Director, External Partnerships - UK

International Fund for Animal Welfare - ifaw; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare organization is seeking a Director of External Partnerships to advance its strategies in the United Kingdom. This role involves overseeing the development of strategic partnerships, engaging with various stakeholders, and influencing key political processes. The ideal candidate brings at least five years of experience in partnerships development and a strong understanding of environmental issues. This hybrid role offers a salary range of 75,000 - 92,000 GBP. Applications are open until 12 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in strategic partnerships and institutional funding.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze data for decision-making.
• General understanding of environmental and climate issues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic partnerships development.
• Develop a comprehensive partnership strategy in the UK.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Influence key political decision-making processes.
• Serve as IFAW's UK Representative.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Strategic vision

Data analysis

Job description

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office

Under the supervision of the European Regional Director, the Director of External Partnerships will oversee IFAW’s strategic partnerships development geared towards advancing IFAW’s efforts to protect and save the lives of animals.

He/she will strengthen IFAW’s profile in the United Kingdom by:

• Representing IFAW in UK, in particular to corporations, institutional donors, private foundations, and other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of increasing IFAW’s visibility and generating revenue;
• Leading the development, implementation, and partnerships management, as well as external advocacy and influence;
• Carrying out outreach and community engagement to drive positive change.

Role and Responsibilities

Partnerships strategy elaboration

• Design and update a comprehensive partnership strategy with external stakeholders in the UK market. In order to support IFAW’s mission and strategies, this Partnership Strategy shall cover the following types of partnership:
  • Polical and institutional (public sector, national and decentralized authorities);
  • Financial (private sector and institutional donors);
  • Technical, programmatic and academic (non-governmental community, universities, research institutes).
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to align Partnership Strategy in the UK and beyond

Strategy implementation and partnerships development

• Build, foster and maintain strong relationships with target stakeholders (external audiences, leaders, institutional partners, community organizations, funders, etc.) to
  • Enhance effectiveness and reach
  • Advance and drive collaborative solutions
• Influence UK key political decision‑making processes
• Represent IFAW on priority issues in external meetings, conferences, public events, and media interviews and act as spokesperson.
• Play a key role in advancing IFAW commitment to impact investing. This involves:
  • Identifying investment opportunities that generate financial returns and create social/environmental benefits.
  • Working with the IFAW Leadership Team and others to develop and implement innovative investment strategies that align with strategy ensuring that our resources are used to drive transformative change.

IFAW UK Representation

• Serve as IFAW’s UK Representative corporations, institutional donors, private foundations, and other relevant stakeholders
• Serve as authorized signatory, when appropriate

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience in the development of strategic partnerships and institutional funding, NGO management, high‑level advocacy or a related field in the UK and beyond.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Agility and strategic vision
• Demonstrated expertise in the nonprofit landscape.
• General understanding of environmental and climate issues. Knowledge of conservation and animal welfare is an asset but not essential.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision‑making.
• Experience with local, regional, and national institutional funding sources.
• Working knowledge of legal and compliance obligations that apply to international NGO operating in the UK.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Hiring range 75,000 - 92,000 GBP

Closing date for receipt of applications: 12 January 2026