Donor Relations Officer - Maternity cover

The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world through improvement in international relations.

The Donor Relations team looks after a portfolio of relationships with the institute’s individual supporters and advocates (120+), whose contributions are crucial to the success of Chatham House. By generating over £1 million of unrestricted income per annum, their generosity enables us to deliver independent, world-leading research and unparalleled convening power.

We are looking for a dedicated and dynamic Donor Relations Officer to join our passionate and high-performing Donor Relations team, a vital part of our Fundraising and Partnerships department.

We are an equal opportunity employer; we value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at [email protected] .

Principal Responsibilities

Strategy and Delivery 

• Act as the first point of contact for a number of major donors, whilst finding opportunities to strengthen their relationship with the institute.
  
• Work collaboratively across the team to identify, engage and track new prospects to maximise fundraising opportunities.
  
• Responsible for the coordination of the team’s activities, which is underpinned by a number of administrative tasks, which ensure a positive and professionalised donor journey and experience.
  
• Review and update our major donor records and ensure that the database is kept up to date.
  
• Carry out research on funders and handle team record-keeping, including maintaining a library of up-to-date profiles on existing donors.
  
• Regularly represent the institute at internal and external cultivation and stewardship events, sometimes taking place outside of core working hours.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy.

People

• Support colleagues in updating online and offline Donor Relations communication, as well as marketing materials, helping the team better promote philanthropy towards Chatham House.
• Provide support in preparation for meetings with existing donors and prospects.
• Provide support in the creation of, during, and after events for major donors;
• Develop positive relationships with colleagues across the institute.
• Undertake any other tasks and duties, as required.

Personal Specification

• We are looking for an ambitious and self-motivated individual with experience of relationship/account management and passion for work in the field of fundraising.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proactive and willing to use initiative and take ownership of projects.
• Ability to prioritize, work to tight deadlines and remain calm in a high-pressure environment.
• Events management experience is preferable.
• Highly computer-literate with experience of CRM databases and Microsoft Office (knowledge of MS Dynamics is desirable).
• An interest in international affairs is desirable.

Benefits

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary: £32,000 per year.

Contract: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract.

Location: St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 2 days per week, with flexibility to increase this during key event periods.

Closing Date: Tuesday 15 July 2025, 23:59 BST.

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