Business development and partnerships manager jobs

Making The Leap seeks to appoint a dynamic Educational Partnerships Manager to play a pivotal role in securing, growing, and nurturing partnerships with schools across the UK. Reporting to the Head of Educational Partnerships, the successful candidate will drive engagement with schools, teachers, and senior leaders to expand the reach and impact of Making The Leap’s programmes. This role focuses on building strong, strategic relationships with education providers while maintaining links with community organisations, colleges, universities, and corporate partners to promote MTL’s services and mission.

Making The Leap is an innovative societal change charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be. To say that this is an exciting time for the organisation would be an understatement, as our incredible funders, donors, partners and supporters have given us the chance to move to the next level, and have further influence and delivery nationally.

The ethos of the organisation is to be passionate about helping young people from less-advantaged backgrounds; build up other charities and community groups and want to partner with them or support them; want to work with businesses and organisations to get things done; and care deeply about addressing racial inequity.

The organisation has a number of strands: core Making The Leap; the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast and The Social Mobility List.

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours positioning the University as one of the world leaders in University development. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to help grow our philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level. 

Our world has many challenges that will deeply affect our generation and the next. As a Philanthropy Manager, you will cultivate significant gifts for amazing education and charitable research projects, you will provide funding for scholarships to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and will raise philanthropic funds for priority research areas including cancer, other global health issues and climate change. You will encourage and inspire donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts.

You will be joining an established team of fundraisers made up of Senior Philanthropy Managers, Philanthropy Managers and Philanthropy Officers. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Philanthropy Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area and generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the sector-leading academic research to a range of audiences. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours, positioning the University as one of the world leaders in university development. To help fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are seeking to recruit a ‘Charitable Funding Manager’ (CFM) to maximise philanthropic funding across the University. The role will involve working to achieve a financial target by proactively identifying and securing income from Trusts, Foundations, and other charities. 

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Charitable Funding team, you will navigate the university, working closely with academics and Professional Services colleagues to identify some key areas where there are funding needs. The role will bring to life some of our ground-breaking, sector leading work in a compelling and succinct way, inspiring support from new and existing funders. 

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Charitable Funding Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area. You will generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships and the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

Business Development & Partnerships Administrator

Salary: £26,607

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Location: Hybrid (40% office-based)

Start date: ASAP

Reports to: Business Development & Partnerships Manager

About Suzy Lamplugh Trust

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is the UK’s pioneering personal safety charity, founded in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986. For almost four decades, the Trust has worked to reduce the risk of violence and aggression through education, campaigning, and support, helping create a society in which people are safer and, feel safer in their everyday lives.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and organised Business Development & Partnerships Administrator to support the Trust’s commercial activities, including training, consultancy, and digital products.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building positive relationships, delivering excellent customer service and sales experience, and supporting smooth operational processes. Your role will be central to responding to client enquiries, coordinating bookings, preparing materials, supporting marketing activity, and maintaining accurate records. You will work closely with the Business Development & Partnerships Manager to deliver high-quality client experiences and contribute to the growth of the Trust’s commercial income, which supports our wider mission to keep people safe.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support & Administration

· Respond promptly to new business enquiries, prepare quotes, and schedule introductory calls.

· Process bookings, maintain CRM records, and ensure all follow-up actions are completed.

· Support trainer deployment and logistics, ensuring accuracy of client information.

· Gather and organise client feedback after sessions, highlighting any issues to the Manager.

· Maintain positive client relationships to encourage repeat business.

· Support basic outbound sales activity, including follow-up emails and sharing product information.

Marketing & Communications

· Assist with the delivery of digital and marketing campaigns, including preparing content and scheduling posts.

· Maintain accurate commercial information on the Trust’s website.

· Prepare materials for events, trade shows, and conferences and represent the Trust when required.

· Track marketing activity performance and maintain enquiry/campaign records.

Product Quality & Development

· Support administration of the training consultant pool, maintaining documentation and onboarding records.

· Coordinate quality-assurance processes by collecting feedback and organising observations.

· Support updates to training materials, consultancy packs, and digital product content.

Person Specification

Essential

· A strong interest in the mission and values of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

· Experience in administrative support within a customer-facing or commercial environment.

· Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.

· Confident communicator (written and verbal).

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team.

· High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record keeping.

· Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office (Excel essential).

Desirable

· Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems.

· Experience in a charity or small organisation.

· Experience supporting sales, customer service, or marketing functions.

· Knowledge or experience relating to the VAWG sector.

Personal Attributes

· Positive, proactive, and adaptable.

· Self-motivated, reliable, and organised.

· Logical and solution-oriented.

