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Partnerships Officer, First Story

  •  London
  •  Â£25k-30k (pro rata)
  •  Part time
  •  Closes May 27, 2025
  •  Ruth O’Malley
  •  ruthomalley@firststory.org.uk
  • #Literature
New

Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised individual with excellent communication skills and experience of researching, establishing and maintaining corporate and philanthropic relationships.

Job Description

Key Info

  • £27,000-£28,000 (pro rata)
  • Part time, 0.6 FTE
  • Hybrid (remote working considered depending on location)
  • 1 year fixed term contract
  • Interviews: 5 and 12 June 2025

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised individual with excellent communication skills and experience of researching, establishing and maintaining corporate and philanthropic relationships for this exciting new post. This dual-focused position will be responsible for identifying and researching potential corporates and Trust and Foundation funders to support our work, as well as identifying and profiling secondary schools and Multi Academy Trusts that would benefit from and be a good fit for our Young Writers Programme.

You may come from a marketing, fundraising or sales background but we're looking for someone who's as comfortable picking up the phone to set up a meeting with a new contact as they are researching new networks, understanding regional challenges and identifying new opportunities within the education and funding sectors.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with the knowledge and/or potential to identify and develop region-specific funders and/or schools outside London, namely in the East Midlands, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester/the North West.

Job Requirements

Essential

  • Commitment to First Story's vision and ethos.
  • Proven experience in research and lead generation; ideally charity, education, or fundraising.
  • A proactive and self-motivated approach with a willingness to pick up the phone to secure a meeting.
  • Excellent research and analytical skills.
  • Evidence of using initiative to identify and qualify prospects.
  • Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and written/verbal communication.
  • Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and negotiation skills with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proficiency in using research tools, databases, and CRM systems.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Willingness to undertake administrative tasks as necessary.

Desirable

  • Understanding of UK education system and/or the grant-making landscape.
  • Knowledge/experience of fundraising through corporates, trusts/foundations, communities and/or individual giving.
  • Proficient in using Salesforce CRM.
  • Marketing/Sales experience.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

  • Identify and research grant-making trusts, foundations and corporates whose funding priorities align with First Story's mission and impact.
  • Manage your own portfolio of Trust & Foundation prospects for small and medium trusts, taking responsibility at all stages, from research and qualification to submission of applications and reporting to funders.
  • Support the Head of Development in creating targeted approaches and cultivation strategies.
  • Research potential partner schools and multi-academy trusts.
  • Work closely with the Programmes team to understand geographical priorities, and support the development of regional network connections.
  • Support the Programme team in initial outreach to potential schools.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of lead generation strategies and processes.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Provide regular reports on activities and outcomes.

For a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the job pack on the website.

Useful Links

How to Apply

Visit the First Story website.

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