ThinkForward is recruiting an Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help lead our team delivering our unique programme supporting young people into further education and employment.
About the Role
Our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships is a pivotal executive leadership role, that will transform income generation into a partnership-led growth engine for ThinkForward.
Purpose
To lead and embed a strategic partnership ecosystem that delivers sustainable, diversified income growth; access to commissioned and place-based funding; scalable delivery routes; and increased influence in policy and practice. The post holder will personally originate, shape and close major funding and partnership opportunities with senior stakeholders.
Strategic Focus
Act as executive relationship lead for government, local authorities, commissioners and major stakeholders; increase access to public-sector funding, commissioning and multiyear partnership agreements; diversify income across statutory, corporate and trusts and foundations funding streams; turn system-level partnerships into delivery settings, national reach and more young people supported.
Why it Matters
The role enables ThinkForward to move from transactional partnerships to system-level influence and secure a share of £1bn+ public funding flows linked to youth outcomes.
What We're Looking For
Experience: Senior leadership in fundraising, partnerships or public-sector engagement; securing six- and seven-figure multi-year partnerships; Board-level influence across public, private and voluntary sectors.
Executive Capability
Exceptional relationship-building, commercial thinking and the ability to shape complex funding propositions in political, policy and commissioning environments.
Leadership
Able to lead high-performing teams, build pipeline and CRM discipline, and balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Knowledge and Attributes
Understands public-sector commissioning, place-based funding and the charity funding landscape; outward-facing, entrepreneurial, values-driven, collaborative and systems-oriented.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: London/Hybrid
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Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships employer: ThinkForward UK
ThinkForward is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people through innovative programmes that foster education and employment opportunities. With a collaborative work culture that values strategic partnerships, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area, ThinkForward offers unique advantages such as networking with key stakeholders and access to resources that enhance both personal and organisational development.
