Strategic Partnerships Manager – Institutional Funding

About the role

BirdLife International is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager to build and expand relationships with government and multilateral funders. The role will shape ambitious conservation proposals that secure vital support for birds, nature and the planet. You will work within the global Development team, linking donor priorities with BirdLife’s conservation programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and develop key institutional donor relationships, taking personal responsibility for income generation.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding opportunities across government, bilateral and multilateral sources.
• Translate funder priorities into compelling, fundable conservation projects in collaboration with programme and regional teams.
• Lead the development of high‑quality proposals, including complex multi‑country and consortium bids.
• Provide strategic insight, coordination and donor expertise to secure funding for BirdLife’s Global Strategy to 2030.

Required profile

• Significant experience developing, managing and growing institutional donor relationships.
• Proven track record of writing successful institutional proposals, especially large, multi‑country or consortium bids.
• Ability to identify opportunities, understand donor priorities and co‑create fundable projects with programme colleagues.
• Strong financial and technical understanding, including budgets, log‑frames, donor compliance and risk management.
• Excellent relationship‑building and influencing skills across teams, cultures and geographies.
• Specific knowledge of bilateral agencies (e.g., UK, Germany, Nordics) or multilateral funds (GEF, GCF) is a plus, though experience with a variety of donors is welcome.
• Conservation experience is not essential; candidates from international development, humanitarian or related sectors are encouraged.

What we offer

• Hybrid working model with flexibility between office and remote work.
• Work in the award‑winning David Attenborough Building on Cambridge’s conservation campus.
• Generous pension scheme with up to 12% company contribution.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing to 28 days with service.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning, cycle‑to‑work scheme, and Employee Assistance Programme.