Corporate development lead jobs

The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to demonstrate a proven ability of writing persuasive and compelling copy to achieve support, as well as proven ability of developing strong relationships with supporters, customers or clients from a charity, consumer or business career.

About UKCF 

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible. 

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference. As well as supporting our members, at UKCF we explore social challenges, we provide national funding and we work with those who have the solutions to improve lives. 

Benefits of working at UKCF include 30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, up to two days paid leave for volunteer days, enhanced pension and a flexible working plan. As a disability confident employer, we encourage applications irrespective of your age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex or sexual orientation. 

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join UKCF at a time of growth, ambition and innovation. We are looking for an interim Partnerships Officer to help us build and deliver impactful national partnerships that bring real, measurable benefits to communities across the UK. 

Initially for a period of six months, you will hit the ground running to pick up an existing portfolio of national programmes currently under delivery. You’ll lead on programme administration including design and delivery, as well as collaborating with UKCF finance and membership colleagues to collate and disseminate programme data for funders and internal stakeholders. 

In this client facing role, you will be responsible for administration and operational support in the development, delivery, and evaluation of high-value, strategic partnerships, whether with government departments, major trusts and foundations, corporate partners, or other longstanding partners. 

You’ll work closely with the Director of Partnerships & Insight and community foundations to deliver an existing portfolio of programmes and to shape strong proposals and administer the end-to-end implementation of new partnerships. 

You’ll also play a key role in helping UKCF and the wider network become more insight-led and data-driven, strengthening our approach to programme design, learning, and impact evaluation.

This role requires exceptional organisational, programme and project management skills. Experience in a trust or foundation, grantmaking, especially within programme design, is a bonus.

You will report to the Director of Partnerships & Insight and also work closely with the wider team including finance, membership and communications staff. 

Key responsibilities 

• Programme delivery and administration – Support the smooth running of national partnerships and programmes, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Maintain accurate financial and programme records, track deadlines, and make sure monitoring and reporting requirements are met. 

• Reporting and insight – Analyse programme data and contribute to clear, high-quality reports for funders, partners, and internal teams. Capture learning and examples of good practice to strengthen future programmes. 

• Collaboration and communication – Work closely with colleagues across UKCF, including communications, finance and membership, to ensure effective programme delivery. Provide timely advice and support to team members, community foundations, and funders, resolving queries quickly and accurately. 

• Relationships and improvement – Build and maintain strong, positive working relationships with funders, community foundations, and delivery partners. Identify opportunities to refine and improve processes to make delivery more efficient and impactful. 

Who we’re looking for: 

We’re seeking someone who is proactive, highly organised, confident with data, and comfortable juggling competing priorities while building strong relationships. You’ll bring experience in programme administration, accurate record-keeping, and reporting, with the ability to translate information into clear insights. Strong digital and technology skills are important, as is the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners. Ideally, you’ll also have some experience in grant-making, process improvement, or using systems like Salesforce, but above all we’re looking for someone who is adaptable, curious, and motivated by UKCF’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, and ambition for communities. 

ROLE SUMMARY 

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships & Insight, this role is central to the effective day-to-day running of UKCF’s national partnerships and grant programmes. You will play a key role in keeping programmes on schedule and within budget, with strong administration and attention to detail at the heart of the position. At the same time, you will build and maintain positive working relationships with funders, community foundations, and colleagues across UKCF, acting as a reliable point of contact and ensuring information flows smoothly. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys balancing deadlines and detail with the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of people. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Under the supervision of the Director of Partnerships & Insight ensure the partnerships and programmes are delivered on time and in budget. 

• Administer the partnerships and programmes, keeping accurate records of funding allocated, spending by Community Foundations, and collating monitoring reports etc.

• Analyse partnership and programme data and contribute to reports for funders and internal teams. 

• Write and/or support with production of internal and external reports on delivery and impact. 

• Work closely with the UKCF Communications, Finance and Membership teams to deliver programmes.

• Develop and maintain quality relationships with delivery partners, including Community Foundations and funders. 

• Provide appropriate advice, guidance and support for grant applicants, Community Foundations or funders.

• Capture good practice and learning from grant recipients, Community Foundations and funders. 

• Identify refinements and improvements to our programmes

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED 

Essential: 

• Support and administration – accuracy/record keeping/ working to deadlines across multiple programmes and/or priorities 

• Customer service/relationship management

• Analysing information and producing or contributing to reports

• Working as part of a team

• Experienced with Microsoft Office, with strong excel skills 

Desirable: 

• Implementing new processes to streamline and improve delivery 

• Grant making

• Experience of community foundations

• Experience with Salesforce or other similar CRM system

• Analytical experience – used to working with large data sets

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills 

• Persuasion and interpersonal skills; diplomatic, and confident with people from all backgrounds 

• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities 

• Ability to problem solve and act on initiative 

• Committed to learning and developing skills and experience 

• Willingness to learn and take on a variety of tasks 

• Creative, thorough & organised, flexible, and intuitive

This is initially a 6 month contract, full time 35 hours per week, remote working but with the opportunity to work flexibly from the London office if desired.

A rapid start is required - please state notice period on application.

We’re looking for a proactive and well-organised individual to support the core operations of our dynamic charity. Working closely with the Creekside Manager and wider team - including staff, volunteers and trustees - you’ll ensure our administrative, financial, and project work runs smoothly and efficiently.

This varied role offers the chance to get involved in exciting and nuanced tasks and projects, where your attention to detail, problem-solving skills and clear communication will really shine. As the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, you’ll play a key role in keeping everything connected and on track.

You’ll be pivotal to the sustainable growth of Creekside, with opportunities to contribute across all areas of our work - from nature conservation and lifelong learning to community engagement. If you’re passionate about urban wildlife and want to help others connect with it, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a part time role (15-18 hours per week) and flexible working arrangements will be considered and discussed at interview. There may be some evening and weekend commitments for which TOIL is given.

Full Time Salary: £28,500 per annum, pro rata. Other benefits include 22 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays and a Christmas closure period, and 3% employer pension contribution.