Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships to protect animals and drive positive change in the UK.
- Company: Join IFAW, a leading NGO dedicated to animal welfare and environmental issues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for impactful advocacy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for animals while shaping partnerships that matter.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic partnerships, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; we value equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 92000 £ per year.
Under the supervision of the European Regional Director, the Director of External Partnerships will oversee IFAW’s strategic partnerships development geared towards advancing IFAW’s efforts to protect and save the lives of animals. He/she will strengthen IFAW’s profile in the United Kingdom by:
- Representing IFAW in the UK, in particular to corporations, institutional donors, private foundations, and other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of increasing IFAW’s visibility and generating revenue;
- Leading the development, implementation, and partnerships management, as well as external advocacy and influence;
- Carrying out outreach and community engagement to drive positive change.
Role and Responsibilities
Partnership Strategy Elaboration
- Design and update a comprehensive partnership strategy with external stakeholders in the UK market. This Partnership Strategy shall cover the following types of partnership:
- Political and institutional (public sector, national and decentralized authorities);
- Financial (private sector and institutional donors);
- Technical, programmatic and academic (non-governmental community, universities, research institutes).
Strategy Implementation and Partnerships Development
- Build, foster and maintain strong relationships with target stakeholders (external audiences, leaders, institutional partners, community organizations, funders, etc.) to:
- Enhance effectiveness and reach;
- Advance and drive collaborative solutions.
- Identifying investment opportunities that generate financial returns and create social/environmental benefits.
- Working with the IFAW Leadership Team and others to develop and implement innovative investment strategies that align with strategy ensuring that our resources are used to drive transformative change.
IFAW UK Representation
- Serve as IFAW’s UK Representative to corporations, institutional donors, private foundations, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Serve as authorized signatory, when appropriate.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Minimum of five years of experience in the development of strategic partnerships and institutional funding, NGO management, high‑level advocacy or a related field in the UK and beyond.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Agility and strategic vision.
- Demonstrated expertise in the nonprofit landscape.
- General understanding of environmental and climate issues.
- Knowledge of conservation and animal welfare is an asset but not essential.
- Ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision‑making.
- Experience with local, regional, and national institutional funding sources.
- Working knowledge of legal and compliance obligations that apply to international NGOs operating in the UK.
At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Hiring range 75,000 – 92,000 GBP
Closing date for receipt of applications: 12 January 2026
Director, External Partnerships - UK employer: IFAW
Contact Detail:
IFAW Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, External Partnerships - UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or stakeholders on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Be the expert! Stay updated on the latest trends in animal welfare and conservation. When you know your stuff, you can confidently engage in conversations and showcase your passion for IFAW’s mission. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal meeting, being able to clearly articulate IFAW’s goals and your vision for partnerships is key. Rehearse what you want to say so you can communicate effectively and leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and how you can contribute to IFAW’s mission. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, External Partnerships - UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with IFAW's mission and values. Show us that you get what we're about and how your experience aligns with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Use clear language and avoid jargon. Make sure your application highlights your key achievements and experiences without unnecessary fluff. We want to see the real you!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed partnerships or driven change. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure you apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFAW
✨Know Your Partnerships Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into IFAW’s current partnerships and initiatives. Understand their strategic goals and how they align with your vision. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how you can contribute to enhancing these relationships.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your past experiences in advocacy and partnership development. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you influenced decision-making or drove collaborative solutions. This will demonstrate your capability to represent IFAW effectively in various settings.
✨Engage with the Nonprofit Landscape
Brush up on the current trends and challenges within the nonprofit sector, especially related to animal welfare and environmental issues. Being knowledgeable about these topics will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview and show that you’re well-informed.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about IFAW’s future strategies and challenges in the UK market. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your strategic thinking and commitment to driving positive change.