Partnerships Development Lead

Role Purpose

The Partnerships Development Lead will be responsible for proactively generating significant income from five and six figure corporate partnerships.

You will manage the new business pipeline, identify new opportunities with prospective corporate partners and develop lasting relationships with them. You will develop compelling applications and creative partnerships proposals securing new and exciting partnerships for Child Bereavement UK.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead corporate new business development to drive the growth of corporate partnerships.
• Develop, manage and steward a portfolio of partners by building strong relationships to maximise multiyear giving and growth.
• Work alongside the Head of Corporate Partnerships and Commercial to support the development and implementation of a new Partnerships strategy covering development of a prospect pipeline, building a culture of peer referrals, annual targets and key account plans.
• Research and identify new corporate prospects who have the potential to make a significant difference to the lives of grieving children. You will develop and implement cultivation strategies to turn prospects into supporters.
• Prepare and present highly customised, compelling funding proposals to prospective corporate prospects.
• Make effective and targeted new business calls, including warm and self-generated leads.
• Work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Account Manager to deliver a thorough on boarding process ad handover for new accounts.
• Identify key decision makers and use strong consultative and negotiation skills to articulate the benefits of a partnership with Child Bereavement UK.
• Maintain an awareness of corporate giving trends, news, events and legislation in the UK and pick up on opportunities or topical issues that will enhance the charity.
• Develop new corporate partnership products to cultivate new donors, and work alongside the Director of Income Generation and Head of Corporate Partnerships on the introduction of a new Development Board.
• Work closely with the Regional Fundraising Managers to spot new opportunities.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).   
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working in corporate fundraising, including being confident in pitching and writing proposals for a corporate partner audience.
• Experience of prospecting and new business development.
• Experience of securing 5-6 figure partnerships from corporates.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Highly professional, flexible and committed to achieve and exceed KPIs.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong influencing skills.
• A self-starter with strong team working skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines.
• A creative thinker and quick to respond to opportunities
• Strong presentation skills

Desirable

• Understanding of child bereavement.
• Experience of using Salesforce CRM System.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 27th May 2026 at midnight

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.