Corporate business development executive jobs

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do. We stand by them and we work together for change.

Alongside an incredible team of like-minded peers, you’ll be working behind-the-scenes to support our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. You will be helping our work happen across the charity; enabling us to care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support.

The Role

As the Head of Business Development, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery to stabilise and strengthen the Trust’s business development approach. You will lead the end-to-end opportunity pipeline - from market intelligence and commissioner engagement through to bid development, governance and mobilisation handover - ensuring opportunities are aligned to strategy, deliver strong outcomes, and are financially viable.

Hours: 37.5 Hours 

Contract : Permanent 

Salary: £48,022.00 

Location: Cheadle, Stockport

Responsibilities include but are not exhaustive

• Provide visible interim leadership for the Trust’s business development function, setting clear priorities and ways of working, and coordinating contribution from service, operational, clinical and corporate colleagues.
• Develop and maintain a Trust-wide opportunity pipeline (tenders, frameworks, spot-purchase growth, strategic partnerships and other commissioned income routes), including qualification, prioritisation, and clear next steps.
• Lead proactive engagement with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS partners and other stakeholders to understand demand, shape specifications where appropriate, and position the Trust effectively.
• Own the end-to-end bid process: establish bid plans, coordinate contributors, draft and quality-assure responses, and ensure submissions are compliant, persuasive, and submitted on time.
• Work with Finance and service leads to ensure all bids and proposals are underpinned by robust costing, pricing, risk assessment and contract terms review; ensure financial viability and appropriate approvals before submission.
• Create and embed a practical bid governance approach (stage-gates, templates, timelines and sign-off), so that bidding is consistent, efficient and auditable.
• Champion the Together Trust’s vision, mission and values, and role model the Trust’s behaviours.
• Commit to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in how opportunities are developed and how the Trust works with partners.
• Maintain a visible presence across Trust services and corporate teams, balancing hybrid working with on-site engagement as needed.

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent senior leadership experience).
• Evidence of continuing professional development in leadership, commissioning, commercial practice or service transformation
• Significant senior experience in commissioning, business development, service development or strategic partnership working within a public service environment (e.g. local authority, NHS, education, social care, VCFSE).
• Proven track record of developing successful proposals, business cases, tenders or commissioning documentation - including coordinating multiple contributors to deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging credibly with senior commissioners and partners.
  • Good understanding of public sector commissioning and procurement routes, including tendering, frameworks and contract governance.
  • Understanding of the importance of safeguarding, quality and regulatory expectations when developing and mobilising services for children, young people and adults.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, identify options and recommend proportionate solutions.
• Full UK driving license with ability to travel across Together Trust locations and to partner/commissioner meetings as required.

Benefits

• Annual Leave 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit, up to 7% company pension contributions initially rising with length of service and up to 6 x basic salary death in service benefit.
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session  in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Find out more — watch our short video to see what it’s like to work with us:

https://youtu.be/SEnw2o00T6E

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy.

Job description

Role: Partnerships and Programme Development Manager

Directorate: External Affairs

Team: Corporate Partnerships

Manager: Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager

Direct reports: N/A

Role purpose

This role supports the development of WorldSkills UK’s income and partnership activity by turning programmes and ideas into clear, compelling funding opportunities. You will work across teams to develop proposals, manage partnerships, and support reporting and planning processes that contribute to long-term financial sustainability.

You will play a key role in strengthening how we plan, communicate and deliver partnership activity, helping to build strong relationships with funders and partners while improving internal systems and processes.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Partnership and project delivery

· Manage delivery of partnerships and events, ensuring they are well planned, on time and within budget

· Support management of key strategic partner relationships

· Coordinate teams and stakeholders to deliver partnership activities

· Ensure partnerships align with WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and equity, diversity and inclusion commitments

Income development and proposals

· Develop funding opportunities from programmes and organisational activities

· Produce high-quality proposals, presentations and funding applications

· Support applications to trusts, foundations and corporate partners

· Contribute to the development of partnership agreements and documentation

Reporting and planning

· Support delivery of income and fundraising plans through regular monitoring and reporting

· Track progress against agreed objectives and provide clear updates and analysis

· Contribute to income forecasting and financial tracking, working with colleagues in Finance and across the organisation

· Support the development and reporting of project plans (Project Initiation Documents) and associated performance measures

Systems, processes and knowledge management

· Use and help improve our CRM system (HubSpot) to manage relationships and track opportunities

· Maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting systems to support partnership activity

· Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and streamline processes across the team

Research and pipeline development

· Carry out research to identify potential partners, funding opportunities and sector trends

· Support the development of a strong and diverse pipeline of prospective partners

· Contribute to internal decision-making by providing relevant insights and analysis

General

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, employees at this level are expected to:

· Produce specification requirements in line with procurement processes for outsourced activity

· Contribute to organisational risk and issues management processes.

