What is the role?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join the expanding Howden Foundation team, working under the direct supervision of the Partnerships Director. With key building blocks now in place, this is a pivotal moment to join the Foundation and play a vital role in driving our impact. As we scale up our grant-making, we are looking for someone who can ensure the smooth delivery of day-to-day administration, compliance, and reporting across our programmes. You will also play a key role in preparing high-quality grant applications that advance our mission and strengthen our partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the Foundation and make a tangible difference.
This role will support the Partnerships Director with the management of the foundation's strategic grant partnerships to help deliver the foundation's mission to ensure those most exposed to the impacts of climate change, especially extreme heat and drought, are equipped with the tools to prepare, adapt and recover. This will include carrying out due diligence on potential grant partners, supporting the application process and drafting grant agreements for successful organisations. The Senior Partnerships Officer will also participate in grant monitoring activities including reviewing reports and offering feedback to grant partners as well as ensuring the foundation's internal administration is up to date.
In addition to supporting the Foundation's grant-making, the Senior Partnerships Officer will work closely with other members of the Foundation team, including the Foundation's COO and Howden's Community Impact team, to administer the Foundation's People First Fund.
Responsibilities include:
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Support the Partnerships Director with the management of the grant partnerships portfolio.
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Attend meetings with potential grantees alongside the Partnerships Director and/or CEO, or independently, as required.
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Support the application process including obtaining information, conducting due diligence, reviewing grant applications and ensuring all information is submitted and resolving queries that arise.
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Support in ensuring the foundation CEO, committees and board is provided with timely, accurate and relevant information and recommendations to support grant-making decisions.
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Support with the grant execution processes including drafting and proofreading grant agreements, making grant payments, and collecting receipts.
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Act as point of contact for grant partners, including ensuring progress reports are received and any queries are answered.
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Work closely with the Partnerships Director to identify and track funder-plus activities for grant holders, ensuring information is captured for sharing by the Communications and Engagement Lead.
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Maintain internal records on grant-making including the Foundation's grant tracker.
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International field visits (one trip per year) may be required.
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Support the COO with the management of the Foundation's People First Fund.
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Monitor the global match funding programme, including tracking usage and coordinating the execution of any required donation letters.
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Provide administrative support across the full life cycle of the annual Howden Foundation Charity Awards, including liaison with charity nominators and winners, oversight of documentation, and execution of follow‑up actions. Contribute actively to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the Awards process.
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Execute emergency appeals and other ad-hoc donations, ensuring a timely and coordinated response across all stakeholders.
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Monitor the Howden Foundation inbox and respond to queries
Who are we looking for?
To be successful in this role, you will be educated to degree level or equivalent related experience, with knowledge of grant-making. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a busy environment will be key to this position. You'll be passionate about listening to, and learning from our grant partners with an ability to build strong and supportive relationships.
Essential:
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At least 5 years' experience in the voluntary sector or other social change organisation.
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Excellent written, copywriting and proofreading skills. The ability to read quickly and analyse a range of written materials and to summarise and present information clearly.
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The ability to maintain grant-making information and systems to a high standard with close attention to the required detail for audit and accountability purposes.
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Numerate and computer literate with a comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Ability to build relationships with people at all levels and collaborate across a range of teams. A partner-led approach that shows empathy and provides meaningful support to partners navigating complex and challenging environments.
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Good planning and organisational skills, able to work to multiple prioritised tasks, targets and deadlines
Desirable:
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Grant making experience from another corporate, family or independent foundation;
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An interest and experience working in climate change, and climate justice.
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Good understanding of learning and impact measurement.
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Experience working with grant management systems
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Lived or practical experience of collaborating with grassroots organisations in the Global South.
This is a permanent, full-time position, though a four-day work week may be considered for the right candidate. While your location is flexible, there is a requirement to be in the London office at least one day a week. We provide a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package.