Partnerships Lead United Nations CSO - Volunteer

Partnerships Lead United Nations CSO - Volunteer

Volunteer 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Centre for Big Synergy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships for the world's biggest sustainability film festival and creative programmes.
  • Company: Join the United Nations CSO, Centre for Big Synergy, making a global impact.
  • Benefits: Gain professional esteem, build a high-profile network, and work remotely.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders and drive meaningful change.
  • Why this job: Inspire millions to act on UN Sustainable Development Goals and celebrate diversity in filmmaking.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years of experience in partnership building and exceptional communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

United Nations CSO, Centre for Big Synergy, seeks a Partnerships Advisor/Lead to lead strategic partnerships for various creative programs including the World's biggest sustainability film festival and awards.

What difference will you make? Over 85% of people in the UK and even more, globally, are unaware of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) let alone take any steps to create a more sustainable world for themselves and in the process for others in this complexly interconnected world. This highlights the need for such initiatives to educate the British as well as global societies about the UN SDGs. Your contributions can educate and inspire millions to act on the SDGs and bring positive changes that will impact all of us in this complexly interconnected world. Most importantly your efforts will ensure that the film festival and the UK's marginalised filmmakers (LGBTQI+, women, disabled and ethnic minorities) get even more visibility, thus furthering the motto of the festival to celebrate inclusion and diversity whilst inspiring the civic society to act on the Global Goals. It will also help partner organisations join forces and work in synergy to amplify the impact of the initiative through communal as well as individual efforts, thus benefitting more lives that we would have helped acting alone.

What are we looking for?

  • A committed and meticulous person, passionate about making the world a more sustainable, safer and peaceful place.
  • Proven experience of 3 or more years of communicating and working with senior leadership across organisations and identifying potential partners and stakeholders.
  • Strategic Relationship Builder able to cultivate trust with senior executives, philanthropists, brand leaders, and industry stakeholders.
  • Commercially Astute understands how funding, sponsorship, and co‑financing models work across film, culture, and corporate CSR.
  • Compelling Communicator exceptional written and verbal communication, able to craft persuasive pitches, proposals, and partnership narratives.
  • Diplomatic and Credible carries themselves with the gravitas needed to represent an institute in high‑level settings.
  • Creative Thinker able to design partnership concepts that feel fresh, mutually beneficial, and aligned with the institute’s mission.
  • Resilient and Proactive comfortable navigating long sales cycles, complex stakeholders, and shifting industry landscapes.
  • Highly Organised manages pipelines, reporting, and stewardship with precision.
  • Mission‑Driven genuinely committed to the cultural, educational, or social purpose of the institute.

Remote

What will you be doing? This is an opportunity to build a very high profile network for furthering your career and also to gain professional esteem and presence. Big Syn Institute (BSI) is a part of the Centre for Big Synergy and has been organising the Big Syn International Film Festival (BSIFF) since 2019. The partnerships lead will work closely with senior leadership to identify and engage in commercial and strategic relationships with key partners, both online and offline, for the activities of BSI, London for various creative projects it runs including the World's Biggest sustainability film fest & awards. Since 2019, the Big Syn Institute has hosted the festival which has reached over 50M people in over 120 countries. Through relevant shorts, features, animations, documentaries, CSR videos and Public Service Videos, Charity films, the festival advocates the United Nations 17 Global Goals and also celebrates the work of the UK's marginalised filmmakers. OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award‑winners, as well as other luminaries from film and media, sustainability, and policy have been part of the festival and have supported it since inception. Winners from the festival have eventually won OSCARS and EMMY awards.

We are looking for a motivated networker with a can‑do attitude who enjoys networking and establishing relationships. The partnerships manager, working closely with our team must be able to:

  • Identify, cultivate, and secure high‑value funders, corporate patrons, and philanthropic partners.
  • Build and manage a robust pipeline of investors, donors, and strategic collaborators.
  • Develop compelling partnership propositions, sponsorship decks, and investment narratives tailored to each stakeholder.
  • Lead negotiations and close partnership agreements that advance the institute’s creative, cultural, and educational objectives.
  • Work closely with executive leadership to align partnership strategy with the institute’s mission and long‑term vision.
  • Collaborate with programming, marketing, legal, and finance teams to deliver high‑impact partnerships.
  • Monitor industry trends, funding landscapes, and corporate CSR priorities to anticipate new opportunities.
  • Take ownership as one of the most important people associated with the BSI's activities, festivals and awards.
  • Think strategically to identify and establish new partnerships whilst exploring new engagements with the existing partner network.
  • Communicate with a very high professional standard with the leadership of partner organisations, some being the biggest corporations in their sector.
  • Maintain a database with existing and new partnerships and updates on progress made.
  • Explore ideas, both in house, and with potential and new partners, to come up with creative ideas of collaboration to further common goals.

Partnerships Lead United Nations CSO - Volunteer employer: Centre for Big Synergy

At the Centre for Big Synergy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, diversity, and sustainability. Our remote work culture fosters flexibility and inclusivity, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with passionate individuals dedicated to advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Join us to not only grow your professional network but also to contribute to initiatives that inspire change and celebrate the voices of marginalised filmmakers across the globe.

Centre for Big Synergy

Contact Details:

Centre for Big Synergy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Partnerships Lead United Nations CSO - Volunteer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend events related to sustainability and film, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. Remember, it’s all about building those connections that can lead to partnerships down the line.

Tip Number 2

Be prepared to pitch your ideas! Craft a compelling narrative about how your skills and experiences align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential partners or stakeholders.

Tip Number 3

Stay organised! Keep track of your networking efforts and follow up with contacts regularly. A simple email or message can keep you on their radar and show your commitment to collaboration.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference in the world of sustainability and film.

We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Lead United Nations CSO - Volunteer

Strategic Relationship Building
Communication Skills
Commercial Acumen
Diplomacy
Creative Thinking
Resilience
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for sustainability and the UN SDGs shine through. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference and why this role excites you!

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in building partnerships and working with senior leadership. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so use examples that showcase your skills in crafting compelling narratives.

Be Creative:Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Show us your creative side by suggesting innovative partnership ideas or concepts that align with our mission. We love fresh perspectives that can inspire action.

Keep It Professional:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to maintain a professional standard in your writing. This is a high-profile role, so ensure your application reflects the gravitas needed to represent our institute.

How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Big Synergy

Know Your SDGs

Make sure you’re well-versed in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Familiarise yourself with how these goals relate to the role and the initiatives of the Centre for Big Synergy. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can contribute to raising awareness and driving action.

Showcase Your Networking Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained strategic partnerships in the past. Highlight your ability to cultivate trust with senior executives and stakeholders, as this is crucial for the Partnerships Lead role. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your networking led to successful collaborations.

Craft Compelling Narratives

Since communication is key, practice crafting persuasive pitches and partnership proposals. Think about how you can tailor your narratives to resonate with different stakeholders. Bring along a few examples of your previous work that demonstrate your exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrate Your Resilience

Be prepared to discuss how you handle long sales cycles and complex stakeholder environments. Share stories that illustrate your proactive approach and resilience in overcoming challenges. This will show that you’re not just a creative thinker but also someone who can navigate the complexities of partnership building.