At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising and strategic partnerships to support youth education and employment.
- Company: ThinkForward, a dynamic organisation focused on empowering young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and impactful career opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming youth outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior fundraising and partnership roles with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
ThinkForward is recruiting a 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.
Application Details
- Contract: Full Time, Permanent
- Salary: £75,000PA
- Location: London/Hybrid
For more information about ThinkForward and the role you could play as our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships, please go to https://thinkforward.org.uk/about/jobs/ and download the relevant job pack and specification. To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) via Linkedin. Your covering letter should tell us why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification outlined in the job description. We look forward to hearing from you.
Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships employer: ThinkForward UK
ThinkForward is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its team members while making a significant impact on the lives of young people. With a collaborative work culture and a focus on strategic partnerships, employees are empowered to innovate and lead in their roles, all within the vibrant setting of London. The organisation offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional advancement, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
