Development director jobs in Manchester
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Purpose of the Role
The Director of External Affairs and Growth is an SLT role responsible for leveraging the voice and power of the eoa's network to influence and accelerate the growth of the employee owned sector.
The role leads the eoa’s external affairs, policy and insights, marcomms and events, shaping the external environment for employee ownership and securing the funding and commercial income needed to support sustainable sector growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead external affairs strategy, building the relationships and influence needed to shape policy, remove barriers and expand EO.
- Build strategic relationships and secure grant funding and commercial partnerships, generating income to support advocacy, events and sector growth initiatives, including the UK EO Growth Strategy.
- Oversee our policy and insights work, engaging key stakeholders to co-produce content that influences EO practice and policy and strengthens the eoa’s voice in public affairs.
- Oversee the delivery of a mar-comms strategy that delivers commercial objectives and positions the eoa as the leading authority on EO.
- Oversee our events programmes, ensuring they drive knowledge-sharing, sector development
- and commercial sustainability.
- Represent the eoa at industry forums, policy roundtables and public affairs events,
- championing the employee ownership model.
- Collaborate with the Director of Membership and Operations to align advocacy and external
- engagement with member needs and priorities.
- Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering innovation and delivering measurable impact across income generation, advocacy, policy, events and mar-comms activities
Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes
- Proven expertise in external affairs, advocacy, or policy leadership, ideally within a business, trade body, or membership association.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing government, media, and corporate partners.
- Demonstrated ability to drive sectoral or policy change, leading successful advocacy initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience in sponsorship acquisition, revenue generation, grant funding and developing financially sustainable initiatives.
- Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, able to engage and mobilise diverse audiences.
- Experience in event programming, ensuring high engagement and sector impact.
- Passion for employee ownership and economic models that promote shared prosperity.
- Innovative, creative, and proactive in problem-solving and strategy execution.
- A confident and transparent leader who fosters collaboration and inclusivity.
- Self-aware with emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity.
What Constitutes Success in This Role?
Success in this role means having a positive impact on the growth of the employee-owned sector, strengthening the eoa’s influence and increasing the adoption of “great EO”. Stronger stakeholder relationships, greater advocacy impact and improved commercial sustainability through a diverse mix of grant funding, sponsorships and strategic partnerships will also be key indicators of success.
Key outcomes for the role
- Outcome - Growth of the employee ownership sector
- Measure - Increased number of EO businesses, heightened sector awareness
- Outcome - Strengthened corporate engagement
- Measure - Growth in strategic partnerships, corporate and government engagement
- Outcome - Strong Commercial Sustainability
- Measure - Increased sponsorship revenue, secured long-term commercial partnerships
- Outcome -Increased policy influence
- Measure - Policy recommendations adopted, increased government engagement
- Outcome - Enhanced sector insight and intelligence
- Measure - Utilisation of high quality data and insights for regular sector related content outputs
- Outcome - Development and adoption of best practice
- Measure - Creation, adoption and promotion of best practice across the EO network.
- Outcome - Successful events programmes
- Measure - Increased participation, sponsorship growth, positive feedback.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A two-page CV
- And one of either:
- Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
- Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Applications should be submitted before 9:00am 17 August 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews will be in two stages. The first stage will be a virtual interview via teams on
26 August. For those who successfully move to stage 2 there will be an in-person
discussion w.c. 31 August.
The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those
who are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our
purpose.
Non Charity Employer
11 - 20
We exist to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy.
Thank you!
Director of Business Development
Location: Old Trafford
The Manchester United Foundation (MUF) is a registered charity, set up to channel the worldwide passion for Manchester United to influence positive change within communities by developing unique and relevant partnerships, empowering young people through the delivery of innovative and educational programmes and developing greater understanding of social issues through education. The Foundation wholly owns a trading subsidiary – Manchester United Foundation (Trading) Ltd
OUR VISION
A future where all young people are empowered to achieve their goals.
OUR MISSION
We use the power of football and Manchester United to help young people make positive choices in their lives.
The Role:
The Director of Business Development will join the Executive Leadership Team (EMT) at Manchester United Foundation with a core focus on modernising and diversifying income streams that the charity accesses, whilst supporting the effective existing team in charity fundraising development and delivery.
The postholder will support with the development of a new strategy and capitalise on its focuses to identify and access funding streams to deliver the objectives set in this new plan.
Key Responsibilities:
Core Responsibilities
- Support the Development of new MUF Strategy: Using local data and understanding local need and opportunity, support the development of the new Manchester United Foundation Strategy.
- Investigate new areas of work: Following a data and local needs analysis review and development of new strategy, the postholder will use this information to shape and develop new areas of work for the Foundation, to allow for a more strategic and sustainable approach for the charity.
- Income Diversification: Moving the charity beyond traditional fundraising by securing statutory funding, NHS or local authority contracts, and charity funding opportunities, linked to charity strategy and local need.
- Bid Management & Procurement: Overseeing the development of high-value funding applications, tenders, and proposals.
- Relationship Building: Acting as an ambassador to negotiate, cultivate, and manage lucrative partnerships and stakeholder networks.
- Market Insight: Horizon-scanning for emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and commercial opportunities
- Charity Fundraising: Support the existing team with developing and delivering fundraising activity throughout the year, whilst looking for new ways to increase fundraising opportunities.
- Philanthropy Development: Identify and develop philanthropic opportunities to support raising funds for the Foundation.
- Business Partner Development: Working alongside current team develop a well-rounded business partner scheme.
The Person:
Essential Experience
• Proven experience operating at a senior level in a charity, foundation, or complex mission-driven organisation.
• Strong track record of strategic development, organisational or project growth, and impact delivery.
• Demonstrable success in stakeholder management, partnership development, and fundraising.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development and risk management.
• Experience within sport, football, youth development, education, health, or community sectors.
Desirable Experience
• Understanding of the Premier League / Football Charity / Elite football ecosystem and its social impact potential.
• Experience managing large, complex funding portfolios.
Skills & Attributes
• Outgoing, inspirational individual with strong core values that partners and stakeholders will resonate with
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at pace.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Resilient, credible, and values-led.
Values & Commitment
• Passion for social impact and belief in the power of football to change lives.
• Commitment to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Alignment with the ethical standards and values expected of Manchester United Foundation, including:
• Integrity – acting with honesty and transparency.
• Inclusion – promoting equality and diversity in all programmes.
• Excellence – striving for the highest standards in delivery and governance.
• Impact – ensuring meaningful, measurable outcomes for communities.
Our Values:
Unite: Recognise the power of football across the world.
Nurture: Growing the potential of every young person.
Invest: Sustained financial investment aligning to our charitable objectives.
Together: Working as a team with our stakeholders.
Excellence: Delivering programmes to the highest standard.
Diversity: What makes us different, makes us stronger.
What We Offer:
At Manchester United Foundation, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:
- Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
- Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
- Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
Our Commitment to You:
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Monday 10th August
Manchester United Foundation is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.