· Supportive team player with a “can-do” attitude.

Special Requirements

This role is hybrid, initially requiring on-site attendance at our London office until the successful completion of the first probation review (typically 3 months).

Application Process

To support a fair and values-based recruitment process, all applicants are asked to submit:

1. CV

2. A covering letter to outline:

a.  how your personal values align with the values of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

b. What do you think good customer service looks like

This forms an important part of our assessment process and helps us understand your commitment to our mission. Please note that CVs sent without a covering letter will not be considered.

We are looking for a Norwich Project Manager who can inspire and energise businesses to take meaningful action that meets the needs of communities across Norwich.

You’ll be a highly motivated, approachable self-starter with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, spot opportunities, and turn ideas into impact. In this role, you’ll work directly with communities to deliver and manage a variety of projects that make a real difference.

This is a home-based role with a hybrid approach, requiring regular travel within Norwich for in-person meetings.

Salary: Professional Level 4 - £27,945 per annum 

Closing date: 27 January 2026 (midnight)

Interview dates:

• First interview (with task): Monday 9 February 2026
• Second interview: Tuesday 17 February 2026

About Us

The Woodfield Project is a vibrant, community-focused charity responsible for The Woodfield Pavilion - a beautifully refurbished sports pavilion located near the north-eastern corner of Tooting Bec Common. Today, the Pavilion serves as a lively community hub, offering events and activities that: support social wellbeing; bring the local community together; and encourage appreciation and care for the surrounding natural environment.

Purpose and scope of role

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and energetic Pavilion Manager with the skills and experience to help drive forward our mission of ensuring that the Pavilion serves as a vital resource for local communities and groups and to actively encourage participation from members and volunteers who share our passion for making a difference. The Trustee Board provides governance and strategic leadership for the charity. The Pavilion Manager will oversee the day-to-day running of the building and plan and deliver an engaging programme of community events and activities, as well as seeking to develop new activities. The role includes operational management, future planning and ensuring a sustainable income and membership base.

Deadline for applications: 14 January 2025.

For fulll details of the role and how to apply, see the attached job application pack. 

Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF) is the Governing Body for recreational cricket in Derbyshire, delivering services in support of the cricket community across the county.  It is one of 39 County Cricket Boards/Foundations in England & Wales and works in partnership with a number of key stakeholders to develop the recreational game locally in line with the strategy developed by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). We have an ambition to inspire a generation to say, “Cricket is a game for me”.  The DCF is also a registered charity that aims to improve well-being and provide opportunities for diverse communities across the County through cricket. The Business Development Manager will develop and leverage local partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and funding bodies to support these aims.

The primary work location for the Business Development Manager will be at the County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby, but the role will require travel on a regular basis as the role will be proactive in engaging stakeholders across Derbyshire in support of the DCF strategy and business plan. The position provides an opportunity, for Business Development Manager to work flexibly, and this is likely to include the occasional requirement to participate in some evening and weekend commitments.

Purpose and Focus of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with excellent relationship management skills to help develop and sustainably grow the impact of our business by identifying and securing new investment to support the delivery of DCF programmes and activity. This will include working with existing corporate and charity partners, and establishing new relationships with Corporate sponsors, individual donors, and Trusts & Foundations.

You will develop and use stewardship tools to guide donors and partnerships through their giving journey, including cultivation plans, proposals, and reports. You will be involved in sourcing and presenting tailored information, making appropriate financial and non-financial requests. The responsibilities of the Business Development Manager will include:

• Fundraising Strategy & Implementation
• High Value Relationship Management
• Corporate Partnerships
• Trusts & Foundations
• Profile & Impact
• Leadership & Management
• Governance & Compliance

We are currently recruiting a Partnerships Manager, for an exciting role within the charitable foundation of a globally renowned sporting event and club.   

The charitable foundation provides grants and financial support and donates resources such as physical gifts and use of its facilities. It works with charity partners locally, nationally and internationally to champion opportunity for all. The foundation has a rich selection of programmes with a focus on the community based in South West London in particular, as well as a national sport for development programme and international charity partners. In 2024 grants and donations totalled more than £5 million.

The role:  
This is a central role within the Foundation team to manage, develop and maintain partnerships and programmes with national and international charities, corporate partners and colleagues across the business. This role offers high visibility across the organisation and is ideal for someone who thrives on acting as a brand ambassador, networking and building relationships.

You will work with a diverse range of stakeholders, to manage multiple partnerships, oversee the delivery of programme activities and events and track and monitor the overall success of these partnerships. You will also work closely with the team, business colleagues, charity and corporate partners to identify new opportunities to develop and promote the partnerships. This will include designing and delivering programmes and events that are mutually beneficial, as well as collaborating on materials, content and publications to promote the foundation’s partnership work.

