We are hiring - Development and Partnerships Associate

The Passivhaus Trust is scaling in order to help transform the built environment sector in the UK. We're hiring a Development and Partnerships Associate to build and strengthen the relationships that underpin our fundraising, partnerships and events at a pivotal moment for the Trust. This is an exciting time to join our team.

Who we're looking for

As a leading international standard for energy efficiency and comfort, Passivhaus is moving rapidly into the mainstream, and will play a key role in delivering the low-carbon buildings needed to address the climate emergency over the next ten years. We've set an ambitious strategy: 10% of all new UK buildings delivered to the Passivhaus standard by 2030, and 50% of the industry trained in Passivhaus principles in the same timescale. This role will plan and develop the projects and activities that deliver against those targets, including scaling up training, retrofit, member recruitment and client engagement.

Role Title: Development and Partnerships Associate
Reports to: Passivhaus Trust Co-Director/CEO
Based at: Remote (UK-based, with occasional in-person events)

You will work alongside members of the current Development and Membership teams, playing a central role in building the relationships that support the Trust's growth.

About the role

The role objectives are to build, maintain and strengthen relationships with the stakeholders and organisations that influence and participate in the work of the Trust. This includes:

Fundraising and development of funding proposals for our key project areas
Preparing the themes and speaker programmes for our annual conference
Leading our client-related events and campaigns
Extending and strengthening our partnerships and wider networks of stakeholders across sectors

Key responsibilities

Business Development & Fundraising

Input into the Trust's business development strategy around relationship management and fundraising activities.
Identifying and developing relationships with key funding organisations.
Preparing PHT funding proposals, e.g. training, competitions, research.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

Administering the newly formed Development Steering Group, reaching out to our wider membership and key stakeholder groups.
Supporting the wider development team on projects delivering the Trust's strategic objectives, particularly around education/training, research (including health and wellbeing), member/client networks and retrofit.
Input to the Trust's membership and recruitment activities, including relationship management of our key Patron members and other stakeholders.

Campaigns & Representation

Development of our client related events and campaigns.
Occasional representation and presentations at relevant external events.
Where relevant, input to engagement with key policy makers, local authorities and key client and funding bodies to support their policy development and promote Passivhaus.Input to campaigns and promotional programmes for key target audiences.

About you

An experienced business development or fundraising manager, you will have:

Essential skills + experience

Desirable

Familiarity with Passivhaus and related low energy UK policies.
Proven experience delivering fundraising and stakeholder relationship management for key events or projects.
Strong project management and organisational skills.
Experience of managing stakeholders such as members and partners, and developing new relationships and connections.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
Able to work independently and take responsibility for delivery.
Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, including working with freelance or external contractors from time to time.
Experience turning ideas into well-executed fundraising proposals and related activities.
Confident using common marketing, digital and collaboration tools.
Strong attention to detail.

Knowledge of sustainable buildings or the built environment sector.
Experience working remotely in a small team environment.
Finance, funding or ESG-related experience welcomed.
Experience with CRM platforms for stakeholder management.

Contract Details

The role will be a fixed term/permanent PAYE position with a 6-month probationary period, currently 3 days per week, potentially rising to full-time if needed.

We are happy to consider flexible arrangements, such as part-time working, job-shares, or secondments for appropriate candidates.

Salary approx. £40,000–£50,000 FTE, dependent on experience.

You will report to the PHT Co-Director/CEO and work alongside members of the current development and membership teams.

Download the job decription here

How to apply

Please send:

A detailed CV
Examples of your previous work (in a format most appropriate to demonstrate your effectiveness in the role)
A 300-word statement (as an attachment, not in the body of the email) explaining your suitability

to vacancies@passivhaustrust.org.uk. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, with a short assessment to complete as part of the process. Further details will be shared with those shortlisted.

Application deadline: Friday 25th September 2026

Interviews: Mid-October 2026 (may be held earlier for strong candidates)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

If you've got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, caring responsibilities, care experience or social background.

Disability and Accessibility

If you have any difficulties with your application because of a disability, please contact info@passivhaustrust.org.uk and we will discuss how we can help.

27th August 2026

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