Role: Philanthropy Programme Director

Overview

Since 2020, TPI has built up a major programme to support philanthropy to most effectively use multi-sector partnerships to deliver transformational impact. We are seeking an experienced professional to lead the ongoing development and implementation of the programme, taking it to new heights in creating cutting-edge approaches and influencing foundation practice.

About the Philanthropy Programme

Within the TRANSFORM! Empowering philanthropy as catalytic partners for systemic change programme, we work with and across the philanthropic sector to develop the state of the art of partnering in philanthropy. The collaborative programme has brought together a peer community of foundations and works at three levels: i) individual support to foundations; ii) peer to peer exchange of knowledge and experience; and iii) original research, including a major project looking at Public Private Philanthropy Partnerships (PPPPs) and the systems change activation role of philanthropy.

The next phase of the programme will build on these strong foundations which include a network of strong relationships with individual foundations as well as with networks of foundations; the delivery of thought leadership and guidance for philanthropic partnering; peer to peer exchange; and ongoing support to a number of individual foundations.

We are looking for the postholder to further deepen and strengthen relationships with foundations for example by supporting them individually to develop and implement partnership strategies, provide partnering-focussed professional development, and maintaining the ongoing peer learning network. TPI’s core team and associate network will actively support the philanthropy programme director as needed, both in shaping the direction of the programme and in delivering outputs. The philanthropy programme director will also work closely with the PPPP lead on the PPPP programme.

This post is being offered at the same time as our new climate lead and we see a lot of scope for crossover between the work of the philanthropy programme director and the work of the climate lead.

Responsibilities

The precise responsibilities will be dependent on the postholder’s experience, and will also evolve as the programme evolves. However, typical responsibilities could include:

Strategic development

Developing the PPPP programme in collaboration with the PPPP lead.
Working closely with the climate lead to identify synergies and crossovers between the philanthropy and climate programmes
Identify future lines of enquiry and strategic directions for the philanthropy programme in the medium to long term, in line with TPI’s organisational strategy

Research and programme delivery

Supporting (and/ or leading on) the delivery of TPI support services
Developing tools and guidance tailored to specific organisations / contexts
Conducting primary and secondary research (including designing data collection tools, undertaking desk reviews, and analysing data)

Networking and engagement

Strengthening TPI’s network of foundations and creating peer learning opportunities
Identifying opportunities for external engagement to increase visibility and potential of partnering for foundations, working closely with our WAPPP colleagues

Competencies

Essential skills, knowledge, experience

Native level fluency in spoken and written English
Educated to at least degree level (or very significant experience)
10-15 years’ experience in international development, sustainability or related fields, with at least some of this experience within philanthropy, impact investing, or corporate social responsibility
Strong network and connections with philanthropic organisations
Programme development, strategic thinking, network coordination
Experience and knowledge of multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnership

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience

Experience living in low- or middle-income country or countries;
Experience providing consultancy services to partnerships and organisations
Experience developing tools and guidebooks
TPI Certificate in Partnering Practice (and/or familiarity with TPI’s approach) or other similar accreditation
Partnership Brokers Association professional accreditation
Fluency in other languages (ideally French and/or Spanish)

Personal characteristics

Ability to work under pressure, juggling multiple different priorities
Ability to rapidly learn and adjust to new and evolving contexts
Ability to quickly develop good relationships
Well-organised – a “planner”
Self-starter, ready to take initiative
Able to work independently as well as being highly supportive of team members
Positive and optimistic outlook

Ways of working

You will be working closely with TPI’s small core team, as well as with TPI senior associates (including TPI’s lead on PPPPs) and potentially with TPI’s board members. Your ability to build strong relationships quickly with a diverse group of people will be called upon regularly.

As with any small, constantly evolving organisation, each individual juggles multiple responsibilities within TPI, while shaping their role around their skills and interests. The work is varied and often fast-paced, requiring rapid processing of information from multiple sources, and the ability to act confidently in uncertain or ambiguous situations. Your colleagues are an incredibly supportive bunch, and the team will always have your back. We try to practice what we preach when it comes to partnering.

At TPI, you should be willing to contribute laughter and energy. You will get the best from your work with TPI if you have bags of initiative, are very deliberate about how you want to contribute, where you want to develop, and what you want to learn.

Other details

Work pattern

Each position is for a minimum 3 days per week, up to 5 days per week. If part-time, hours/days are fully flexible across the week, though it would be expected that a regular pattern of working hours would be agreed.

Salary and conditions

This is a permanent position. The salary is in the region of £55k-£72k pro rata, depending on the experience of the appointee. TPI makes an 8% pension contribution on top of the salary.

TPI staff receive pro rata 33 days of leave (including 8 UK public holidays).

Reporting

The philanthropy lead will report to TPI’s Executive Director, working closely with TPI’s lead on PPPPs.

Location and travel

TPI is based in Oxford (UK). The post-holder must be located within a 3-hour time zone of the UK, and have the right to work in the UK or be able to be contracted on a long term basis as an independent contractor. TPI cannot employ staff outside of the UK.

TPI offers highly flexible working arrangements, and remote working is possible, albeit with regular visits to the office.

The position may require travel for programme delivery. This is unlikely to be more than 10% of the time.

Application process

Please submit your CV and a cover letter setting out why you’re excited by partnerships and want to work for TPI. Please also note how you heard about the position.

Every role at TPI is open to applications from all sections of society, regardless of race, religion or belief, ethnic origin, different physical ability, family structure, socio-economics, age, nationality or citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect. We hold ourselves accountable to a diversity statement. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the UK charity sector.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in, with September 20th as the final deadline. There will be two rounds of interview, initially via Zoom and (for UK-based candidates) in-person in Oxford.

All correspondence and questions please to: recruitment@thepartneringinitiative.org.