Full time role, 35 hours per week.

Hybrid working, with usually three-days at the office in South West London.

The person:  
The ideal candidate will be highly skilled at building inspiring, energising and positive relationships, with a strong track record of developing and managing partnerships and programmes across a variety of stakeholders. You will be confident as a brand ambassador connecting with people and bringing a problem-solving and collaborative approach. This role needs a natural communicator who leads with positivity and clarity, building relationships with existing and new contacts at all levels, including service users, colleagues, board and senior management level. You will be accountable for creating and delivering against large scale partnership plans and developing new activities and events in collaboration with existing partners. They are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of developing and delivering partnerships with charity/voluntary sector organisations as well as businesses, particularly in the sport for development field.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ariha Semontee at Prospectus.
     
If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.              
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.           

Every child with cancer deserves the chance to survive. As Business Development Manager, you’ll grow corporate partnerships that deliver life-saving care.

Business Development Manager

Salary: £40,000–£45,000 p/a, depending on experience
Location: Hybrid – Home working with Thursdays in our Central London office
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (flexible working considered)

Every child with cancer deserves the chance to survive, no matter where they are born. But in many low-income countries, too many lives are still lost to a curable disease. At World Child Cancer, we are committed to changing this reality. We partner with hospitals across Africa and Asia to improve early diagnosis, strengthen healthcare systems, remove barriers to treatment and ensure children and their families receive the holistic support they need to survive and thrive.

About the role

This is a newly created and high-impact role, perfect for someone who wants to build and drive a corporate fundraising programme with ambition. Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will shape our corporate income strategy, identify exciting new business opportunities, and cultivate high-value, multi-year partnerships that accelerate our mission.

Your work will open doors, build brand visibility and unlock support from companies who want to make a measurable difference to children facing cancer across the world. A significant part of the role will be to develop new business.

What you’ll do

· Lead the development of World Child Cancer’s corporate fundraising portfolio, unearthing and securing new six- and seven-figure partners

· Develop strategic plans and a compelling suite of partnership opportunities, benefits and supporter engagement products

· Proactively engage with and cultivate relationships with new donors and steward existing funders.

· Attend key networking and industry events to build visibility and pipeline

· Work collaboratively to create powerful proposals, cases for support and investment-ready budgets

What we’re looking for

We’re searching for someone experienced in corporate fundraising, who cares about our mission, is proactive, confident and experienced in developing new business.

You’ll bring:

• A successful track record in high-value business development or corporate fundraising, including securing six-figure, multi-year support
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability and confidence to interact with new and existing companies
• Experience of successfully developing cultivation plans to engage new funders
• Ability to research and identify potential new funders
• Ability to translate complex programme detail into compelling pitches, proposals and reports
• Ability to help develop and report on project budgets
• Experience to multi-task and prioritise efficiently
• A collaborative and proactive mindset, and ability to work on own initiative
• A commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer globally
• Understanding of project management

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a small, ambitious and supportive team with a proven track record and the scope to grow. With corporate fundraising still an under-developed income stream at World Child Cancer, there is a genuine opportunity to make your mark, influence strategy, and see the impact of your work on children and families around the world.

Terms of employment:

• Generous 8% employer pension contribution after 3 months
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + an additional day at Christmas
• Hybrid working with flexibility

· Location: Hybrid working, with 1 day per week in the office in London, on Thursdays

If you want your work to matter and want to help drive life-changing progress in childhood cancer survival, this could be the role for you.

Harris Hill is proud to be partnering with the Community Land Trust Network to recruit a New Business, Partnerships and Innovation Manager — an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected national charity championing land justice, community ownership and social equity.

About the Role

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £45,200–£55,200 (depending on skills and experience)

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to become permanent

Working Hours:

· 3 days / 21 hours per week (with reduced duties), or

· 4 days / 28 hours per week
Working pattern negotiable

Location: Remote/home-based

This newly created role will play a pivotal part in expanding the charity’s income and influence. You will:

• Lead on new business development, nurturing existing supporters and securing new partnerships with developers, housing associations, local authorities, funders and other stakeholders.
• Shape and grow their consultancy and service offer, helping reduce reliance on grant funding.
• Support the roll-out of their Growth Lab, working with practitioners and community groups to develop innovative models, products and services for Community Land Trusts.
• Capture insights, impact and learning to strengthen the case for scaling these innovations.
• Work closely with the CEO on funding proposals, partnership development and strategic initiatives.

