About VODG
The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) represents over 130 organisations within the voluntary sector whose work is focused on enabling disabled people of all ages to live the lives they choose. VODG believes that an ambitious, reliable and vibrant voluntary sector that works together is critical to achieving this aim.
VODG’s mission is focused on two key areas – enabling our members to be the best they can and improving the environment in which its members operate. VODG believes that our membership approach and operations should centre around the views of disabled people and be influenced by professional expertise.
Introduction to the role
Reporting to the Head of Membership and Operations, the Business Development and Partnership Manager will play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and cultivating strategic partnerships that align with the organisation's core mission and values. This newly created position aims to strengthen our expansion efforts and help us adapt to the changing landscape of care and support for disabled people.
We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development and Partnership Manager who will lead initiatives to identify, develop, and manage partnerships that can drive significant growth and enhance our market presence. This role will also focus on existing revenue streams and explore new areas for development and growth. The position requires exceptional relationship-building skills and a deep understanding of partnership management. It also requires a strategic approach that blends attention to detail and results-oriented delivery.
The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, along with a proven track record of successful partnership management and revenue growth. As we continue with our growth plans, this role will be essential in advancing our organisational goals and objectives while fostering an environment both internally and externally that draws in expertise and insight from beyond our membership.
Purpose of role
The role will:
· Formulate and nurture strategic partnerships with corporate partners and non-profit organisations.
· Enhance the visibility and reputation of VODG among key stakeholders.
· Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligning with VODG’s mission and vision.
· Manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
· Foster collaboration and create synergetic relationships for mutual benefits.
· Assess partnership effectiveness through detailed metrics and feedback.
· Negotiate corporate partnerships and secure commercial sponsorships.
· Build long-term relationships that promote shared goals and lead to the development of new business opportunities.
· Focus on exploring new areas for development and growth.
· Support internal colleagues, as necessary, on partnership grants and awards.
· Coordinate with colleagues for alignment of activities with organisational goals.
Specific responsibilities and duties
Business Development Strategy and Implementation
· Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies to identify and secure partnership opportunities.
· Identify and explore innovative areas for development and growth.
· Set clear goals and objectives to measure the success of business development efforts. Analyse market trends and the competitive landscape to inform partnership strategies.
Partnership Development and Relationship Management
· Identify and engage potential partners while building and maintaining strong relationships with existing stakeholders.
· Serve as the main point of contact for key partners, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
Opportunity Identification and Market Research
· Identify and evaluate new business opportunities and partnerships that align with organisational goals, including new membership opportunities.
· Conduct market research to recognise trends, opportunities, and challenges in the sector, analysing competitor activities to inform strategies.
· Deliver on existing opportunities and identify new ones, including sponsorship activities for events, projects, programmes, work, events and conferences, and smaller strategic roundtables.
Negotiation and Contract Management
· Lead detailed negotiations for partnership agreements, ensuring favourable terms for both parties, and oversee contract management to ensure compliance and performance monitoring.
Collaboration and Project Management
· Work closely with internal colleagues to align partnership initiatives with business objectives, managing execution to ensure initiatives align with organisational priorities.
· Collaborate with internal teams to coordinate campaigns and promotional events effectively.
Performance Tracking and Financial Management
· Monitor and analyse partnership performance, using data to refine strategies and maximise impact. Prepare regular updates on business development activities and partnership outcomes.
· Prepare budgets and financial forecasts related to business development activities, monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of initiatives and partnerships.
Networking and Representation
· Represent the organisation at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to promote business development initiatives and cultivate a strong professional network for future partnerships.
·Engage in community outreach and represent the organisation in public forums to expand its network and promote its mission
Our vision is for an ambitious, trusted and vibrant voluntary sector that works together to enable disabled people to live the lives they choose.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Remote in Europe
Salary: Depending on experience (including unpaid and other experiences) and capacity to take on responsibility, the salary range is:
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£73,135 - £79,230 for the United Kingdom
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€60,150 - €76,263 for France
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€83,439 - €89,399 for Netherlands
If the successful candidate is outside of the UK, France, or NL, the salary and benefits will be adjusted based on local market equivalencies.
About Us
The Sunrise Project is a global network of independent organizations united by a common mission: scaling social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. We've developed a unique model that combines strategic grant-making with campaigning, supporting interconnected organizations to create powerful change aligned with our mission.
The Sunrise Project Inc. is a proud member of The Sunrise Project network. Our organizational culture is dynamic and adaptable. We're committed to supporting our team members to thrive as we tackle the urgent challenge of climate change. We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens our strategies, teams, and movements.
The Sunrise Project Inc. takes the broadest possible view of diversity and encourages First Nations people, people of colour, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. Find out more here.
About the Program
The Europe Regional Finance program has evolved out of our Financial Regulation and Policy Program that began in 2019 with a narrow focus on European central banks. Since then, we've expanded to shape financial regulation and policy globally to accelerate clean energy and create lasting systemic change in how public finance addresses climate challenges. Now the Europe Regional Finance program will focus on EU Policy and Finance and UK Policy and Finance.
