Partnerships Lead

Rethink Mental Illness; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness seeks an experienced Partnerships Lead to drive a corporate partnerships portfolio and deliver sustainable income growth. This role sits in the fundraising team and operates in London on a hybrid basis, with office presence two days per week.

You'll lead a team, shape partnerships strategy, and collaborate with senior colleagues to maximise partner value and impact. A proven track record in partnerships, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing complex partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience analysing performance data and using insights to drive decisions.
• Strong budgeting and forecasting capabilities and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Partnership Delivery Team to achieve fundraising objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of high-value corporate partners and identify growth opportunities.
• Develop compelling propositions, reports, and impact stories for supporters.
• Support financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and budget management.

Skills

Partnership management

Team leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication

Job description

Contract: Fixed term contract

Location: London / hybrid (office based 2 days per week)

Salary: £37,406 - £45,384 (plus £3000 London allowance)

Lead Strategic Partnerships That Change Lives

At Rethink Mental Illness, we're working towards a world where everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life. We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Partnerships Lead to join our high-performing fundraising team and play a pivotal role in growing and developing our corporate partnerships portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-focused fundraising professional who thrives on building meaningful partnerships, leading talented teams, and driving sustainable income growth. If you're passionate about mental health and want your work to make a tangible difference, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Partnerships Lead, you'll oversee the delivery and growth of a dynamic portfolio of corporate partnerships, ensuring exceptional supporter experiences while maximising income and long-term value. Working closely with the Head of Partnerships and New Business Lead, you'll help shape and deliver an ambitious partnerships strategy that supports both Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK.

You'll lead a team of partnership professionals, providing coaching, direction, and inspiration while championing best practice, innovation, and collaboration across the organisation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the Partnership Delivery Team to achieve and exceed fundraising objectives.
• Managing a portfolio of high-value and strategically important corporate partners.
• Identifying opportunities to increase income, improve partnership value, and strengthen retention.
• Supporting financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and budget management across the partnerships portfolio.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across fundraising, communications, programmes, policy, workplace mental health, and senior leadership teams.
• Developing compelling partnership propositions, reports, and impact stories that inspire support.
• Supporting major campaigns and strategic projects, including initiatives such as World Mental Health Day.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a confident and proactive partnerships professional who combines strategic thinking with excellent relationship-building skills.

You'll bring:

• A proven track record of managing complex partnerships and multiple stakeholder relationships.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences.
• Experience analysing performance data and using insights to drive decision-making.
• Strong budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
• Experience leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and a passion for delivering positive social impact.

Experience within the mental health sector and knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, or Salesforce would be advantageous but are not essential