This role offers variety, influence and the chance to help shape a major area of the charity’s future work. The team operates fully remotely, with a warm, collaborative culture and a strong focus on wellbeing.

About You

They are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in partnerships, business development, philanthropy or account management — and enjoys turning opportunities into long-term relationships.
• Communicates with clarity, confidence and professionalism across sectors including business, charity, local government and community groups.
• Is entrepreneurial, proactive and excited by innovation and co-creation.
• Shares a commitment to social justice, equity and community-led change.

Key Dates

• Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 12th January 2026

How to Apply

Please email Hannah Laking at Harris Hill to request the full job pack, or you can download it directly from this advert. If you’d like to learn more about the role, you’re welcome to book a call with Hannah. Alternatively, you can simply send your CV and supporting statement which must follow the structure outlined in the job pack before the closing date, and Hannah will get in touch.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Use your strategic human resource leadership skills to help bring freedom from slavery and violence.

At IJM, we’re seeing the impossible become reality: entire justice systems transformed, violence reduced by up to 85%, and thousands of lives transformed. Now we’re stepping into a new season—scaling to rescue and protect millions.

To get there, we’re looking for an HR Business Partner to support the growth of our Programme Offices and Advancement Offices in Europe and Africa. You will serve as a bridge between regional and global leaders, ensuring we are aligned to our ambitious global mission and priorities. You will develop a strategic HR function for the region that supports talent acquisition and development, embeds our culture of agility and partnership, data-driven decision-making and spiritual formation.

You will bring outstanding HR business partnering experience at progressively senior levels, ideally within complex, matrixed and global organizations, a passion for justice and a mature Christian faith.

If you’re ready to put your strategic HR leadership skills to work so that all may be free, please see the job pack attached and prayerfully consider joining us. Closing date 7th January.

The Family Treatment Service (TFTS) is a respected, CQC-registered, not-for-profit mental health clinic based in Wimbledon Village. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, and families, with specialist services, and a growing multidisciplinary team.

As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are seeking a Managing Director to take over day-to-day leadership from our founding team. This is a rare opportunity to guide a well-established and values-driven service through transition—maintaining our clinical integrity while strengthening operational systems and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation through a structured transition period, working closely with the founders to preserve TFTS’s ethos and high standards of care.
• Oversee all business and operational functions, including HR, finance, governance, and compliance.
• Ensure full CQC and regulatory compliance, with strong governance and risk management.
• Develop and deliver a strategic plan for sustainable growth, innovation, and service development.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture—supporting staff wellbeing, communication, and professional development.

About You

• Proven senior leadership experience in a CQC-registered healthcare, charity, or not-for-profit setting.
• Strong commercial and operational management skills with financial oversight experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—able to lead with empathy during change.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of implementing operational improvements.
• (Desirable) Experience in mental health or family-centred services and leading organisational transformation.

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

About the role

This new Lead role sits within the Design Council Programmes Team led by the Chief Design Officer and has responsibility for leading the development and embedding of our funding strategy. Coordinating income generation of ~£2m per year including securing £250k of philanthropic (T&Fs, corporates, other sources) funding in the first year, the role also has the objective of growing overall revenue but in line with the refreshed Design Council business and funding model to ensure it remains strategically aligned and sustainable.​

Reporting to the Head of Programmes with a dotted line to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for oversight of the overall revenue pipeline, working across the organisation to have full line of sight of funding opportunities and partnerships and ensure a consistent approach to how we generate revenue. ​​

You will drive an effective stakeholder engagement plan, working closely with the Communications team to ensure campaigns and events help build and maintain a strong network of funder relationships and strengthening our profile as a charity. ​

The scope covers directly securing philanthropic/corporate partner funding as well as supporting wider commercial income generation and also ensuring they are all anchored in our Theory of Change and enable long term income growth.​

Our core programmes of work support delivery of our Theory of Change encompassing Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research. We are looking to create and grow funding partnerships through a variety of activities including events, learning and training and world leading research, and the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead will play a critical role in developing funding relationships, securing them, both directly and also supporting the wider team.