About The Role
The purpose of this role is to contribute to achieving the objectives in the EU Financial Policy and Regulation project, specifically the work on public finance, fiscal policy and industrial strategy. Together with partners and allies, this role will help stop the political polarisation of net zero and contribute to building the broader case for public investment by establishing and propagating a narrative linking the opportunities of the clean energy transition with improving conditions for households and communities. This role sees the big picture and can translate it into actionable plans for maximum impact.
We support networks of organisations to work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible by individual organisations acting alone. We expect all roles at Sunrise to actively support the capacity building of these networks and partner organisations.
About You
You have experience working on public finance, fiscal policy, or industrial strategy. You understand what it takes to hold the big picture, and translate complicated campaign strategies into actionable steps. You enjoy digging into the policy details, but are able to focus on the key ways to move the campaign forward for maximum impact. You’re able to work with diverse networks of organisations from trade unions to business leaders. You have a strong understanding of the political context which dictates our work and what's possible, but also innovative in thinking through solutions and opportunities to do things differently. You have experience working in Europe. You’re flexible and willing to change course when needed and respond to opportunities, but are able to keep the systemic change we want to achieve in mind.
Key Responsibilities
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Leads on the development and implementation of high-impact campaign strategies and tactics to achieve our programmatic goals, objectives, and key results, in accordance with our values and JEDI commitments.
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Sources, builds, and maintains strategic relationships with key partners, facilitating collaborative efforts to co-develop and implement strategies.
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In collaboration with the research team, identifies and develops a plan to fulfill complex research and analysis to inform the development of effective campaign strategies and plans.
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Provides strategic advice to partners and community groups to enhance the strategic impact of their campaigns.
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Ensures alignment between global public finance work and associated projects across the wider Global Finance Program.
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Fosters the development and growth of a well-informed, effective, and powerful network and individuals dedicated to our cause, and contributes to the broader movement's progress.
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Designs and evaluates grant proposals and strategies in collaboration with partners, manages grants and oversees a portfolio of grantees ensuring the delivery of high-impact initiatives to support the movement's impact.
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Drives and facilitates inclusive and transparent strategic decision-making processes, including campaign evaluation and impact reporting.
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Acts as a key influencer, coach, and strategic advisor, and may manage consultants and/or teams with responsibility for the management, development and growth of others.
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Regularly evaluate projects at 3 months, 6 months and annually during the first year and every 6 months after that.
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Aligns programmatic strategies and OKR’s with Sunrise’s Values and mission.
Required skills and experience
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Advanced level campaigning experience in European public finance, industrial strategy, and fiscal policy in a similar role including unpaid, grassroots or lived experience.
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Proven experience researching, building, and incubating new strategies in consultation and coordination with partner organizations.
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Ability to work with the team to execute grants.
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Ability to successfully manage across cultures, and a track record of creating inclusive work cultures, both internally and with partners.
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Demonstrated ability to work in a very dynamic environment with a high degree of flexibility and agility.
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A high level of emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal communication and group facilitation skills.
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A passion for action on climate change and a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity.
Desirable Skills and Experience
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Experience grant making would be beneficial.
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Experience working fundraising would be an advantage.
Job requirements
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You must have full working rights in the country in which you will be working. The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.
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Previous employment reference checks will be required for successful applicants.
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Attend local in person partner events as appropriate.
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Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be/is required.
How Sunrise supports its staff
The Sunrise Project is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. Sunrise has the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff and/or temporarily appointed-fixed term staff. The successful candidate will be hired via a Professional Employment Organisation (PEO) on behalf of the Sunrise Project, so conditions of employment may vary.
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Statutory benefits and entitlements of the country/province in which you are employed.
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Sunrise may provide additional benefits, where in-country entitlements are less than our standard package, where applicable including:
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Paid Parental Leave that is gender-neutral & inclusive of all types of families, incl. Parental Return To Work & Keeping In Touch Program
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Life Leave (up to 40 days p.a. for significant personal reasons)
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Public Holiday + Cultural Leave
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Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000* for home workspace & IT equipment + $800* every 2 years + up to $75/mth phone/data/internet (equivalent local currency) .
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Shared office support
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Additionally we offer:
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Flexible Working Policy
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VIDA - An AI tool to support your health and wellbeing
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Regular all-org and team meetings & retreats
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Learning & Development Program incl. a professional development budget for every staff member
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Coaching & manager support with regular 1:1 meetings
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Annual performance & development reviews with 360 feedback
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A co-developed work plan to ensure clarity on your role & key responsibilities
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We provide our staff with a voice on issues that concern them via consultation, caucuses, working groups, and surveys.
How to apply for this job
We recognise that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience.
You’ll be taken to Be Applied to complete your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Please note: We are now giving 24 hours notice that this post will be closing early due to a high level of applications. This advert will close at 10am Wednesday 7th May, please ensure you have submitted your application by this time if you wish to be considered for this role.
