a new role – building on existing relationships and creating new opportunities.  

Your main responsibilities will be to account manage a small portfolio of warm, high-level trust supporters (each giving around £100k+ per year) and to lead on proactively cultivating and approaching new high-level trust prospects, predominantly in the UK but also in Europe. 

We are seeking a great relationship-builder, keen to be out meeting with existing and prospective funders, and someone who takes a collaborative approach – working with colleagues in Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships, Principal Giving and our Research and Project Information team to develop high-value opportunities in a holistic and joined-up way.

The post holder will also have the opportunity to get involved across a range of activities, including event design and delivery, donor trips overseas, cross-organisational projects and our high-value working group.

About you
In order to succeed within this role, it is essential that you have experience of securing large, multi-year partnerships with trusts and foundations or high value donors, preferably with experience of the entire donor cultivation cycle.  

You are keen to be donor facing, developing excellent relationships with a range of funders and prospects, especially at a senior level, that result in strategic, multi-year grants and donations at the £100k+ level.  

You are self-motivated, proactive and independent and must have experience working in a cooperative and flexible way as part of a busy international team.

You have strong networking, negotiating, interpersonal and influencing skills and the ability to ‘close the deal’.

Applicants must also have strong attention to detail and excellent written communication skills and a track record of creative stewardship to maintain and grow donor relationships.  

We are keen to receive applications from those with experience working with senior internal stakeholders e.g. SLT and board members to cultivate donors.  

It is important that applicants are willing to adhere to our feminist leadership principles and that they have a good understanding of international development issues.

If you have these qualities, along with an interest in working for an organisation focused on changing the lives of women and girls living in poverty, for good, then please apply.

Further information

ActionAid is passionate about supporting flexible working. If you would like to discuss flexible working options, including the possibility of a job share for this role, there will be space to do so during the interview process.

ActionAid is committed to driving improvement through digital channels, tools and ways of working. We will ensure that we provide the technology and the training to enable all staff to perform their roles to the best of their abilities. In return, we ask that all staff are committed to continually improving their digital skills and knowledge within the working environment. Our recruitment processes will evaluate the digital skills of all applicants.  

This role is being offered as a 12-month fixed term contract; however, our ambition is for the post to become permanent.

NB: the internal title for this role is Senior Trusts Specialist.