· Support delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business plan

· Ensure resources (staff, suppliers, partners, volunteers) are managed efficiently and effectively

· Contribute to a performance‑driven culture with robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting

· Demonstrate WorldSkills UK’s values in all aspects of the role, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the role and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder taking account of their experience, skills and capability

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

About the role

The Social Media Executive sits in the Media & Communications’ team and plays a key role in elevating Spear’s brand and mission by producing engaging, story-driven digital content, with a strong focus on video, for social platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This role centres on amplifying the voices and experiences of young people on the Spear Programme, creating authentic content that inspires audiences including young people, supporters and corporate partners.

Based in London, but working with colleagues across Spear Centres nationwide, the Social Media Executive will create engaging content in line with our social media strategy. Working from concept to filming, editing, and performance analysis, this role will also empower coaches, alumni and ambassadors to produce user-generated content. The role requires creativity, adaptability to digital trends, and strong relationship-building skills to capture impactful stories.

Key information:

• Salary: from £27,000 pro rata 
• Contract: 4 days a week, 10 months fixed term 
• Location: London Office with regional travel 
• Closing date: Friday 27th April, 09.00am (we interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate)
• For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• A passion for storytelling and sharing good news.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with a range of people and help them feel comfortable on camera or in interviews
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative content ideas that engage and inspire our audience. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt tone and style to different platforms and audiences. 
• Organisational skills – the ability to plan your time, competing projects and travel. 
• Around two years' experience in a related role (eg marketing, videography, communications) or experience as a content creator in another capacity.
• Skilled in video making on a smartphone, including shooting and editing. Experience in video editing software such as iMovie or Final Cut Pro a bonus. 
• (Desirable) experience working directly with young people.

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer. 

We’re looking for a Corporate Partnerships Manager – New Business to help secure high-value partnerships that fund life-changing work for people affected by blood cancer. 

Now is an incredibly exciting time to join us. Our corporate partnerships team are delivering unprecedented success, with over £10 million raised from the insurance sector in the last three years alone, along with securing another high-profile seven-figure partnership in the last year.  

We are about to launch a major appeal with corporate partnerships vital to its £25million target and success, we are supported by a highly engaged board of senior leaders and CEOs from finance, insurance, tech and pharmaceuticals who are actively working with us to drive new business opportunities.  

You’ll build a strong pipeline, shape compelling proposals, and engage senior stakeholders with confidence and credibility. Success in this role comes from staying focused through challenges, adapting your approach, and maintaining momentum; bringing insight, resilience, and determination to every interaction to create partnerships that deliver real impact. 

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy, we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives. 

You will be building great relationships with our Corporate members and involving them with the work of the trust and inspiring them to support our range of inspiring projects. You will use your networking skills at events to proactively find new corporate supporters, and retain our existing supporters by running corporate events on our nature reserves across the county. You will further develop our corporate volunteering offering, working closely with our land management team, creating great days out for our supporters’ employees that they’ll recommend to their colleagues.

You will be an active member of the Fundraising team, sharing skills and ideas at regular meetings. The role will require extensive travel throughout the county, visiting networking events and arranging relationships between corporates and our wildlife projects, such as the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre. You will have a creative and innovative approach to the role, working on new ways to secure support from businesses from across the county. You will enjoy getting involved in fundraising events that include that whole fundraising department to create new income streams for the trust.

About Emmaus

Emmaus Merseyside is an award-winning charity that empowers people to overcome homelessness for good. We provide people with a stable home and life-changing tailored support.

We’re here for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We see the person and their strengths – and help them get their life back on track, based on the future they want to create. As part of a nationwide movement of local Emmaus charities, we equip people with valuable skills, training and work experience to achieve their goals.

No one’s life should be defined by homelessness. In our caring community, we build on each individual’s abilities, increasing their confidence and self-esteem. The people we support have a purpose and a chance to make a real contribution to their community.

About the role

As Chief Executive Officer, you will be the heartbeat and guiding force of Emmaus Merseyside. This is a role for a leader who believes deeply in people and the power of community.

