At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver donor events, manage recognition products, and support the Philanthropy Team.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a leading charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 26 days annual leave, competitive salary, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in philanthropy while supporting lifesaving missions.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, IT literacy, and a passion for fundraising.
Salary: £29,951 - £35,236 (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location: Poole, Dorset, England
Location Description: Hybrid between home and Poole (minimum 1 to 2 days a week in Poole)
Interview Date: 19 October
Closing Date: 11-10-2026
Reference: 21995
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We’re looking for two Philanthropy Executives to join our expanding Philanthropy Team. The Philanthropy Team supports the RNLI by working with individuals who are passionate about our work and want to make a difference through high-value gifts. It’s an exciting time to join the team as we are about to launch a large new capital appeal in March 2027.
Some of the benefits
- Salary between £29,951 - £35,236 (dependent on experience)
- Flexible working
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Health and dental cashplan option
- Training & Development in Mid-Level and Major Giving
Your role
As a Philanthropy Executive, you will be tasked with focusing on the following areas:
- Plan and deliver a national and regional programme of donor events
- Manage and develop recognition and stewardship products to delight donors
- Support the Philanthropy Team by taking on donor administration and coordination activities
- Support the Philanthropy Team with monthly reporting and other finance processes
About you
You are a motivated team player who has excellent written and organisational skills, a good eye for detail and strong administrative skills. You like a predominantly desk-based role but are equally happy building relationships with other colleagues and donors alike, with occasional travel in the UK and Ireland. You also like 1-2-1 interaction, and you are someone who would describe yourself as a ‘people person’. This is a great role for you to start and develop a career in Philanthropy.
To be considered as a Philanthropy Executive, you will need:
- The ability to manage and prioritise your own workload
- Computer and IT literacy, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Experience of using a database and an understanding of financial management
- Experience of fundraising and working to financial targets (desirable)
So, as a Philanthropy Executive, if you have the drive and enthusiasm to be part of our One Crew to achieve our Philanthropy goals and want to see how you can support our organisation’s aim to reduce drowning, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out, dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable) and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Philanthropy Executive in Poole employer: RNLI
RNLI is an exceptional employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture, offering flexible working arrangements from home while allowing for meaningful travel across Scotland. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth, all while contributing to a vital cause that saves lives at sea. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Executive in Poole
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by RNLI.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like RNLI.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at RNLI.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at RNLI. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Executive in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of RNLI. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Philanthropy Executive, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of RNLI. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
