Children & Partnerships Manager

NFP People Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK charity organization seeks a Children & Partnerships Manager to enhance its national referral network aimed at providing life-changing experiences for disadvantaged children. The role involves relationship building with schools, Local Authorities, and community groups. Key responsibilities include developing a national strategy, mapping areas of need, and fostering partnerships to improve outreach and service delivery. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills and a commitment to child welfare, with the flexibility to travel nationally.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in partnership development or network building.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
• Strong relationship building capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop a national strategy to grow the referral base.
• Cultivate strong relationships with existing referrers.
• Meet directly with teachers to showcase services.

Skills

Partnership development

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Relationship building

Independent work

Commitment to equality

Job description

Children & Partnerships Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children & Partnerships Manager to play a vital role in expanding our national referral network and ensuring more children across the UK can access the life-changing breaks we provide. This new role will work closely with our Development Director and Referrals Team to strengthen relationships with schools, Local Authorities, charities and community groups who support children aged 8-13 facing significant challenges.

Position: Children & Partnerships Manager

Location: Home-based with national travel

Salary: £32,000-£35,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time preferred (part-time considered)

Duration: 12-month fixed term (potential to extend)

Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11.59pm

About the role

As Children & Partnerships Manager, you will be at the forefront of driving national growth by identifying, engaging and nurturing the referral and delivery partners who help us reach the children who need us most. You will map areas of greatest need, build trusted relationships with key organisations, and support frontline professionals to confidently refer children onto our fully funded five-day breaks.

Key Responsibilities

• Mapping UK regions with high child poverty and low current engagement to identify priority areas.
• Developing and delivering a national strategy to grow the referral base.
• Proactively seeking new partnership opportunities with MATs, Local Authorities, schools, charities and community organisations.
• Cultivating strong relationships with existing referrers and encouraging them to champion the charity within their networks.
• Representing the charity at events, networks and forums to raise awareness of our impact.
• Meeting directly with teachers, social workers and other professionals to showcase our service and explain the referral process.
• Working closely with the Referrals Team to ensure smooth onboarding of new partners and clarity around referral requirements.

About you

We are looking for a proactive and determined relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the challenges facing children and young people.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in partnership development, stakeholder engagement or network building.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, comfortable engaging with a wide range of professionals.
• Strong relationship building capabilities and persistence in reaching key decision makers.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and travel nationally when required.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and championing equality and inclusion.
• A collaborative approach and confidence working across teams to support shared goals.

Desirable

• Experience working within or alongside schools or Local Authorities.
• Understanding of child poverty, early intervention and barriers to support.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and data protection principles.

About the charity

The charity gives children and young people across the UK who face serious challenges in their lives the chance for a break that lasts a lifetime. For over 30 years, more than 20,000 children have enjoyed a week of adventure, creativity, and new friendships at our centres in Derbyshire and Cornwall. When they go home, they take with them confidence, resilience, and memories that last forever.

Everyone who works for the charity has a responsibility to promote the safeguarding and welfare of children. All successful applicants will require a DBS Disclosure.

You may also have experience in roles such as: Partnerships Manager, Engagement Manager, Network Development Manager, Children's Services Manager, Education Partnerships Lead, Community Engagement Manager, Outreach Manager, or Stakeholder Engagement Officer, etc.

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PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.