Director of Development & Partnerships

Letters to the Earth is looking for a Director of Development & Partnerships. This is a 3.5-month founding-phase engagement to lead the organisation's income generation, strategic partnerships and organisational development. Working closely with the CEO, Board, and programme team, you will lead fundraising, partnership and business development, building a diverse portfolio of grants, philanthropy, earned income and strategic collaborations that strengthen both financial resilience and mission impact.

• Draft a multi-year development strategy and income diversification plan for CEO/Board sign-off
• Assess current funding relationships, gaps and quick-win opportunities
• Set fundraising targets, budget and reporting framework for the strategy period
• Work with the CEO to identify and develop new strategic opportunities, collaborations and investment
• Choose 2-3 priority income streams and build an up-to-date list of realistic funding and partnership prospects
• Lead a target number of funding applications and/or partnership proposals through to submission
• Scope and develop one earned-income opportunity as a proof-of-concept
• Develop strong relationships with funders, corporate partners, ambassadors and collaborators
• Prepare presentations, pitches and compelling cases for support
• Support the CEO on select high-priority client calls, events and proposals
• Represent Letters to the Earth at 2-3 sector events or meetings
• Contribute to the overall leadership and future direction of the organisation
• Manage external consultants and specialist fundraising support where appropriate
• Foster a collaborative culture in which income generation and partnership development are embedded across the organisation

• Significant senior leadership experience in development, fundraising, partnerships or business development, with a proven track record of building long-term strategic relationships and supporting organisational growth
• Experience in one or more mission-led sectors including climate and nature, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, education, social justice or the wider charity and social enterprise sector
• Proven success securing income from trusts, foundations, public funding, philanthropy, corporate partnerships and earned income
• Strong understanding of the interconnected climate, nature and social challenges facing our world, and belief in the role of creativity, storytelling and connection with nature in driving meaningful change
• Excellent relationship-building, proposal writing, communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Strong commercial and financial awareness
• Entrepreneurial, strategic and hands-on approach
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and environmental responsibility
• Passion for the mission of Letters to the Earth
• Ability to work independently and think outside the box
• Desirable: Experience within a social enterprise, Community Interest Company (CIC), charity, mission-led cultural organisation or corporate strategy development; Knowledge of UK environmental and cultural funding landscapes; Experience developing earned-income models and blended-income strategies; Established networks across climate, nature, arts, education or philanthropic sectors; CRM and donor stewardship experience

Please send your CV and a covering letter (maximum 900 words) outlining your interest, relevant experience and availability to info@letterstotheearth.com. Application deadline: Monday 17th August, midday. Interviews: Weeks commencing 24th August and 3rd September.