Philanthropy Executive

  • RNLI
  • Poole, Dorset
  • Sep 21, 2026
Full time Education

Job Description

Hybrid between home and Poole (minimum 1 to 2 days a week in Poole)

Ref: 21995

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We're looking for two Philanthropy Executives to join our expanding Philanthropy Team. The Philanthropy Team supports the RNLI by working with individuals who are passionate about our work and want to make a difference through high-value gifts. It's an exciting time to join the team as we are about to launch a large new capital appeal in March 2027.

Some of the benefits

  • Flexible working
  • 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
  • Competitive pension scheme
  • Life assurance
  • Health and dental cash plan option
  • Training & Development in Mid-Level and Major Giving

Your role

As a Philanthropy Executive, you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

  • Planning and delivering a national and regional programme of donor events
  • Managing and developing recognition and stewardship products to delight donors
  • Supporting the Philanthropy Team by taking on donor administration and coordination activities
  • Supporting the Philanthropy Team with monthly reporting and other finance processes

About you

You are a motivated team player who has excellent written and organisational skills. Has a good eye for detail and strong administrative skills. Likes a predominantly desk-based role but is equally happy building relationships with other colleagues and donors alike, with occasional travel in the UK and Ireland. Likes 1-2-1 interaction and someone who would describe themselves as a 'people person'. This is a great role for you to start and develop a career in Philanthropy.

To be considered as a Philanthropy Executive, you will need:

  • The ability to manage and prioritise own workload
  • Computer and IT literacy is a must with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Experience of using a database and an understanding of financial management is required
  • Desirable - experience of fundraising and working to financial targets

So, as a Philanthropy Executive, if you have the drive and enthusiasm to be part of our One Crew to achieve our Philanthropy goals and want to see how you can support our organisation's aim to reduce drowning, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.

Closing date: 11 October 2026.

Interview date: 19 October 2026.

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person's health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.