Following the return of our co-founder Becca Dean MBE as CEO, we're excited to be recruiting for several new roles as we move into the next chapter of our journey. Having recently celebrated our 12th birthday, we're more determined than ever to reach even more girls and young women, and we’re building a brilliant team to help us do just that. If you're passionate about empowering the next generation, we’d love to hear from you.
THE ROLE
The Deputy CEO will play a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the CEO to drive the organisation’s strategic vision, operational excellence, programme leadership, and financial sustainability. As a key leader, you will oversee critical functions, ensure high-impact programme delivery, and strengthen partnerships that expand our reach and influence. You will also act as a key external representative of The Girls’ Network, advocating for our mission and developing relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders. Additionally, you will deputise for the CEO as required, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making in their absence.
Key Responsibilities
Deputy CEO Leadership
- Deputise for the CEO as required, leading key meetings, making strategic decisions, and ensuring seamless leadership continuity.
- Support the CEO in monitoring and reporting against The Girls’ Network’s operational performance, ensuring KPIs are being delivered in line with Trustees’ expectations.
- Support on budget planning and cost control, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Build positive Board relationships and act as an ambassador for The Girls’ Network.
- Ensure a crisis communications strategy is in place and manage risk monitoring and mitigation.
- Lead, support, and motivate staff, fostering a culture of high performance.
- Oversee internal communications, ensuring staff are informed and engaged.
Strategic Leadership & Organisational Growth
- Develop and deliver strategy and operational plans in collaboration with the CEO.
- Work with the Head of Fundraising to ensure sufficient income to sustain and grow programmes.
- Act as joint lead for organisational safeguarding (with the Head of Programme Delivery & Development), ensuring policies and procedures are in place and followed.
- Represent The Girls’ Network externally, speaking at events and strengthening strategic partnerships.
- Stay up-to-date on national and regional policy developments affecting girls, mentoring, and education.
- Embed a girl-centred approach to organisational development and ensure programme impact is maximised through innovation and the use of technology.
- Report to the CEO and Board on programmes and safeguarding.
Programme Leadership & Delivery
- Provide strategic leadership for programmes, ensuring stability and growth in existing regions and identifying opportunities for expansion.
- Lead on innovation, piloting new programme elements, systems, and processes to enhance efficiency, impact, and revenue generation.
- Ensure programme decisions are informed by data, research, and organisational learning.
- Oversee quality assurance and impact measurement, ensuring consistency across regions and effective reporting on mentee outcomes.
- Oversee programme pipeline, targets, and income generation from schools, reporting to the Board.
- Maximise relationships with key stakeholder groups (mentees, schools, partners, ambassadors, and mentors) to enhance engagement, experience, and retention.
- Lead, support, and motivate the Programme Delivery Directorate, aligning OKRs with organisational goals.
Programme Delivery & Reporting
- Stay informed about best practices in mentoring, gender equality, and social mobility to ensure maximum programme impact.
- Use data and feedback to continuously develop and refine programmes.
- Ensure robust processes and procedures are in place to optimise resources and impact.
- Oversee the mentor network, ensuring engagement, retention, and a high-quality experience for both mentors and mentees.
- Support the Ambassador Programme Lead in integrating the Ambassador Programme with the mentoring programme.
- Report quarterly to the CEO on programme KPIs, including participant numbers, impact metrics, stakeholder perceptions, and regional variations.
- Prepare quarterly reports for the CEO and Trustees.
Management & Training
- Manage the Senior Programme Team, overseeing performance, development, and wellbeing.
- Support programme teams to deliver growth and impact targets with consistency.
- Ensure the Ambassador Programme is successfully implemented and contributes to an engaged network of former mentees.
Safeguarding Leadership
- Serve as Joint Safeguarding Lead, with accountability for safeguarding decisions.
- Oversee Designated Safeguarding Officers and ensure all policies and procedures reflect best practice.
- Review and approve key training materials, particularly those shared externally.
- Maintain oversight of safeguarding systems, including managing the safeguarding phone and any related rota.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
Essential skills, knowledge and attributes
- Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within a non-profit, education, or youth-focused organisation.
- Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to drive organisational growth and impact.
- Experience managing programmes, operations, and teams at a senior level.
- Track record of securing and managing funding, including corporate, trusts, and foundations.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and external representation.
- Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.
- Passionate about social mobility and gender equality, with a deep commitment to The Girls’ Network’s mission.
Desirable
- Experience of working with mentoring programmes or youth-focused initiatives.
- Knowledge of policy and advocacy related to education, social mobility, or gender equality.
- Experience working with Boards of Trustees or governance structures.
WHY JOIN US?
- Opportunity to play a crucial leadership role in a high-impact, mission-driven organisation.
- Collaborative, ambitious, and values-led culture.
- Flexible working environment with a commitment to staff wellbeing.
- The chance to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of girls across the UK.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. If a high number of applications are received, this advert will be closed early (with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice). We regret that due to time constraints, we will not contact you if you are not selected for interview.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to individual requests for further information about the role.
Visit our website for the candidate pack and further details on how to apply.
Our mission is to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a mentor and network of female role models.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.