Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Help Shape the Future of Rivers in the North East

Tyne Rivers Trust is seeking an ambitious and inspiring Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to lead the growth of our fundraising, strategic partnerships and philanthropic income at an exciting moment in our development.

As a thriving environmental charity, we work to protect and improve rivers for wildlife, communities and future generations. Following our expansion in 2025 to include the Northumberland river catchments, we are entering a new phase of growth and impact across the North East.

This is a rare opportunity to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in securing the funding, partnerships and support that will enable us to deliver lasting environmental change.

About the Role

Working closely with the CEO, Chief Scientist & Technical Director and wider leadership team, you will lead the development and delivery of Tyne Rivers Trust’s philanthropy, fundraising and partnership strategy. You will cultivate and steward high-value relationships with major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners, statutory bodies and other key stakeholders, helping secure sustainable income and long-term investment in our work.

You will also lead and grow our partnerships across the Tyne and Northumberland catchments, ensuring we build strong collaborations that maximise environmental and community impact. As the Trust continues to expand, you will help position TRT as a leading environmental charity and trusted delivery partner across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and strengthen relationships with businesses, funders, public bodies, charities and community organisations.
• Lead the strategic development of catchment partnerships across the Tyne and Northumberland.
• Identify and develop new partnership opportunities that support our mission and growth.

Drive Fundraising and Philanthropy

• Develop and deliver our fundraising strategy and income diversification plans.
• Build a strong pipeline of major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters.
• Secure significant funding to support TRT’s long-term sustainability and growth.
• Develop compelling cases for support and partnership investment opportunities.
• Create and deliver innovative fundraising initiatives and campaigns.

Champion Impact and Influence

• Lead partnership communications and impact reporting.
• Develop compelling stories that demonstrate the value and impact of TRT’s work.
• Support profile-raising activity and strengthen the Trust’s reputation across the North East.
• Ensure partnership activity aligns with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.

Lead and Inspire

• Provide leadership to a growing philanthropy and partnerships team.
• Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for an experienced fundraising and partnership professional with a proven track record of building successful relationships and securing significant income.

You will bring:

• Experience developing and managing high-value partnerships and stakeholder networks.
• Significant experience designing and delivering fundraising strategies.
• A strong track record of securing six-figure funding from a range of income streams.
• Experience working with trusts, foundations, major donors and corporate partners.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to identify new opportunities and turn ideas into investment and impact.

Why Join Tyne Rivers Trust?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to some of the UK’s most important river catchments while helping a successful and ambitious charity achieve its next stage of growth.

We offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• A supportive and dedicated team.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy.
• The chance to improve rivers, nature and communities across the North East.

Interested?

If you are an experienced fundraiser, partnership-builder and strategic leader who wants to create lasting environmental and social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and help create better rivers, a better region and a better future.

• For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jo Wilkes at [email protected] after Aug 24th to arrange a chat with our CEO, Sophia Stovall.
• Closing date September 6th 2026
• Interviews to be held after September 14th 2026