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 +380.000 volunteers via +7.600 events in 102 countries, removed 4 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, early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste from land and 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 (Mission 2030).

In this role, you play a crucial part in realising Mission 2030, which requires substantial resources. You work closely with and in support of the CEO/Founder, to whom you also have a direct report.

YOUR ROLE

HNW individuals, foundation grants, and, to a lesser extent, government subsidies are key sources of funding for our work on plastic-free rivers and Mission 2030. Your tasks & responsibilities include:

• Leading on institutional fundraising (foundation and government) across the fundraising cycle, including prospect research, relationship building, proposal writing, grant management, and reporting.
• Lead on fundraising from (U)HNW Individuals across the fundraising cycle.
• Being the main focal point internally for everything related to institutional partnerships (gov & foundations) and individual major donors.
• (Co-) developing and maintaining tools, processes & communication materials for institutional funders & individual giving.
• N+1 for the Fundraising Officer
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy for 2026-2030.
• Keeping accounts, contacts and opportunities up-to-date in the CRM (Salesforce).

Requirements

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 with individual major donors and/or foundation fundraisingDesired
• Experience with US-based foundations is an asset
• Experience with grant writing & proposal development
• 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.

Benefits

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
• DKV hospitalisation insurance
• The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
• Compensation for bicycle commuting and meal vouchers
• Free lunch on Tuesdays!

ETAILS

• We offer up to 2 days of remote work per week, with Tuesday and Thursday as our fixed office days in Antwerp, Belgium.
• 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).
• Starting date: asap

HOW TO APPLY

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!