At a Glance
- Tasks: Build meaningful corporate partnerships that make a real difference for animals and their lovers.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38-43 days holiday, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate partnerships and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28996 - 33716 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 2 July 2026
Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Burford
Reporting To: Head of Corporate Partnerships, Community and Events
Compensation: £28,996 - £33,716 / year
Description Contract: Permanent, full time
Salary: £28,996 – £33,716 per annum
Location: Burford, Oxfordshire (hybrid working)
Closing date: 2 July 2026
Interview date: 8 & 10 July 2026
Do you enjoy building meaningful relationships and creating partnerships that make a real difference for animals and the people who love them? If so, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for a Corporate Partnerships Officer to join our Fundraising, Marketing and Communications team. This is an exciting opportunity to help grow and develop our corporate partnerships, securing vital income and long‑term support for Blue Cross.
More about the role
As Corporate Partnerships Officer, you will support the Head of Corporate Partnerships, Community and Events to secure high value, long‑term partnerships across a range of sectors. You’ll play a key role in both account management and new business development, helping to deliver impactful, mutually beneficial relationships with corporate supporters. You will manage a portfolio of partners, support the development of new opportunities including Charity of the Year, sponsorship and cause‑related marketing, and ensure an excellent supporter experience at every touchpoint. This role is based at our Burford site with hybrid working in place, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.
What you will be doing:
- Building and nurturing long‑term, mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners
- Managing a portfolio of corporate accounts, ensuring excellent stewardship and ongoing engagement
- Acting as a first point of contact for corporate fundraising enquiries via email and telephone
- Supporting the development of compelling proposals, reports, communications and partnership materials
- Working with the Head of Corporate Partnerships, Community and Events to deliver account management plans and maximise income
- Identifying and researching new business prospects, including due diligence and prospect development
- Securing and supporting new business meetings with potential partners and sponsors
- Developing your own pipeline of opportunities to grow corporate income
- Collaborating with colleagues across fundraising and the wider organisation to deliver partnership activity
- Supporting financial processes, including income coding and purchase orders
- Providing administrative support including acknowledgements and supporter communications
- Ensuring compliance with data protection and fundraising regulations
About you
You will have experience working with corporate partners and will be confident building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Comfortable managing both account management and new business activity, you will be organised, proactive and motivated to deliver results. You’ll bring a positive, solutions‑focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure. You will communicate confidently and professionally, representing Blue Cross in a way that reflects our values and culture.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Experience managing corporate partnerships or accounts
- Proven experience supporting or delivering new business development
- Ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships internally and externally
- Strong research and prospecting skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Good interpersonal and influencing skills
- Experience using MS Office and databases
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Understanding of, and ability to apply, Blue Cross values
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Experience within corporate fundraising
- Experience using CRM databases
- Knowledge of the charity sector
- Confident and engaging communication style
- Creative and innovative approach to identifying opportunities
- Strong influencing and persuasion skills
- Ability to think strategically and spot growth opportunities
- Solution‑focused mindset
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit your application through our careers site and demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are. Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife‑ 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the "why work for us" page on our website.
Corporate Partnerships Officer in Burford employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Blue Cross is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in the picturesque Burford, Oxfordshire, the role of Corporate Partnerships Officer provides opportunities to build meaningful relationships while enjoying a generous benefits package, including extensive holiday entitlement, health support, and personal development initiatives. Join us in making a real difference for animals and their owners in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Partnerships Officer in Burford
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Blue Cross For Pets.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Blue Cross For Pets, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Blue Cross For Pets. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Partnerships Officer in Burford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Blue Cross For Pets supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Blue Cross For Pets. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Corporate Partnerships Officer role at Blue Cross For Pets. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Blue Cross For Pets. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Blue Cross For Pets.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Blue Cross For Pets. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