You will champion our mission, inspire our companions, staff and volunteers, and ensure our organisation continues to grow in strength, resilience and impact. Balancing strategic vision with hands‑on leadership, you will help shape a future where every person we support has the opportunity to thrive.

We are seeking a visible CEO who is grounded in the Emmaus values and passionate about supporting others to succeed. This exciting role is suited to someone who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day involvement; who listens, brings people with them and leads with empathy, clarity and purpose.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible difference, lead an established charity, and shape the future of a community that changes lives every day.

Please find attached the Applicant Information Pack below, which includes the job description and person specification.

How to apply

To apply for the role, please download the attached Applicant Information Pack below, which includes the job description and person specification.

You are invited to submit a CV and a tailored covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, along with your alignment to our values and mission. Please apply before the closing date for applications, 10am on Friday 17 April.

Following an initial longlisting process, selected candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with a trustee. This provides an opportunity to learn more about Emmaus Merseyside, the role and our community. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend a formal interview and deliver a presentation on Thursday 23 April. 

This staged approach is designed to provide a supportive and transparent experience, enabling both candidates and the Board of Trustees to explore mutual fit and leadership alignment.

Join The 180 Project at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. As we scale our impact, expand our social enterprise, we are seeking a Head of Corporate Services to help shape our future.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on management. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will strengthen our financial sustainability, build robust systems, and unlock new opportunities through partnerships and income generation. You will play a central role in ensuring the organisation is operationally strong, compliant, and ready to grow, enabling us to reach more people who need us most.

If you are a values-driven leader who thrives on both shaping strategy and making things happen day-to-day, this is a chance to be part of something meaningful and make a lasting impact.

Together for Short Lives is looking for a driven and creative Business Development Manager to develop and secure high‑value corporate partnerships that will help transform the lives of seriously ill children and their families. You’ll lead our business development strategy, build a strong pipeline of opportunities, and develop lasting relationships with prospective and existing supporters.

If you’re collaborative, tenacious and passionate about making a real impact in children’s palliative care, we’d love to hear from you.

Full‑time 1 year FTC | Hybrid (UK‑wide with travel to our Bristol Office) | £42,000

Purpose of role

The Business Development Manager will lead our efforts to secure high-profile, high-value partnerships with corporate organisations  that will generate vital income for children's palliative care. Securing new partnerships and growing our income requires exceptional collaboration skills; a driven, tenacious and resourceful nature; innovation and creativity; and a passionate determination to make a difference to the lives of children and families across the UK.

The main objectives are as follows:

1. Secure new corporate partnerships raising funds to support Together for Short Lives’ direct work, and our National Fundraising Scheme (raising funds on behalf of the UK’s children’s hospices).
2. Develop and deliver a business development strategy, including  prospect research, managing  a robust pipeline of opportunities, and developing a diverse range of business development products. 
3. Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of individual contacts and organisations, including prospective and existing supporters.

About Us

Catholic Care is a values-led charity dedicated to supporting individuals, families and communities through empowering and high-quality services. Guided by our values and mission, we empower the Yorkshire community to deliver lasting impact where it matters most.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate for the role of Head of Corporate Services to join our Strategic Leadership Team (SLT). This is a key leadership role with responsibility for leading and managing all corporate support functions across the Charity.

The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring the organisation operates efficiently, remains compliant with all regulatory requirements and is well-positioned to deliver its strategic objectives. This is a hands-on role, where most operational tasks (excluding HR) are undertaken directly by the post-holder.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all corporate support functions across the Charity
• Ensure effective systems, processes and compliance frameworks are in place
• Oversee organisational governance, administration, IT and health & safety (via external contractors)
• Support the Chief Executive and SLT in delivering strategic objectives
• Contribute to the wider strategic development of the Charity
• Manage key external contracts, including IT and Health & Safety
• Promote and uphold the values and ethos of Catholic Care in all areas of work

About You

We are looking for a motivated and values-driven professional who brings:

• Significant experience in a senior operational, corporate services or business support role
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple functions
• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational systems or willingness to learn
• Confidence in managing external contracts and service providers
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• A proactive, hands-on approach to work
• A commitment to the mission, values and ethos of Catholic Care

Experience within the charity or social care sector is desirable but not essential.

Pre-Application Discussion

Before applying for this role, it is mandatory to attend an informal discussion with our Chief Executive, either in person or via Microsoft Teams.

