At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with organisations to secure volunteer mentors and support for our programme.
- Company: Join MCR Pathways, an award-winning charity dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, a generous pension, and additional perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values respect, communication, trust, and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working flexibly across the North East.
- Qualifications: Experience in relationship-building and a passion for supporting diverse volunteers.
We are looking for a Partnerships Manager based in North East England who can bridge the gap between MCR Pathways and the corporate, public and SME sectors across the area.
About the role
This role focuses on relationship building and stewardship with organisations of all sizes to drive strategic collaborations to secure the participation of volunteer mentors in our programme and other forms of in-kind and financial support. A hybrid of working from home, in the field and from office bases (often facilitated through our partners) across the North East, you will enjoy a balance of autonomous and team working while you drive forward the regional plans using your in depth knowledge of and connections within the North East.
Key responsibilities
- Identify and pitch to corporate, public sector and SME partners, aligning their CSR/ESG goals with the MCR Pathways mission to secure strategic, long-term support.
- Drive targeted partner engagement and information sessions to recruit high-quality volunteer mentors and consistently meet monthly regional targets.
- Manage a portfolio of regional partners, delivering exceptional account management to cultivate long-term commitment and build a network of active brand champions.
- Utilise regional insight and market intelligence to design and execute localized recruitment plans tailored to priority schools, employers, and communities.
- Partner with communications teams to deliver targeted local marketing, networking, and social media campaigns that maximize brand visibility and mentor enquiries.
- Monitor pipeline metrics and event effectiveness using CRM systems, while collaborating internally to smoothly convert volunteer enquiries into active mentors.
About you
- Experience of and expertise in relationship-building on an organisational and individual level.
- Experience presenting compelling and emotionally engaging information sessions to stakeholder organisations and individuals.
- Experience and understanding of the importance of recruiting a diverse range of volunteers.
- Can-do, proactive, flexible, solution-focused attitude.
- Belief in young people’s potential, modelling motivation, commitment and resilience.
- Knowledge of North East England, its community groups and organisations.
About us
MCR Pathways is an award-winning charity established in Glasgow in 2007. Our mentoring programme is now delivered in schools across the whole of Scotland as well as North East and South East England. We are committed to helping the country’s most vulnerable young people gain self-confidence, identify their skills and recognise and fulfil their potential.
Our mission: To connect every young person with a trusted adult mentor, someone who sparks confidence, fuels ambition, and walks beside them as they find their way.
Our vision: MCR Pathways will work until every young person has someone to help them find their way. You will be joining a friendly and supportive team who love what they do and enjoy working with each other.
MCR Pathways’ values are Respect, Communication, Trust and Growth and they inform everything we do.
Benefits of working for MCR Pathways include:
- 30 days annual leave in first year rising to 35 days from 2nd year of employment.
- 7% Employer Pension Contribution.
- 3 further days of annual leave between the December and January public holidays.
- Additional day off for your birthday.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life Assurance - 4 x salary.
Partnerships Manager in Sunderland employer: MCR Pathways
MCR Pathways is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in North East England. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a culture that values respect, communication, trust, and growth. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships Manager in Sunderland
✨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 MCR Pathways.
✨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 MCR Pathways.
✨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 MCR Pathways.
✨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 MCR Pathways. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Manager in Sunderland
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 MCR Pathways. 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 Partnerships Manager, 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 MCR Pathways
✨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 MCR Pathways. 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!
