Corporate Partnerships Manager (New Business)

At Bookmark, we have a simple vision: we want every child to read. We have seen significant growth over the past few years and have built a network of engaged supporters. We are recruiting an experienced corporate fundraiser and business development professional to play a key role in the growth of our corporate partnerships programme, securing transformational partnerships that help change the story for children.

The Corporate Partnerships Manager (New Business) will be responsible for identifying, developing and securing new corporate partnerships that generate significant income and strategic value for the organisation. This is a newly created role reflecting the organisation's ambition to grow and diversify its corporate partnership portfolio. This position will play a pivotal role in driving new business activity to fuel our growth and expand our impact to ensure that more children discover the joy of reading.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Corporate Partnerships to develop and implement a proactive corporate new business strategy to achieve agreed income targets.
• Build and manage a healthy pipeline of prospects across key sectors and industries.
• Lead on all stages of the business development cycle, from prospecting and initial engagement through to proposal development, negotiation and contract agreement.
• Work with our Fundraising Research & Administration Intern to identify new potential prospects.
• Work with Trustees, senior stakeholders, and our wonderfully supportive Corporate Partnerships Board to secure introductions and make asks of prospective supporters.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers, including CSR, ESG, HR, Marketing and Executive leaders.
• Develop compelling, tailored partnership proposals and presentations that align with prospective partners' objectives and inspire support for Bookmark's mission.
• Negotiate partnership agreements that deliver sustainable income and long-term value.
• Support with onboarding of new partners.
• Represent Bookmark at corporate events, networking opportunities and sector forums to build relationships and raise the charity's profile.
• Use Salesforce to manage the accurate recording, progression and forecasting, enabling efficient reporting and KPI management.

Working as a team

• Work closely with the rest of the Fundraising team to ensure opportunities to maximise income for the fundraising team.
• Devise and deliver annual plans, together with associated budgets, in line with Bookmark’s strategic objectives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across fundraising, marketing, communications and service delivery teams to create innovative partnership opportunities.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Chair of Trustees and colleagues across the charity to ensure corporate fundraising activity is aligned with the charity’s wider plans and objectives.
• Ensure that all activity helps to build Bookmark’s brand and is always brand compliant.
• Ensure Bookmark’s ethical fundraising policy is adhered to.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven success in securing new business income, sponsorship or corporate partnerships (five to six-figure level partnerships).
• Demonstrable success in achieving and exceeding financial targets.
• Experience developing and delivering compelling pitches and presentations.
• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated by strong relationships with supporters and colleagues. You will have the skills to influence, motivate and persuade people to donate.
• Strong alignment with Bookmark's mission and values.
• Experience using of Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using Salesforce, or another CRM database.

Desirable

• Experience using Canva.
• Experience in charity partnerships is welcome but not essential. We are equally interested in candidates with a strong track record of securing high-value partnerships outside of the sector in commercial or client-facing roles.

Contract type

Permanent

Salary

£40,000 to £42,000 per annum

Location

Minimum two days per week based at the Bookmark office (London), with flexibility around home working for the remaining days.

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 30 hours per week (0.8) will be considered.

Reporting to

Head of Corporate Partnerships

Start date

ASAP

Equality and Diversity

Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make the best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. Bookmark, and the charity sector more generally, supports a diverse range of communities, people and causes. However, this diversity is not reflected in our personnel, particularly at the senior leadership and board level. We aim at all times to recruit the person who is most suited to the job and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – men and women, people of all ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, religions and beliefs. We recognise that talented people from diverse backgrounds sometimes hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. If you’re passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

We welcome any candidate who can contribute greater diversity in its widest sense to the organisation, including diversity of background, life experience, career path and thought.

Safeguarding

Bookmark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and requires everyone associated with the charity, including all trustees, employees, and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including references from past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.