At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships to enhance mental health support and create impactful community services.
- Company: Join West Sussex Mind, a leader in mental health advocacy and support.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, potential for extension, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership development and securing funding is essential.
Are you an experienced relationship builder with a passion for improving mental health and wellbeing? Are you someone who thrives on developing new opportunities, building strategic partnerships and turning ideas into meaningful services and support for local communities?
Contract: Fixed term contract 2 years (potential to extend)
Location: Surrey (with ability to travel to in person meetings in West Sussex and Brighton and Hove)
Holiday Entitlement: 25 days per year rising to 27 days after 2 years (pro-rata)
West Sussex Mind Values: Excellence, Equitable, Open, Together, Curious, Unstoppable
National Mind Excellence Awards 2025: Winner for Equality & Diversity; Highly Commended for Effective Services
Overview: West Sussex Mind and Mind in Brighton & Hove are embarking on an exciting programme of growth and expansion into Surrey. Hosted by West Sussex Mind on behalf of the Mind in Surrey Partnership, the Head of Development and Partnerships, Surrey will lead the establishment, development and growth of the partnership's work across Surrey, identifying and creating opportunities to improve mental health support, tackle stigma and increase access to services for local communities.
The role will involve:
- Developing relationships with Surrey and Sussex ICB, local authorities, VCSE organisations and other key stakeholders.
- Identifying and securing opportunities through grants, commissioning, tenders and partnership development.
- Involving people with lived experience in the development and design of proposals to ensure they meet the needs of local people with mental health challenges.
- Growing our mental health training offer across Surrey, including both paid-for training and community-based awareness initiatives.
- Establishing and supporting a Surrey Steering Group and maintaining excellent partnership working with Mind in Brighton & Hove.
- Leading the development and launch of the programme's profile, relationships and future opportunities.
- Reports on progress and impact to the Steering Group.
We are looking for someone who is motivated, self-sufficient and able to work independently while building strong and lasting relationships across a wide range of organisations and communities.
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience of developing partnerships across health, social care, public sector or voluntary organisations.
- Experience of securing funding, contracts, grants, commissioning opportunities or other sources of income.
- Excellent networking, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience of developing and delivering projects, services or programmes.
- Strong written communication skills, including report writing, funding applications or business cases.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and take initiative.
- A commitment to improving mental health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
Experience of working within Surrey's health and social care landscape and existing local networks would be particularly advantageous.
As this role involves regular travel between multiple locations, you will be required to hold appropriate business-use vehicle insurance to ensure you are fully insured while undertaking work-related travel. Travel expenses covered: We have designated Guildford as your base point. Any travel required beyond the cost of your normal journey from home to this location will be reimbursed in accordance with expenses policy.
How to apply: Please find an application form, guidance notes and job description for further details on our website.
Closing date: Wednesday 9th September at 9am.
Interview date: Wednesday 23rd September in Worthing area.
Please email completed applications to: our people team.
Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must therefore be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time once we receive sufficient applications and encourage all interested applicants to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
West Sussex Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Head of Development and Partnerships, Surrey in Guildford employer: West Sussex Mind
West Sussex Mind is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer 25 days of holiday entitlement, increasing to 27 days after two years, alongside a supportive work culture that values excellence, equity, and collaboration. Join us in Surrey to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working environment and opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development and Partnerships, Surrey in Guildford
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like West Sussex Mind!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at West Sussex Mind that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development and Partnerships, Surrey in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at West Sussex Mind. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for West Sussex Mind.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at West Sussex Mind!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex Mind
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of West Sussex Mind resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Head of Development and Partnerships, Surrey position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
