Philanthropy Lead

Location: UK - Remote, with 1 or 2 days per month in the office in Bath and/or to meet supporters.

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £45,000 Pro-Rata, Per annum

Hours: 30 Hours per week - (4 days) per week, with flexibility for the right candidate.

Established in 1988 (as Send a Cow), Ripple Effect is a dynamic and passionate international development charity on a mission to create a powerful and lasting impact. Our vision is to see a rural Africa that is confident, thriving, and sustainable, with a growing economy and higher living standards for all. At Ripple Effect, we've honed our focus on three critical areas: Sustainable Agriculture, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Enterprise Development. Through these pillars, we're dedicated to combating poverty and nurturing a vibrant, thriving African landscape that will thrive for generations to come.

The Philanthropy Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping Ripple Effect’s vision for engaging high-net-worth donors and stewarding some of our most influential relationships. 

This is a chance to take ownership of a growing portfolio, optimise our approach to major giving, and elevate the experience of supporters who want to create lasting impact.

You’ll drive the growth of our philanthropy pipeline with fresh ideas and strategic insight, while also supporting our trusts and foundations programme. You’ll inspire the wider Philanthropy and Partnerships team to take our philanthropy fundraising to the next level, guiding us to excellence and championing collaboration across the team.

With a passionate network of committed supporters and a clear strategy to reach new audiences, you’ll have the freedom to build on strong foundations and bring your expertise to life.

Most importantly, we’re looking for an energetic, forward-thinking person who’s excited to join a vibrant team and play a key role in delivering Ripple Effect’s ambitious global fundraising strategy

We’re looking for an experienced philanthropy professional who’s ready to take their next step. You’ll bring at least five years of building and managing high-value donor relationships, ideally with philanthropists, though experience with trusts, foundations, or corporate partners is also valuable. You’ll have a strong track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts and achieving ambitious income targets.

As a confident leader, you’ll have experience managing and developing fundraising staff, and you’ll be comfortable navigating the international development funding landscape, with an interest in sustainability, agroecology, or locally led development. You’ll be a natural networker who can build authentic relationships with stakeholders at every level.

It’s a bonus if you’ve worked across multiple high-value income streams, managed budgets, or worked for an Africa-focused INGO. Knowledge of prospect research tools and legislation is also helpful.

Above all, you’re a strategic thinker and creative problem-solver with exceptional communication skills. You can passionately articulate Ripple Effect’s impact—whether in person or on paper, and are deeply committed to Ripple Effect’s mission of creating lasting, locally led change.

As well as a rewarding career with a global charity, you’ll get access to a wide range of benefits, including;

• Pension
• Generous annual leave
• Training and development opportunities to personally grow and learn in the role
• A supportive working environment that champions wellbeing and support

If you feel you have the qualities, skills, and experience to fulfil this varied, rewarding, and vital role, we would love to hear from you.

Submit your CV and a covering letter to applications@rippleeffect.org clearly indicating the position you are applying for and the job code in the subject line.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Ripple Effect also seeks references and conducts background checks before confirming any candidate in a role offered.

If you require the job description in a different format, please contact applications@rippleeffect.org.

We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis. As such, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Emma Watson, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships | emma.watson@rippleeffect.org