Global Rugby Players Foundation
Partnership Lead
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Partnerships Lead
We are seeking an ambitious, commercially minded, and relationship-driven Partnerships Lead to establish and grow our corporate and strategic partnerships programme. This is a newly created role, offering an exciting opportunity to shape our partnerships strategy, develop a robust new business pipeline, and secure sustainable income that enables us to deliver greater impact for the players Beyond the Game.
The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, securing, and managing high-value partnerships with businesses and individuals and other entities. They will work collaboratively across the Foundation to develop compelling partnership propositions that align organisational priorities with partners' corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social and governance (ESG), employee engagement, and community investment objectives.
This role is suited to an experienced charity partnerships professional, who has a proven track record of winning new business and delivering significant income growth within the third sector.
Responsibilities
Partnership Development
- Develop and implement a proactive new business partnerships strategy aligned with the Foundation's fundraising objectives.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective corporate and strategic partners, and individuals to support our mission.
- Identify and research potential partners whose values align with the Foundation's mission.
- Develop tailored partnership proposals and compelling cases for support.
- Lead negotiations and secure mutually beneficial partnership agreements.
- Represent the charity at networking events to generate new opportunities.
Relationship Management
- Develop strong relationships with prospective and existing partners.
- Deliver exceptional stewardship throughout the partnership lifecycle.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure partnership commitments are fulfilled.
- Identify opportunities to grow existing relationships through additional fundraising, sponsorship, employee engagement, volunteering, and strategic collaborations.
Income Generation
- Achieve agreed annual income and partnership targets.
- Produce accurate income forecasts and pipeline reports.
- Monitor partnership performance against agreed objectives and impact KPIs.
- Maximise long-term value from partnerships through renewals and strategic account growth.
Strategic Development
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- Help establish and embed partnership processes, systems, and best practice.
- Contribute to the wider fundraising strategy.
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify emerging opportunities.
- Ensure all partnership and major donor activity complies with fundraising regulations and charity governance requirements.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential Experience
- Significant experience securing and developing corporate partnerships and grants and trusts within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Demonstrable success in generating new business and achieving income targets.
- Experience managing high-value partnerships from prospecting through to stewardship.
- Experience preparing compelling partnership proposals and presentations.
- Strong understanding of corporate fundraising, CSR, ESG, and employee engagement programmes.
- Experience using CRM systems to manage pipelines and reporting.
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Outstanding relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Excellent negotiation and presentation abilities.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify mutually beneficial opportunities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organised with strong project management skills.
- Confident working independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
Essential Knowledge
- Thorough understanding of the charity sector and partnership fundraising.
- Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical fundraising principles.
- Understanding of corporate decision-making and partnership development.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about the Foundation’s mission and values.
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and resilient.
- Results-driven with a focus on achieving measurable impact.
- Creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Professional, credible, and confident engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Collaborative and committed to continuous improvement.
Desirable
- An understanding of the rugby ecosystem and existing relationships within the sport.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or other relevant professional body.
- Experience working in a newly established fundraising or partnerships function.
- Experience developing multi-year strategic partnerships and securing six-figures.
- Knowledge of impact measurement and social value reporting.
Success Measures
Within the first 12 months, the Partnerships Lead will be expected to:
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- Establish a qualified pipeline of prospective corporate partners.
- Secure new partnership income in line with agreed targets.
- Develop a clear partnership strategy and proposition.
- Build strong internal relationships to support partnership delivery.
- Create a sustainable framework for future partnership growth.
Equality and Diversity
At GPRF we champion diversity and inclusivity in our workforce and values, and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process and will ask whether you require any during the recruitment process at the application stage.
Reasonable Adjustments
We will endeavour to make any reasonable adjustments that are necessary to support applicants during the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any of the following adjustments during the recruitment process:
- Extra time during tasks or video applications.
- Assistance if the test or assessment is on a computer, such as closed captions.
- Option to interview without the camera on.
- Sharing interview questions on screen (or on paper if interviewing in person).
- Have an accessible car parking space reserved.
- Hold the interview at a specific time of day (please suggest during the application stage).
- A British Sign Language interpreter.
- Anything else (please describe during the application stage).
Working Conditions
We do not have a central office and our workforce is remote. This role is fully remote; therefore, you must be comfortable working effectively as part of a virtual team.
What We Offer
- A senior standalone role at the heart of a new, high-profile international foundation.
- The opportunity to shape and lead the Foundation’s partnerships from the ground up.
- A dynamic, mission-driven environment with global reach.
- Flexible remote working arrangements.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- 27 days annual leave.
- Pension.
How To Apply
To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you wish to join us, the exceptional skills and experience you bring, and the value you can add to our growing organisation to hr@rugbyplayersfoundation.com.
Closing Date – Friday, 21 August 2026
Stage 1 interview date – From Monday, 24 August 2026
Stage 2 interview date – From Monday, 31 August 2026
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