Key Responsibilties 

 1. New Funding Generation and Planning​

• Lead the identification of new revenue opportunities across the range of Design Council propositions with the objective of growing total revenue base, in line with the Design Council funding strategy and business model​

• Overall accountability for converting philanthropic (T&Fs, corporate sponsorship etc) opportunities into secured new partnership funding and supporting on conversion of funding partnerships for other commercial (paid project) work​

• Working closely with Chief Design Office, Head of Programmes and in particularly the Programme Leads to ensure each area of work (Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research) has an appropriate funding plan including a roadmap for future development​

• Support Programme Leads, Head of Communications and CDO in identifying opportunities to commercialise core propositions and other DC assets in line with our Design for Planet ethos and market-making approach​

• Overall owner of marketing and other funding collateral to support Programme Leads in growing revenue from their respective propositions as well as new promotion of Design Council for potential new funders and other partners, and working with the Communications team to develop and maintain it​​

2. Partner Cultivation and Stewardship​

• Personally build and maintain relationships with existing partners ensuring consistent engagement and communication ​

• Identify, research, and qualify potential philanthropic and corporate funding partner prospects​

• Develop and implement partner stewardship plans including communication approach and in person engagement, including long term relationships that can secure multi-year significant levels of funding as well as growing it over time​

• Seek out, regularly attend and drive external events and meetings to build personal relationships and extend partner network​​

3. Grant and Commercial Proposal Development & Bid Writing​

• Support Programme Leads in researching and identifying potential grant and commercial opportunities from foundations and other private or public organisations​

• Lead engagement with potential funders in terms of submission of new proposals for all partner-funded work and support Programme Leads to ensure consistency and coherence for our paid project work​

• Support and sometimes lead writing compelling grant proposals and commercial bids, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. ​

• Lead or support others on tactics to ensure bids are successfully converted

4. Event Planning and Execution​

• Assist Senior Events Manager with organizing fundraising events and other events designed to support future revenue growth through funding partners​

• Regularly scan the external environment for relevant external events Design Council should be attending​

• Ensure appropriate marketing collateral is developed and maintained to support and promote Design Council events aimed at fundraising​

• Be a key DC representative at events, maximising the potential of income opportunities and raising the profile of the organisation and its objectives​​

5. Data Management and Reporting​

• Overall process owner for managing the pipeline of partnership opportunities across both revenue-generating prospects and non-revenue generating prospects​

• Overall custodian of the funding pipeline including holding Programme Managers to account to ensure accurate maintenance of CRM records ​

• Working closely with COO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure accurate and timely reporting and effective internal meetings to track status of the funding pipeline​

• Support Programme Managers in researching funding trends and market changes​​

6. Line Manager for Partnerships Programme Manager​

• Provide quality line management guidance and support to the Partnerships Programme Manager, ensuring clear and motivating goals and regularly and meaningful feedback​

• Support the Partnerships Programme Manager in their learning and development, with regular reviews of their Individual Development Plan and career aspirations​

• Be a source of learning and guidance for the wider Programmes Team in terms of fundraising and partnership development

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a driven, self-motivated and hands-on individual, with a track record of securing funding from a range of sources and growing revenue in a national not-for-profit or commercial organisation. ​

You will be ambitious for Design Council’s aspiration of reaching £8m revenue by 2031 and be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and experience of developing revenue generation strategies and converting opportunities into secured income. ​

You will also know that fundraising  is challenging and competitive, so you will be resilient and experienced in building the relationships that can secures six-figure+ multi-year income. Therefore you need to be brilliant at building external networks, joining the dots and seeing opportunities to connect people and ideas for the benefit of organisational strategy. ​

You must also be excellent at building and nurturing relationships, with a wide range of external stakeholders, and also effectively collaborate internally across the organisation.​

You are a natural salesperson, able to identify opportunities and have compelling conversations that lead to partnerships and revenue.​

This is a growing role with lots of moving parts, so we’re looking for a someone who is flexible and adaptable, who proactively identifies challenges and opportunities.​

You are passionate about our Design for Planet and Green Design Skills missions and demonstrate an ability to think strategically as well as commercially and work collaboratively.

Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience fundraising / revenue generation in a commercial or not-for-profit sector organisation
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals or foundations
• Ability to create fundraising strategies and help execute them
• Grant / bid writing experience for both grants and commercial tenders
• Ideally have an existing network of potential funders / partners, and confident in use of events and marketing to drive interest and engagement
• Experience of funding agreements and commercial contracts
• Have line management experience and a passion for developing people
• Ideally have experience of government funding and other public bodies

You will also be

• A confident and excellent communicator
• A natural in external engagements and new environments and with new people
• Willing and able to attend regular external events (London and elsewhere in the UK)
• Empathetic, pragmatic and adaptable, with a solutions-mindset
• Proactive, hands on and willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Cognisant of the importance of accurate data, effective processes and knowledge of working with CRMs
• Confident working at different levels within an organisation
• Willing and able to take a risk-based approach to making decisions
• Curious and open to new ideas and ways of working
• A team player and natural collaborator but also comfortable working on your own
• Resilient and comfortable with navigating through change
• Aware of some of the rewards and challenges of working in the not-for-profit sector
• Passionate about Design for Planet​ and the power of design