FILE Foundation
Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships (12-18 months)
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Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships (12-18 months)
Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships
Location: United Kingdom – Hybrid Contract: 1-year FT appointment (with possibility of extension) Salary: £120,000–£135,000 pa (UK) Working Hours: Full-time initially, with option for 4-day working week after 3 months if required
About FILE
The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation dedicated to accelerating legal action on climate change. Through grant-making and in-house legal expertise, we empower partners to deliver strategic, innovative legal interventions and support local lawyers worldwide to bring their own cases.
Legal action unlocks systemic changes in finance, policy, and social systems to protect against climate change, creating both direct and indirect impacts.
FILE operates as a "regrantor"—receiving philanthropic grants and redistributing them to aligned partners. We do not seek profit, ensuring all activities contribute long-term to our mission.
The Role
We seek a strategic, inspiring interim leader to guide FILE during a period of organisational transition, defining our three-year strategy and reviewing our long-term leadership structure.
This is a strictly interim appointment, offering visible senior leadership across Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships, aligning fundraising, donor engagement and grantmaking, and supporting the transition to a permanent leadership model.
As Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships, you will:
- Partner closely with the Executive Director, Supervisory Board, and senior leaders to strengthen cross-function collaboration.
- Build an integrated approach within teams, maximising impact and long-term sustainability.
- Support the final stages of leadership transitions while shaping FILE’s future direction.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who combines:
- Relationship-building and leadership skills with a deep understanding of philanthropy, partnerships, and systems change.
- Enthusiasm for shaping FILE’s growth during a critical phase of organisational development.
The role spans five core areas:
- Strategic leadership
- Team development and operational excellence
- Grantmaking strategy and portfolio oversight
- Strategic fundraising and partnership development
- External engagement and ecosystem stewardship
Key Responsibilities
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Strategic Leadership (20%) | Contribute to collective SLT decision-making and help deliver FILE’s Strategic Plan. Advise the Executive Director, SLT, and Board on grantmaking, partnerships, and ecosystem trends. Collaborate with the Interim Finance Director on funding and grantmaking scenarios. |
| Leadership, Team Development, and Operational Excellence (25%) | Provide integrated leadership across Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships, acting as their senior voice in SLT strategy. Strengthen leadership capability and succession, ensure robust governance and accountability frameworks, and foster impact-focused, relationship-driven culture. |
| Grantmaking Strategy, Risk and Portfolio Oversight (20%) | Oversee grantmaking alignment, risk, due diligence, and resource allocation against charity goals. Champion innovative grants processes and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) principles, ensuring transparent performance metrics, impact tracking, and learning. |
| Strategic Fundraising and Partnership Development (20%) | Lead Philanthropic Partnerships, co-developing a long-term fundraising strategy powered by donor diversification and major gift engagement while ensuring Board alignment on funding opportunities. Foster a top-tier relationship stewardship culture. |
| External Engagement and Ecosystem Stewardship (15%) | Represent FILE at the senior advocacy level with donors, partners, and stakeholders, positioning the organisation as a trusted climate philanthropy leader. |
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Key Outcomes
By the end of the interim period, FILE should achieve:
- A cohesive, strategic approach to grants and partnerships, enabling full integration with Strategy, Communications, and Organisational Development.
- Excellent support mechanisms for the permanent leadership transition.
- Strong fund-raising results driven by relationship trustworthiness and positioning as a sector thought leader.
- Proactive high-level insights on grants/partnerships for the Executive Director and SLT.
- Embedded risk, resilience, and equity-informed systems across all grant-making and partnerships.
- Organisation-wide JEDI adoption, championed by the leadership and reflected in all decisions.
- Efficient, adaptable governance that aligns with FILE’s culture and ethical values.
- Active Board involvement in philanthropic matters, optimising funder introductions and strategic growth opportunities.
About You
We resemble a structured checklist but recognise that skills grow in diverse ways. If you meet some of the essential criteria—or believe your experiences are uniquely relevant—we encourage you to apply.
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Essential Criteria
Technical Skills
- Proven international grantmaking experience, especially in high-risk geographies.
- Senior donor relationship and funding management expertise, particularly in private philanthropy.
- Strong fundraising track record of securing significant income at a leadership level.
- Organisational development experience within non-profits, including resilience-building and leadership capacity-building.
Power Skills
- A visible values-driven leader who thrives in change, coaches teams, and fosters collaboration/transparency.
- Exemplary multi-level communication, including Board-level clarity and adaptability.
- Ability to balance macro-strategy with operational execution.
- Exceptional relationship-building to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders aligned to shared goals.
- High adaptability for fluid environments and organisational transitions.
- Demonstrates strong integrity, ethical judgement, and unwavering JEDI advocacy.
Location
- The role is only open to candidates based in the UK or the Netherlands.
- Collaborative working spaces are available in both regions.
Working for FILE
FILE’s collaborative leadership and mission-driven work encourage strategic, innovative, and team-driven individuals. We value flexibility and growth as part of a rapidly expanding, globally-driven organisation.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)
We actively build an inclusive culture, recognise systemic injustices, and strive to reflect the diversity of communities we serve. All applicants from underrepresented backgrounds—on the basis of race, disability, gender identity, or other marginalised identities—are particularly encouraged to apply.
Staff Support
FILE delivers excellent work-life balance partnerships:
- Enhanced leave policies, including health-related and well-being time-off.
- Private healthcare, enhanced parental leave, and flexible working models.
- Key benefits:
- Generous and competitive pension scheme with employer contribution.
- Remote working flexibility locally and globally.
Applications
Submit your CV and cover letter via [our website] by 29 June 2026. Applications are reviewed rolling and encouraged as early as possible. For queries, email careers@filefoundation.org.
⚖️ FILE’s work is underpinned by equality, fairness, and deep equality.
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