Welcome to our series where we interview people in a wide range of roles across different think tanks and ask them the how, why and what their job entails. This interview is with Charlotte McMenamin-Walshe from Green Alliance.
What is your formal job title?
Senior Partnerships Officer at Green Alliance.
How did you get into think tanks?
Green Alliance is my first job with a think tank. I was looking for a role that supported political advocacy and action on UK environmental issues. Green Alliance was the ideal combination.
Was this always what you wanted to do?
Not exactly! I studied History and Spanish at university, but I was always drawn to not-for-profits, for their role in tackling the world’s biggest challenges. I came across fundraising whilst working as an intern at Quakers in Britain. I was interested in how fundraising can help to redirect resources to build a fairer future. Through fundraising I get to connect with people who want to use their funds to have a positive impact.
How does a typical day start for you? And at what time?
If it is an in the office day, then I start by cycling to Green Alliance HQ in Millbank Tower. It’s a fresh start, my route runs along Embankment and the Houses of Parliament– I still get the wow factor! I usually start around 9:30.
What do you enjoy most about working at Green Alliance?
The people of course! My colleagues are genuinely passionate about what we do and we are all invested in our work. My role allows for a lot of cross-team collaboration; Senior Management, Politics and Policy, Operations and Communications, which gives me plenty of opportunity to learn new things every day.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I support and develop our funder and business relationships- this involves trusts and foundations, businesses and individual supporters. My main priorities are 1) developing new funding proposals 2) sharing the impact of our work with funders and potential partners 3) nurturing and developing our partnerships.
What excites you most about your work?
I love celebrating our big wins with funders! Sometimes it is a long slog to secure these wins. For example, we have a small group of funders who, over the past three years, have supported our work around cutting methane emissions (a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2). In June, the government committed to our recommendation of a national methane action plan. I loved sharing that news with our supporters.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Fundraising can be relentless. There is always more money to be brought in and shortfalls to fill. The broader philanthropic funding world can feel daunting and competitive.
Can you think of one thing in particular you have learnt since starting this job?
A surprising fact I now know is that sheep are bad for the countryside (in general)! I have learnt so much about UK politics and environmental policy in the past three years.
Which 3 skills do you think are essential for success in your role?
Perseverance, effective writing skills and curiosity.
What tools or technologies do you use most in your job?
LinkedIn, to stay on top of funding trends and connect with new people.
AI, it is early days, but I am already benefiting from using it to give me ideas about structures for proposals and it can help me pull together key dates rapidly.
CRM database, to track the conversations we have with stakeholders.
How do you balance work and personal life?
Green Alliance really supports its staff to maintain a good work-life balance. I am a big foodie, and I love winding down from the day by cooking a nice dinner (mostly vegetarian – no sheep – I promise!)
How much of your day is spent in meetings or working with people vs individual work?
Depends on the day. I enjoy meetings where I can brainstorm with colleagues and meet our funders. But then I also have days in focus/writing mode, for example when I am working on a grant impact report.
What would be your one piece of advice to someone considering a similar career?
In fundraising, it takes time and patience to build strong relationships and trust. But when you make those meaningful connections and energise a funder about your work then it feels great. I am proud that my work helps Green Alliance to secure the resources to support our fantastic staff team in research and advocacy for the transformative changes needed to protect people and the planet.
