Institutional Partnerships Manager

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 Institutional Partnership Manager, you play a crucial part in this mission, which requires substantial resources. You work closely with and in support of the Head of Partnerships.

YOUR ROLE

Foundation grants and, to a lesser extent, government subsidies are a key source of funding for our work on plastic-free rivers and Mission 2030. With a direct report to the Head of Partnerships and supported by the Fundraising Officer, your tasks & responsibilities include:

• Leading on foundation and government fundraising across the fundraising cycle, including prospect research, relationship building, proposal writing, grant management, and reporting.
• Supporting the Head of Partnerships in engaging (U)HNW individual donors and managing selected major donor relationships.
• Coaching and supporting the Fundraising Officer in institutional fundraising & grant writing,
• Being the main focal point internally for everything related to institutional partnerships (gov & foundations)
• (Co-) developing and maintaining tools, processes & communication materials for institutional funders
• Contributing to the institutional fundraising strategy for 2026-2030.
• Keeping accounts, contacts and opportunities up-to-date in the CRM (Salesforce).

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE

• A proactive entrepreneurial spirit with ideally 5-7 years of relevant work experience 
• At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in foundation fundraising (please do not apply if you do not have this experience)
• Experience with US-based foundations is an asset
• The ability to combine strategic thinking with a hands-on mentality 
• Attention to detail 
• Strong people, communication and negotiation skills.
• Impeccable written and spoken English. 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 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

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!