Partnerships Manager in Kent

Partnerships Manager in Kent

Kent Full-Time 40000 - 42500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead partnerships to grow income and create lasting connections for local patients.
  • Company: Join Heart of Kent Hospice and make a real difference in hospice care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Shape meaningful partnerships and influence the future of hospice care in your community.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, business development, or partnership management is essential.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42500 £ per year.

We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded Partnerships Manager to grow a developing income stream and build transformational relationships that will support our care today and help shape the hospice of tomorrow. This is a unique opportunity to join Heart of Kent Hospice at a pivotal time. As we work towards our future hospice, you will influence strategy, develop high-value partnerships and create lasting connections that make a tangible difference to local patients and families.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing partnerships portfolio and shape our approach to corporate and community engagement. Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, you will lead our partnerships income stream, with responsibility for income targets, budgets and strategic planning. You will manage and develop our Partnership Fundraiser while personally leading some of our most valuable relationships.

You will:

  • Develop and deliver our annual partnerships strategy and income plan.
  • Identify and secure high-value partnership opportunities that deliver sustainable income and long-term value.
  • Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective supporters and strategic partners.
  • Manage key relationships that generate significant income, engagement and support.
  • Represent Heart of Kent Hospice across the local business and community landscape.
  • Work with fundraising and communications colleagues to maximise opportunities and supporter engagement.
  • Develop partnership opportunities linked to our future hospice, building influence and long-term support.

We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with warmth, confidence and exceptional relationship-building skills. You will be naturally curious, results-driven and excited by the opportunity to build something with lasting impact. You may come from fundraising, business development, account management, sponsorship or another partnership-led environment.

Essential Requirements

  • Experience in corporate fundraising, partnership management, business development, account management, sponsorship, sales or a related income-generation role.
  • Experience of identifying and securing new business opportunities.
  • A track record of achieving income, sales or growth targets.
  • Experience of developing and managing high-value stakeholder relationships.
  • Excellent networking, presentation and communication skills.
  • Strong organisational, planning and budget management skills.
  • Experience using CRM or database systems.
  • Ability to travel independently across Kent and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable Requirements

  • Experience of charity fundraising, sponsorship or commercial partnerships.
  • Knowledge of fundraising regulations and best practice.
  • Existing connections within the Kent business community.

This is more than a fundraising role. It is an opportunity to shape meaningful partnerships, influence future plans and play a key part in the next chapter of hospice care across our region. In return, we offer:

  • A supportive, collaborative working environment.
  • Hybrid working arrangements.
  • The opportunity to lead and grow an important fundraising income stream.
  • Professional development and training opportunities.
  • The chance to make a direct impact on local patients and families.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusive practice across employment and patient care. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from people living with disabilities and provide reasonable adjustments to support colleagues to thrive. All interested applicants must complete our online application form in full.

Partnerships Manager in Kent employer: HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

Heart of Kent Hospice is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, where your contributions directly impact the community. With a focus on employee growth and development, you will have access to training opportunities and the chance to lead a dedicated team across our 14 charity shops, all while making a meaningful difference in people's lives. Join us in a role that not only offers competitive benefits but also the unique satisfaction of working for a cause that truly matters.

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

Contact Details:

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Partnerships Manager in Kent

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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE.

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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE, 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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE. It’s all about being visible and passionate!

We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Manager in Kent

Strategic Thinking
Relationship-Building Skills
Corporate Fundraising
Partnership Management
Business Development
Account Management
Sponsorship

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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE 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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE. 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 Partnerships Manager role at HEART OF KENT HOSPICE. 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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE. 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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE.

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 HEART OF KENT HOSPICE. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.