Corporate Partnerships Officer

CONTEXT

Every day, millions of kilograms of plastic end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics.

OUR STORY

River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. To date, we have activated +370.000 volunteers via +7.600 events in 102 countries, removed 3,9 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers. 

Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. The Clean River Model consists of 3 pillars (Empower people, Prevent pollution and Accelerate change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation). Together, they encompass the entire lifecycle of river plastics. We are validating the Clean River Model in three action zones in 2025/2026 and will scale-up the implementation to 100 rivers by 2030.

As our Corporate Partnerships Officer, you play a crucial part in this mission, which requires substantial resources. You work closely with and in support of the Head of Fundraising and the CEO/Founder to maintain and grow revenue from corporate partnerships.  

YOUR ROLE

Corporate partnerships are our main source of revenue. We aim to grow the number of corporate partnerships and expand our existing partnerships. Everything we do in our fundraising aims to provide our partners with the best possible experience at every interaction. As River Cleanup, we are well-positioned to provide added value for our corporate partners in relation to a wide variety of corporate goals, ranging from CSR, ESG, sales, marketing, PR, brand, people, HR, and innovation. 

With a direct report to the Head of Partnerships, your tasks & responsibilities include:

• Support the Head of Partnerships and CEO with the daily management of corporate partnerships and incoming requests. Following your onboarding, you will be assigned a number of dedicated accounts to lead.
• Participate in meetings, presentations and team cleanups with corporate partners to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Contribute to developing proposals for corporate partners and the account strategy for maximum retention and growth.
• Become the main focal point internally for everything related to corporate partnerships and work closely with River Cleanup colleagues who handle communication and team cleanups.
• (Co-) develop and maintain tools and processes for corporate partners.
• Contribute to the corporate fundraising strategy for 2026-2030.
• Keep corporate accounts, contacts and opportunities up-to-date in the CRM (Salesforce).

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE

• A proactive entrepreneurial spirit with at least 3 - 5 years of relevant professional experience. 

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships, sustainability, donor relations, business development, sales or a similar role.
• Experience in cultivating and building relationships with companies and global brands is an asset.
• The ability to combine strategic thinking with a hands-on mentality and attention to detail.
• Strong people, communication and negotiation skills.
• Impeccable written and spoken English and Dutch or French. Other languages are an asset.
• The proven ability to work independently and demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• The embodiment of our values: positive, inclusive, expert, responsible, impact-driven.
• A high degree of flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced start-up environment.
• A valid driving licence and the ability to travel in Belgium when required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to have an impact at the forefront of making rivers plastic-free.

• Being part of a growing, dynamic and fun team.
• A non-profit competitive benefits package incl. 20+6 paid vacation days
• Comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance
• The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
• Compensation for bicycle commuting and meal vouchers
• Free lunch on Tuesdays!

DETAILS

• We offer up to 2 days of remote work per week, with Tuesday and Thursday as our fixed office days. 
• To help you settle in and connect with the team, we ask new starters to be on-site as much as possible during the first 6 months before transitioning to the standard arrangement.
• This position is a full-time position (39 hrs / five days). 
• Expected start date: as soon as possible

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply the latest by Thursday the 9th of April 2026 at 23.59 hrs (CET).

At River Cleanup, we believe in the power of diversity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We encourage everyone to apply, regardless of age, gender, origin, or physical abilities

Together for clean rivers!