Corporate and Community Development Manager in Bedford

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Mind BLMK is seeking a dynamic, outward-facing Corporate and Community Development Manager to join our Fundraising and Communications team. In this pivotal role, you will lead our efforts to expand our regional footprint and secure vital unrestricted income to fund transformative mental health services. Acting as a strategic bridge between sectors, you will identify, secure, and steward corporate donors and commercial sponsors, while simultaneously cultivating collaborative relationships across the voluntary and local community sectors.

Joining our warm, values-driven Fundraising and Communications team, you will enjoy a supportive culture that champions your work-life balance through flexible working from our Flitwick HQ, alongside an exceptional benefits package.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Create new business pipeline inclusive of research, prospect and securing new corporate partnerships, commercial donors and sponsors, e.g. Charity of the Year (COTY) aligning across the BLMK area.
• Identify opportunities to partner with Local Mind Associations (LMA's) on collaborative community fundraising campaigns and appeals.
• Act as an inspirational ambassador for Mind BLMK across regional events, networking, forums and funder platforms to elevate our visibility and champion our vision.
• Manage account stewardship, managing a portfolio of existing corporate partners, delivering exceptional donor care to maximise long-term retention and financial value.
• Create compelling, tailored corporate funding proposals and pitch directly to local business leaders, Chamber of Commerce networks and other corporate responsibility partners.
• Collaborate with internal departments and colleagues and local service teams to identify, shape and maximise income generation and fundraising initiatives.
• Engage with community & charity collaboration through building mutually beneficial alliances with local charities, local businesses, voluntary groups to run joint fundraising initiatives.

About You

You will have a track record in a fundraising, sales, or account management role, with evidence of hitting financial targets, with experience of pitching to, securing and maintaining relationships with corporate partners, or commercial sponsors. We are looking for experience of fundraising at a regional level, preferably with experience of establishing fundraising in a new region, excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance corporate and community portfolios and strong networking and relationship-building capabilities, a natural collaborator who can connect diverse groups. Experience of contributing to tender writing and proposals and working in the voluntary sector, or comparable environment is desirable.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you are a proactive communicator looking for a role where your commercial drive directly funds transformative, life-changing mental health support, we want to hear from you.

Closedown: Friday 20th November 2026 at 5.00pm

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.

Start date: ASAP

Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. No agencies please.