Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager

RABI is the farmers charity. RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life. At the heart of RABI’s mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive. Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost £250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst the charity’s professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2022. RABI’s wrap‑around support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year. RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager is responsible for leading and developing RABI’s philanthropy and partnerships donor base, focusing on building and nurturing relationships with major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners as well as legacy and in-memory supporters (larger funders). This plays a pivotal role in shaping RABI’s fundraising strategy, identifying major funding opportunities and creating impactful engagement strategies to secure long‑term financial support for the charity’s sustainability. Relationship building is key to this position, communicating effectively with our donors by enhancing and strengthening relations through cultivation tactics and deepening relationships to ensure robust support from these influential stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Philanthropy and Partnerships (P&P) fundraising strategy to drive RABI’s fundraising activities and support long‑term sustainability.
• Report on income and expenditure targets, ensuring targets are met and assisting with budget setting.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward relationships with larger funders, ensuring strong and sustained engagement.
• Develop tailored proposals and partnership packages aligned with potential partners’ priorities and interests.
• Manage, identify and build relationships with key corporate funders, negotiate and manage agreements, ensuring clear communication of expected deliverables.
• Oversee and manage all trust and foundation opportunities, identifying potential funders whilst monitoring and reporting on deliverables and outcomes ensuring timely delivery of all requirements, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Plan and execute donor stewardship events and activities to enhance engagement and retention.
• Ensure that donor recognition and communications are carried out with precision, ensuring donors feel valued and informed.
• Manage, track and utilise CRM systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics) to maintain up‑to‑date donor data, track progress and provide concise and timely reports on fundraising activities and income and expenditure reports.
• Analyse donor trends and engagement metrics to optimise fundraising strategies.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR the CIOF Code of Fundraising Practice and RABI’s internal policies.
• Responsibility for line management, providing guidance, support and performance feedback to ensure the development and success of team members.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including fundraising, communications, service delivery, business development and external affairs to identify project funding opportunities, share donor insights and collaborate and support the development of other fundraising initiatives.
• Take part and contribute to team meetings.
• Actively participate in the staff appraisal scheme and be committed to training and development in line with RABI’s aims and objectives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in a senior fundraising role, with a proven track record in securing major funds from larger funders.
• Exceptional major donor management skills, with experience in donor stewardship, partnership development and engagement strategies that build long‑term relationships.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of targeting, segmentation and response analysis.
• Persuasive written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling applications, proposals and donor communications.
• Experience of managing a fundraising team and assisting with recruitment and team development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and manage relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.
• A strategic outlook with the ability to identify fundraising opportunities and take the initiative to drive growth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics).
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• A creative and proactive approach to work, capable of juggling multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of data protection, fundraising regulations and compliance practices, ensuring that all fundraising activities adhere to legal and best practice standards.
• Self‑motivated and confident in working, both independently and in teams.
• Empathy with the goals and objectives of RABI.

Desirable

• A full UK driving license.
• Knowledge or interest in the agricultural sector.

BENEFITS

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holiday (based on full‑time working).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and the opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
• Life assurance from day one.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site parking.

This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments at RABI. Full training and support will be provided for the right candidate. Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline. RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI as a result of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process strives to ensure that individuals are selected only based on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.