The Royal Institution
Strategic Relationships & Events Manager
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About the Job
Job Title: Strategic Relationships & Events Manager
Accountable To: Head of Fundraising
Location: 21 Albemarle Street, London
Contract: Permanent, part-time, 21 hours per week. Can be worked flexibly with a hybrid work pattern.
Salary: c£45,000 FTE per annum, c£27,000 (for 21 hours per week)
About the Ri
The Royal Institution (Ri) is an independent charity that has been connecting people with science for more than 225 years. Guided by our vision that Science is for Everyone, we have brought science to life through a vibrant programme of inspirational talks, education programmes and - with almost 1.8m YouTube subscribers - digital content that reaches audiences around the world.
We are now seeking an exceptional relationship builder and event manager to help drive the success of our ambitious £20 million Be the Spark campaign. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new approach to major donor engagement, creating meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships, increase giving and enhance the Ri's reputation among influential audiences. Your work will play an important role in the success of the Be the Spark campaign and help secure the future of the Ri, ensuring that future generations can continue to be inspired by science.
About You
Working closely with the Head of Fundraising, you will build and strengthen relationships with major donors, prospective supporters, and influential advocates, developing engagement opportunities that inspire long-term giving.
You will lead the planning and delivery of a programme of high-quality fundraising and cultivation events, from intimate donor gatherings to major campaign launches and prestigious VIP occasions. Working with senior stakeholders, trustees, ambassadors, and supporters, you will ensure that every interaction strengthens relationships and creates meaningful opportunities for support.
This is a varied and highly visible role that combines strategic relationship management, fundraising, event delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
Income & Influence Growth
- Work with colleagues to design integrated campaigns around VIP and event moments.
- Identify and qualify new donor prospects via networks, committees, and host circles.
- Track KPIs, forecast income, and deliver board-ready reports and case studies.
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Flagship Events Delivery
- Lead end-to-end delivery of signature fundraising events, appeal launches, awards, memorials, openings, and royal/civic engagements.
- Oversee event operations; creative collateral run-of-show, guest experience, seating, scripts, and stage management.
- Manage budgets, timelines, suppliers, venues, production, talent, and risk assessments.
- Ensure accessibility, safeguarding, brand standards, DEI, and risk management.
VIP Relationship Management
- Build and manage tailored engagement plans for VIPs, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Act as primary liaison for Fellows, ambassadors, and high-profile supporters; coordinating briefings, appearances, and protocols.
- Prepare proposals, reports, and talking points; support Director/Chair in VIP meetings.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, pipelines, and contact reports; ensure compliance.
Income & Influence Growth
- Manage guest lists for trustees, government, diplomatic, and VIP households; oversee invitations and seating protocols.
- Ensure compliance with charity law, fundraising codes, and health & safety.
Skills, Experience, and Knowledge
Essential
- Proven ability in building excellent relationships and networks internally and externally.
- Persuasive communication, proposal writing, and on-stage/run-sheet leadership.
- Proven ability in managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accuracy in fast-paced environments.
- Success managing VIP relationships in a charity, cultural, or luxury/events setting.
- Track record delivering six-figure+ fundraising and high-profile ceremonial events.
- Strong experience in copywriting and briefing materials for executives and principals.
- Exceptional stakeholder management, diplomacy, and discretion.
- Sponsorship sales and stewardship experience; comfort with senior volunteers/committees.
- Degree or equivalent relevant qualification or experience
Desirable
- Strong understanding of the Ri’s mission and activities.
- Project management experience.
- Experience working in a charity, not-for-profit, or cultural organization.
- CRM proficiency (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and data-driven planning.
- Experience leading a giving club or members networking group.
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Personal Attributes
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels in a complex environment.
- Ability to find pragmatic solutions, seek improvements, and adapt to changing situations.
- Ability to present information, verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner, with excellent attention to detail.
- Highly self-motivated and willingness to support others where needed.
- Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Results-oriented, proactive networker; resilient and calm.
- Gravitas, tact, and cultural awareness.
Desirable
- An interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Notes
This job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid or inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines and accountabilities within which the individual works. The role will involve some evening and weekend working.
How to Apply
If this sounds like an interesting and exciting role to you, please click the "Apply Now" button below and complete the application form. Kindly upload your CV along with a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, outlining how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
Closing Date for Applications
9am Tuesday 29 September 2026
Interviews
We are planning to hold interviews week commencing 5 October 2026, however, we may interview as applications come in and close the application process early if we receive a strong field of applicants.
Recruitment Monitoring Form
We ask applicants to complete and return the recruitment monitoring form along with their application. The Ri is committed to equality of opportunity at all stages of the recruitment process. The information supplied in this form will be treated in strict confidence and will only be seen by Human Resources. It will not form part of the selection process. You may choose not to disclose some, or all the information requested in the form, and this will not affect your application in any way.
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