Head of Strategic Partnerships

• Position title
• Head of Strategic Partnerships
• Department
• Governance & Executive Engagement
• Reporting to
• Director of the Executive Office
• Location
• London
• Salary
• (Grade 2) UK GBP £77,795 gross per annum
• Term
• Indefinite
• Background

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, working to deliver urgent action against the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive.

Mayors employ a science‑based, people‑focused approach to meet the 1.5°C target and build healthy, equitable, resilient communities.

Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors engage a coalition of labour, business, youth climate movement and civil society to accelerate progress.

Our international staff work with the C40 network under city governments to deliver this mission.

We identify and promote proven programmes and policies, provide world‑class research, technical expertise and access to key partners, and communicate cities’ achievements and collective leadership.

Diversity Statement

C40 supports equity and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace.

We believe that diverse teams produce better decisions and outcomes, fostering creativity, productivity and global impact.

We welcome applicants of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ethnicities and perspectives, and we provide reasonable adjustments to support those with disability, chronic illness or neurodiversity.

Department description

The Fundraising team coordinates C40’s fundraising strategy, ensuring stewardship standards, identifying new funding opportunities, and working across the organization to understand fundraising needs.

The team operates within the Executive Office and supports all departments, including the Government Programmes & Partnerships function, which focuses on partnerships with philanthropic and private‑sector funders.

Position description

The Head of Strategic Partnerships reports to the Director of the Executive Office and advises senior leadership on C40’s fundraising strategy.

The role operationalises and oversees the fundraising team’s activities, upholds high standards of internal and external relationship management, and helps shape the fundraising narrative.

The candidate will network with partners, operationalise a small team, and elevate others.

Flexibility, strategic thinking, fundraising experience in a global, fast‑paced environment, interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance competing priorities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the design of C40’s overarching fundraising strategy, both short‑term and long‑term.
• Oversee delivery of the strategy across the organization with the Director of the Executive Office.
• Manage the fundraising team’s annual and monthly work plan, ensuring clarity of deliverables, deadlines, roles and responsibilities.
• Develop strategy and delivery plan for event sponsorships.
• Review and co‑deliver collaboration infrastructure between the fundraising team and the Government Programmes & Partnerships team.
• Join regular programmatic calls to understand resourcing needs and cultivate partners internally and externally.
• Engage in internal Boards and working groups to identify priorities and allocate fundraising resources accordingly.
• Lead fundraising efforts on priorities approved by the Management Team within the Fundraising strategy and through strategic projects, in partnership with relevant programme teams.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective funders.
• Attend local and global events as requested to nurture relationships.
• Maintain and enhance the C40 funder database/CRM system (Salesforce).
• Support internal communications around fundraising, fostering a culture of philanthropy across C40 teams.
• Provide line management for 1–2 team members.
• Perform any other duties appropriate for the grade.

Person specification

• Fundraising experience required.
• Work experience in a global context.
• Experience developing funding and sponsorship packages and materials.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills (English).
• Experience using and managing a CRM database.
• Experience conducting robust due diligence on prospective funders.
• Experience managing programme and work plans with strong analytical, organisational and planning skills.
• Strong technical and problem‑solving capabilities with a delivery‑oriented approach.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, particularly with senior executives.
• Proven track record of collaborating effectively with a large team of internal and external stakeholders.
• Line management experience essential.
• Experience in climate, environment or sustainability preferred.
• Other Requirements

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and moderate travel will be required as part of the role.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 35 days annually, including all national holidays.
• Company Shutdowns: two non‑contractual, non‑statutory shutdown weeks each year.
• Parental Leave: up to 52 weeks; first 16 weeks paid at 100%; remaining weeks unpaid unless required by national law.
• Flexible Working: arrangements supported where they align with business requirements.
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL): recover after excessive hours or travel.
• Sick Leave: entitlement increases after completion of probation.
• Employee Training: development opportunities available after probation.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential counselling services.
• Pension scheme: offered in eligible locations based on country of employment.
• Private Health Insurance: provided where public healthcare is unavailable.
• Application Process

Submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter via the C40 website.

The closing date is Tuesday, 7th July 2026 at 5 pm BST.

The organization reserves the right to close the posting earlier.

For queries about the role, contact careers@C40. org. This email address is for recruitment questions only.

EEO Statement

C40 is an equal‑opportunities employer.

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