RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge and Brussels, and employs approximately 170 staff: just over half of our research staff have doctorates with the balance holding other post-graduate degrees. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful researchers closely align their behaviours with our value set.

We are now looking to recruit a Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships. As the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships you will support the Communications and Partnerships Director with the development and implementation of our strategy across Philanthropists, Corporates, Trusts and Foundations. You will focus on building a strong pipeline of potential support through prospecting tactics, as well as working with the wider research teams to creatively match donor interests to funding needs.

• Support the Communications and Partnerships Director to develop, execute and monitor RAND Europe’s fundraising strategy.
• Reporting to the Communications and Partnerships Director and working closely with the President and RAND Europe’s Executive Board, you will gain significant warm introductions for philanthropic support.
• Identify, initiate, and foster positive, strategic relationships with philanthropists, corporates, partners and other potential funders to ultimately drive forward the ambitions of RAND Europe to support our mission.
• Cultivate collaborations with corporations who share our values and are dedicated to helping improve policy and decision making.
• Be responsible for the growth and development of RAND Europe’s fundraising income from corporate partnerships, whilst also overseeing our fundraising from philanthropists and trusts.
• Conducting face to face fundraising meetings (c80 per annum) to secure major gifts (£25k+).
• Supporting the organisation’s overall philanthropy and partnerships strategy, including the development of cases of support for its fundraising campaigns
• Managing and supporting fundraising campaigns, preparing compelling and complex proposals for donor funding. Support the Communications and Partnerships Director in the development of fundraising campaigns and in securing transformational gifts.
• Stewarding and engaging partners, with programmes and events, through updates, visits, and meetings.
• Supporting the development of the corporate partnership’s strategy, working closely with the Communications and Partnerships Director, in line with the overall fundraising strategy
• Continue to build and develop a corporate partnership programme to successfully engage companies to support RAND Europe’s work through various engagement and research activities, including creating fundraising materials and resources.
• Working across the organisation to support and create engagement opportunities for corporate partners and prospects.
• Ensuring donors are acknowledged and thanked in a timely and appropriate way.
• Developing and managing income and expenditure budget, and responsible for forecasting and regular reporting.
• Ensuring accurate and appropriate screening and validation of philanthropists, corporates, partners and other potential funders.
• Representing RAND Europe at external events and networking opportunities, developing existing and new donor relationships.
• Motivating RAND Europe colleagues at all levels to be active partners in developing cases, cultivating prospects, and inspiring contributions.
• Ensuring excellent external and internal fundraising-related correspondence and documentation, such as reports, briefings, applications, presentations, or other collateral items.
• Developing and managing effective fundraising policies, fundraising records and best practices.
• Carrying out other duties as deemed appropriate by the Communications and Partnerships Director.
• Complies with all company policies and RAND Europe Management Systems.

Requirements

• Have significant understanding and experience of philanthropy, corporate partnerships and their key priorities.
• Have a successful track record of securing high-value philanthropy gifts and will enjoy deepening donor relationships and growing philanthropy giving year on year
• Experience of budget development and management, and an understanding of accounting for gifts and pledges.
• Experience managing and executing fundraising events.
• Proven ability to manage and grow a list of active and significant donors.
• Experience of fundraising for social impact and research-focused organisations.
• Experience of working with high-net-worth individuals and senior organisational decision-makers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of people.
• High attention to detail, particularly regarding written work, budget, and event planning.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to think and operate strategically and provide flexible solutions.
• Able to deliver to demanding deadlines, with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to self-motivate, work as part of a small team, and support colleagues.
• Confident, resilient, and resourceful.
• A commitment to excellence and professionalism.
• Appreciation of and support for the mission and values of RAND Europe.

• In-depth understanding of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice, and applicable UK tax law.
• Good IT skills including constituent management systems, such as Salesforce.

Benefits

• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group income protection scheme;
• Group life assurance;
• Compassionate leave;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Fresh fruit every day;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 02/06/24.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.