At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development to empower young people through innovative programmes and partnerships.
- Company: Join the Manchester United Foundation, a charity making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellness support, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social impact and community empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact using the power of football to change lives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in charity leadership, strategic development, and fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Manchester United Foundation (MUF) is a registered charity, set up to channel the worldwide passion for Manchester United to influence positive change within communities by developing unique and relevant partnerships, empowering young people through the delivery of innovative and educational programmes and developing greater understanding of social issues through education.
The Foundation wholly owns a trading subsidiary – Manchester United Foundation (Trading) Ltd
OUR VISION
A future where all young people are empowered to achieve their goals.
OUR MISSION
We use the power of football and Manchester United to help young people make positive choices in their lives.
The Role
The Director of Business Development will join the Executive Leadership Team (EMT) at Manchester United Foundation with a core focus on modernising and diversifying income streams that the charity accesses, whilst supporting the effective existing team in charity fundraising development and delivery.
The postholder will support with the development of a new strategy and capitalise on its focuses to identify and access funding streams to deliver the objectives set in this new plan.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Development of new MUF Strategy: Using local data and understanding local need and opportunity, support the development of the new Manchester United Foundation Strategy.
- Investigate new areas of work: Following a data and local needs analysis review and development of new strategy, the postholder will use this information to shape and develop new areas of work for the Foundation, to allow for a more strategic and sustainable approach for the charity.
- Income
Diversification: Moving the charity beyond traditional fundraising by securing statutory funding, NHS or local authority contracts, and charity funding opportunities, linked to charity strategy and local need.
- Bid Management & Procurement: Overseeing the development of high‑value funding applications, tenders, and proposals.
- Relationship Building: Acting as an ambassador to negotiate, cultivate, and manage lucrative partnerships and stakeholder networks.
- Market Insight: Horizon‑scanning for emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and commercial opportunities.
- Charity
Fundraising: Support the existing team with developing and delivering fundraising activity throughout the year, whilst looking for new ways to increase fundraising opportunities.
- Philanthropy Development: Identify and develop philanthropic opportunities to support raising funds for the Foundation.
- Business Partner Development: Working alongside current team develop a well‑rounded business partner scheme.
The Person
Essential Experience
- Proven experience operating at a senior level in a charity, foundation, or complex mission‑driven organisation.
- Strong track record of strategic development, organisational or project growth, and impact delivery.
- Demonstrable success in stakeholder management, partnership development, and fundraising.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget development and risk management.
- Experience within sport, football, youth development, education, health, or community sectors.
Desirable Experience
- Understanding of the Premier League / Football Charity / Elite football ecosystem and its social impact potential.
- Experience managing large, complex funding portfolios.
Skills & Attributes
- Outgoing, inspirational individual with strong core values that partners and stakeholders will resonate with.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at pace.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
- Strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
- Resilient, credible, and values‑led.
- Values & Commitment
- Passion for social impact and belief in the power of football to change lives.
- Commitment to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
- Alignment with the ethical standards and values expected of Manchester United Foundation, including:
- Integrity – acting with honesty and transparency.
- Inclusion – promoting equality and diversity in all programmes.
- Excellence – striving for the highest standards in delivery and governance.
- Impact – ensuring meaningful, measurable outcomes for communities.
Our Values
- Unite: Recognise the power of football across the world.
- Nurture: Growing the potential of every young person.
- Invest: Sustained financial investment aligning to our charitable objectives.
- Together: Working as a team with our stakeholders.
- Excellence: Delivering programmes to the highest standard.
- Diversity: What makes us different, makes us stronger.
What We Offer
- Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work.
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days.
- Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace.
- Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners.
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team‑building activities.
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies.
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like Linked In Learning, and internal training programs.
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth.
Our Commitment to You
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger.
We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Manchester United Foundation is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK‑based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK.
You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.
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Director of Business Development (H/F) in Manchester employer: Manchester United FC
At Manchester United, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a high-performance culture that champions collaboration and continuous growth. Our iconic location not only provides a vibrant work environment but also offers unique opportunities for personal and professional development within the world of football. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young athletes while being part of a diverse and inclusive team that values every contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Development (H/F) in Manchester
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Manchester United FC.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Manchester United FC.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Manchester United FC.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Manchester United FC. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Development (H/F) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Manchester United FC. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Business Development (H/F), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester United FC
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Manchester United FC. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
