University Partnership & Impact Manager: This individual will be responsible for the execution of our university partnerships strategy and delivery of sustainable income growth from new and existing partners in the higher education sector. 

Location: Bristol, London, Manchester, Nottingham or Newcastle (initially on a remote basis)

Hours: 40 hours per week, 9am - 6pm (with some flexibility)

Start date: July 2021

Application Deadline: 9am on Monday 17th May 2021 (Early applications are encouraged as we may interviewand/or appoint before the closing date)

Core delivery responsibilities for the University Partnership & Impact Manager will include: 

Managing and developing existing university partnerships

• Managing upReach’s portfolio of existing university partners, stewarding relationships to ensure the partnerships remain strong and mutually beneficial.
• Developing existing university partnerships and identifying new opportunities to expand our programme of support.
• Execute on a partner communication strategy to ensure university partners are kept up to date with upReach news and events.
• Plan and lead on student attraction & onboarding activities in collaboration with Rise Programme Manager.
• Contribute to strategic decisions concerning the design and delivery of the Rise Programme to meet the needs of University students and complement & enhance University offerings.
• Ensuring all outputs are delivered effectively and on time, in collaboration with the Rise Programme Manager and the PC University Leads.
• Collaborate with the Rise Programme Manager and PC University Leads to ensure the smooth running of all university-based events and follow through on identifying and communicating impact.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the programme and prepare and deliver quarterly/annual impact reporting reviews for each university partner.
• Act as university impact reporting ‘subject matter expert’ to set impact measurement strategies for university partnership reporting and impact reporting in collaboration with Impact & Data Senior Officer. 

Growing the number and value of university partnerships

• Researching and developing a new pipeline of university partners to expand the sector reach and create opportunities for Associate growth.
• Identifying gaps in the market and developing ideas for new university partners, cohort focused programmes and types of partnership.
• Identifying, initiating and securing new high-value long term partnerships with universities to grow income and provide more opportunities to students.
• Preparing and delivering compelling and evidence-based pitches and presentations.
• Maintaining the organisation’s presence in the social mobility sector through thought leadership articles/blogs and networking at relevant events.
• Work with Rise Programme Manager to agree programme of support and support in the transition to deliver agreed programme of support.

Team Management

• Manage two FCLP rotations (20% of Programme Coordinator’s time) - setting rotation objectives and providing project guidance.
• Meet monthly with university leads (Programme Coordinator responsible for day-to-day university activities) to set partnership priorities and monitor stakeholder KPI progress (onboarding, engagement).

Person Specification

This position would be suited to individuals who are committed to upReach’s mission. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about social-mobility and believe that background should not be a barrier to graduate employment. 

To be successful it is anticipated that you would have at least 3+ years’ experience developing partnerships and providing strategic impact measurement guidance. You should be proactive, resilient and used to managing competing priorities within a varied workload.You should be flexible and willing to perform varying duties depending on the shifting needs of the charity.

Essential Skills/Experience:

1. Experience working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems.
2. Ability to engage and flex communication style confidently with a variety of stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, upReach partners and all levels of employees across the organisation. 
3. Excellent influencing, facilitation and communication skills (both oral and written) and be comfortable preparing and presenting reports and proposals to senior management and external stakeholders.
4. Target driven and demonstrate experience of achieving financial objectives. 
5. Strong project management and problem solving skills, in addition to superb organisational skills to manage a varied workload.
6. Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as independently, with a creative and a proactive attitude.
7. Experience working directly with key stakeholders to manage and grow a relationship and/or partnership.
8. Experience in or knowledge of the usual ways of working within Universities.
9. Experience monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of a programme.
10. At least a Grade ‘B’ in Maths and English GCSE (if you have extenuating circumstances, let us know)*.
11. University degree (2:1 or higher)* in any discipline, or equivalent experience.

* The nature of the role requires a high standard of Maths and English, and the ability to quickly review a large amount of information and identify and communicate key themes clearly. Applicants may demonstrate this through the academic qualifications shown above and/or other relevant experience. As our beneficiaries are all undergraduates, a good understanding of the university experience is essential, although it is not necessary that this was acquired through personally gaining a degree.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

1. Understanding of social mobility issues in the UK, the university landscape and graduate recruitment.
2. Experience in qualifying, scoping, and pricing client / partner projects in the charity sector.
3. Experience delivering all aspects of a project end to end, from design to reporting and evaluation.
4. Line management or team leadership experience.

Equal Opportunities

upReach is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We support workplace diversity and believe it creates dynamic and effective organisations. We are working hard to increase diversity in our team and would particularly welcome applications from BAME candidates.

We are committed to making our roles and culture inclusive. We can make reasonable adjustments throughout the application process and on the job. If you have particular needs or requirements, please get in touch.