Head of Partnerships & Events

Noah's Ark Children's Hospice; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity in Greater London is seeking a Head of Partnerships & Events to lead a successful philanthropy team. This role involves managing key relationships with high-value partners, developing corporate sponsorship programs, and innovating fundraising strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in partnership development and event management within the charitable sector, with a passion for children's hospice care. Join us to make a significant impact while working alongside dedicated professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience in partnership development, corporate fundraising, and event management, preferably within the charitable sector.
• Proven ability to lead multi-person teams and manage high-value client relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of two comprising a Corporate Manager and Events Manager.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective partners.
• Develop and execute corporate sponsorship, partnership, and event programmes.

Skills

Partnership development

Corporate fundraising

Event management

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

Overview

Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.

Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the charity has had a sustained period of growth over the last two years and we are looking for high quality employees to come and be a part of that success.

Our expert staff and trained volunteers provide clinical, emotional and practical support for families across North and Central London and Herts Valley. We carefully adapt our support for every child and offer it wherever it is required - whether in their home, their community or at our state‑of‑the‑art children’s hospice building, The Ark, in Barnet.

Job Description

We are seeking a Head of Partnerships & Events to join our highly successful Philanthropy team. In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to develop and enhance our Corporate and Special Events Programme. This is very much a hands‑on role of team leadership and direct account management. This includes six‑figure partners and our key relationships with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, The Dorchester Hotel and international insurer Fidelis. Special Events include our Winter Ball which raises over £500k annually and our Golf Day at around £100k. The post‑holder has a key role in the management of our Philanthropy & Corporate Board, which bring together industry leaders to help move both these programmes forward. There is great freedom to innovate and a healthy pool of local business with an affinity to our cause. The post‑holder takes a key leadership role across fundraising and marketing, working with their peers (Heads) and Director to take strategic decisions for wider benefit of the department. Having invested in the team’s capacity, we aim to grow income from c. £1.5m to £2m over the next few years. This is in the broader context of a total voluntary income target for the charity of £5m‑£6m.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of two (with potential to expand) comprising a Corporate Manager and Events Manager, plus support from the Philanthropy Officer.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective partners of Noah’s Ark.
• Ensure partners have the best possible experience – engaging, motivating, valuing, and informing them about the impact of their involvement.
• Help partners achieve their organisation’s objectives through alignment with the charity’s mission and fundraising strategy.
• Develop and execute corporate sponsorship, partnership and event programmes including capital‑raising events.
• Represent the charity at stakeholder meetings, board sessions and industry events, promoting partnership opportunities.
• Provide leading strategic direction in collaboration with other Heads and the Director to secure new funding and enhance partner relationships.

Qualifications and Expectations

Experience in partnership development, corporate fundraising and event management, preferably within the charitable sector. Proven ability to lead multi‑person teams and manage high‑value client relationships. Strong strategic thinking, communication and negotiation skills. Passion for children’s hospice care and a commitment to the charity’s mission.

Equal Opportunity

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under‑represented in our staff.

Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.