This is not an assessed part of the recruitment process. Instead, it is an opportunity for you to learn more about the role, our work and the mission of Catholic Care, helping you decide whether this is the right opportunity for you.

To arrange a meeting, please contact: Charlotte Grinham

You will be part of a small energetic and committed team supporting the delivery of Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s philanthropy and income generation ambitions. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will help grow and steward support from individuals, corporate, charitable and statutory donors, with a lead responsibility for a defined portfolio of relationships and initiatives.

Fundraising and relationship building happen across the charity, and you will manage your own portfolio of donors and partners and work with the Chief Executive and wider team to co-ordinate activity, share insight and maximise opportunities for place based philanthropy in Northamptonshire.

You will need confidence, excellent communication skills and the ability to plan and deliver projects as part of a highly collaborative team. You will be comfortable cultivating, stewarding and sometimes soliciting charitable donations yourself, as well as creating opportunities for the Chief Executive to engage with donors and prospective supporters.

Willen Hospice is seeking an exceptional Relationship Manager to lead our high‑value philanthropy and business partnership programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to shape strategy, inspire a talented team, and build meaningful partnerships that make a real difference to patients, families, and our community.

What you’ll do:

✅ Grow and lead high‑value income streams
 Develop and deliver ambitious strategies for major donor and business partnerships, driving sustainable growth and long‑term value.

✅ Build and steward strategic relationships
 Engage senior leaders, philanthropists, boards, and corporate partners with confidence, credibility, and gravitas.

✅ Inspire and develop a team
 Provide strong values‑driven leadership, fostering high performance through coaching, development, and clear accountability.

✅ Create innovative partnership and engagement programmes
 Co‑design creative corporate propositions, high‑value donor journeys, and multi‑channel engagement activities.

✅ Use insight, data and intelligence to drive decisions
 Analyse trends, monitor KPIs, manage budgets, and apply insight to shape strategy and spot opportunities.

✅ Champion a supporter‑first culture
 Work collaboratively across Fundraising, Marketing, Supporter Care and wider teams to deliver seamless, meaningful supporter experiences.

We’re looking for someone who is:

· A confident relationship builder, able to communicate with influence, tact, warmth and professionalism at senior levels.

· Experienced in high‑value fundraising or business development, with at least three years’ experience growing accounts or securing significant support.

· Strategic and analytical, able to interpret insight, assess ROI, forecast pipelines and adjust plans based on evidence.

· A motivating and supportive leader, skilled at coaching, developing and inspiring teams.

· Collaborative and creative, with a track record of designing compelling propositions.

· Highly organised, able to plan workloads, manage competing priorities, and deliver against ambitious KPIs.

· Values‑driven, demonstrating integrity, empathy, professionalism and alignment with Willen Hospice’s mission.

With experience with:

· Major donor cultivation, stewardship and proposal development

· Corporate partnerships, employee engagement and sponsorship negotiation

· CRM systems, data analysis and reporting

· Working with senior stakeholders, boards, executives and trustees

· Managing budgets, monitoring KPIs and making evidence‑based decisions

Who we are:

Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient’s needs and supports their loved ones too. We have a thriving Therapeutic & Wellbeing service providing counselling, physiotherapy, activity groups and more, and a specialist Lymphoedema service. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.

Why join us?

✅ A role with purpose – be part of a team delivering outstanding palliative care.

✅ Supportive and caring environment – work with passionate colleagues.

✅ Great benefits package – including 35 days' holiday, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.

✅ Perks and extras – free on-site parking, subsidised catering, Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.

XLP is a vibrant youth work charity dedicated to shaping bright futures for young people. Leading the charge 
against poverty and educational failure in inner London, we offer holistic, long-term support to 11- to 25-yearolds in both schools and communities.

We are looking for an ambitious, hopeful and relationship-driven Corporate and Statutory Partnerships 
Director.

This role is pivotal to our growth plans and will generate significant and sustainable income by galvanizing and 
deepening corporate and statutory partner engagement and support.

Based in the heart of the City, you will combine commercial instinct with social purpose. You will 
build impactful partnerships that will enable and empower positive outcomes for young people whilst also 
contributing to improved social value for corporate and statutory partners. You will have senior-level 
experience in corporate fundraising, corporate social responsibility or business and partnership 
development.

Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering with a great charity to recruit the Business Development Manager to help drive forward the charity mission at a crucial time, as they adapt to a changing funding landscape and build sustainable income for the future.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a key leadership role within the organisation. You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering income generation strategies, building strong partnerships, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

This is a hands on and varied role where you will:

• Lead and grow diverse income streams including grants, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising
• Develop compelling funding proposals and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, and stakeholders
• Oversee flagship fundraising events and support third-party fundraisers
• Line manage charity shop managers and nurture a network of volunteers
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
• Represent the charity externally with confidence and professionalism

About You

We are looking for a proactive, organised and motivated individual who can think strategically while delivering practical results.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or a similar role
• Strong track record in securing funding (grants, trusts, corporate, or individual giving)
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing events, campaigns, and stakeholder relationships
• Confidence in presenting, networking, and representing an organisation
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• Experience managing staff or volunteers
• A collaborative, resilient, and adaptable approach

Experience within the charity sector and knowledge of fundraising regulations is desirable.

Full job description available upon request.

Salary: £35,229- £40,885 per annum, pro rata 

Contract Type: permanent, part-time, Flexible (maximum 30 hours per week)

Location: Stockport

Application: Cv and Supporting statement to

Deadline: On rolling basis

If you’re interested and would like to review a full job description, please contact Hannah.

Harris Hill Charities Recruitment Specialists operates an equal opportunity policy and commits to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

As Head of Partnerships & Income Development you will own the development and delivery of the SMF’s income generation strategy so that we can raise the funds and build the partnerships we need to meet our ambitions.

Location: Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle. We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising strategy and leadership

• Set and implement a robust income generation strategy to enable the SMF to achieve its strategic ambitions, setting targets, monitoring and reporting on income performance and supporting accurate forecasts and projections
• Lead a culture of excellent fundraising and relationship management across the SMF and ensure the right resources, systems and skills are in place to support all staff that hold funding relationships
• Represent the SMF externally with funders, partners and other stakeholders, seeking opportunities to increase our network and build our influence and reputation as an effective charity partner 
• Work with the Head of Finance and Operations to ensure strong processes to support income generation including income forecasts, budgets and partnership reports and records  

 2. Corporate Partnerships 

• Oversee the SMF’s portfolio of corporate partnerships including strategic partnerships and partnerships focused on enabling and enhancing our student programmes
• Manage individual high value corporate partnerships and ensure excellent stewardship of all our corporate partnerships
• Oversee the development of compelling cases for support and a robust new business pipeline for corporate partnerships 
• Oversee our corporate volunteering offer including employee volunteering with our student programmes and skilled volunteering/pro bono support

3. Business development 

• Oversee the delivery and development of the Social Mobility Employer Index  
• Oversee the design and development of other products and services for employers through which the SMF can earn income and influence workplace social mobility 

4. Trusts and foundations 

• Oversee the SMF’s relationships with trusts and foundations, building a strong long-term funding pipeline  
• Build and manage relationships with key trusts and foundations

5. Philanthropy and individual giving   

• Oversee the development of our supporter community and opportunities for individual giving and fundraising through challenge events 
• Identify opportunities to build philanthropic relationships with individual donors and supporters

6. Leadership and management 

• Manage, motivate and develop the team, setting team and individual goals and evaluating performance, coaching and motivating staff and supporting professional development and staff wellbeing 
• Lead across the organisation, fostering a collaborative and high performance culture and modelling the SMF’s leadership behaviours 
• Work with the CEO and the rest of the SMT to shape the SMF’s strategic priorities, set the annual business plan, budget and key projects, and monitor delivery and performance

Please see full job description attached for more details. 

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

• Experience in managing a significant funding portfolio, stewarding and developing partnerships and ensuring effective account management
• Experience in securing funding, including scoping opportunities and prospects, setting targets and building a pipeline, and shaping proposals 
• Confident in representing the SMF externally and engaging with senior stakeholders 
• Able to motivate, develop and inspire a team and ensure that high standards of performance and behaviours are maintained 
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and forecasts, team and individual income targets and monitor income performance 
• Familiar with using a CRM as a tool for partnership and income development

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Tuesday 28th April 2026 and provide the following information:

1) A recent work history, detailing:
       i.     Job title
       ii.    Employer
       iii.   Dates of employment/Period in post

2) A cover letter detailing your skills and experience, with reference to the key responsibilities and person specification for the role (750 words max.)

3) Give an example of an important funding relationship you have secured or grown, and explain how you identified the opportunity, what you did, and what were the outcomes and benefits (800 words max.)