Application Guide

How to Apply for Corporate Fundraising Administrator

at Chatham House

๐Ÿข About Chatham House

Chatham House is a globally influential policy institute and think tank focused on international affairs, known for its rigorous research and convening power to address global challenges. Working here offers the unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, corporate leaders, and experts while contributing to informed debate on critical issues like climate change, geopolitics, and global governance.

About This Role

This Corporate Fundraising Administrator role is central to maintaining and growing Chatham House's corporate partnerships, directly supporting the institute's financial sustainability and program delivery. You'll steward a portfolio of corporate members, coordinate agreements and due diligence, and manage commercial administrationโ€”making you a key link between the organization and its corporate funders.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve updating CRM records for corporate members, preparing insights for a member renewal meeting, coordinating due diligence for a new event partner, and processing invoices. You'll likely collaborate with the Corporate Fundraising team on administrative tasks while engaging externally with members to strengthen relationships.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Chatham House Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience in relationship management or account stewardship, ideally within a membership, fundraising, or partnership context.
  • Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in CRM management, record-keeping, and financial administration.
  • Possesses strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders, from corporate executives to internal teams.
  • Is proactive, collaborative, and adaptable, with a willingness to learn about international affairs and corporate fundraising in a think-tank environment.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Chatham House

1

Highlight specific experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and mention any exposure to due diligence processes or partnership agreements.

2

Emphasize instances where you've stewarded relationships or managed portfolios, especially if related to membership retention or corporate engagement.

3

Research Chatham House's recent corporate partners or events (e.g., events on energy transition or global health) and reference how your skills could support such initiatives.

4

Tailor your resume to show quantifiable achievements in organization, administration, or relationship managementโ€”avoid generic task lists.

5

Demonstrate an understanding of Chatham House's mission by linking your interest in the role to specific global challenges the institute addresses.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why you're drawn to Chatham House's mission and how your skills align with stewarding corporate relationships in an international affairs context.", 'Provide concrete examples of your organizational abilities, such as managing multiple priorities, maintaining accurate records, or coordinating administrative processes.', 'Highlight your collaborative and diplomatic approach, referencing experience working with teams or stakeholders at different levels.', 'Mention any familiarity with fundraising, sponsorship, or membership administration, particularly in a policy, nonprofit, or think-tank setting.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Explore Chatham House's corporate membership tiers and recent corporate partners (e.g., through annual reports or news articles).
  • โ†’ Review the institute's key research themes (e.g., climate change, conflict, global health) and recent events to understand its priorities.
  • โ†’ Look into the Corporate Fundraising team's work by checking past event sponsorships or partnership announcements on their website.
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with Chatham House's values and reputation as a neutral convenor in international affairs.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a portfolio of relationships or accounts. How did you ensure retention and satisfaction?
2 How would you handle a situation where a corporate member's renewal is at risk due to budget constraints?
3 What steps would you take to ensure accurate tracking and record-keeping in a CRM for event partners?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when managing commercial administration, onboarding, and invoicing simultaneously?
5 Why do you want to work at Chatham House, and how do you see this role contributing to its impact on global challenges?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Chatham House's mission or specific corporate fundraising context.
  • Overlooking the importance of detail-oriented tasks (e.g., CRM management, invoicing) in favor of only highlighting relationship skills.
  • Failing to demonstrate an understanding of how corporate fundraising supports a think-tank's operations and impact.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Chatham House!