Fundraising and Partnership Coordinator

Position Title: Fundraising and Partnerships Coordinator

Location: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub, Cheshire (with travel as required)

Reports To: CEO

Employment Type: Part Time, will include evenings and weekends

Salary: £32,000.00, FTE 35 hours p/w, this role is 14 hours p/w (pro-rata salary of £12,800)

About Us:

Down Syndrome Cheshire is a dynamic and dedicated charity focused on empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing vital support, resources, and advocacy. We work to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome can access services that promote independence, inclusion, and fulfilling lives. As part of our continued growth and commitment to creating positive change, we are now seeking a strategic, results-driven Partnerships Executive to help us expand our network and revenue streams through corporate and community partnerships.

Role Overview: The Funding and Partnerships Coordinator, you will be at the heart of our mission to secure sustainable funding and expand our impact. You’ll lead on developing new income streams through corporate sponsorships, community partnerships, educational engagement, and in-kind support. Working closely with the CEO, this is a pivotal role to grow our presence and resources across Cheshire, ensuring individuals with Down syndrome and their families continue to receive vital support and services.

Key Responsibilities:

Income Generation and Corporate Partnerships:

• Lead the strategic direction for income generation through partnerships, aligning business objectives with Down Syndrome Cheshire’s goals to secure sustainable funding.
• Design and implement bespoke sponsorship packages that appeal to a wide range of potential partners, focusing on increasing corporate and institutional support for the charity.
• Actively seek new income-generating opportunities by working with companies to integrate Down Syndrome Cheshire into their CSR strategies, ensuring that their engagement leads to both financial and non-financial support.
• Identify and develop high-value partnership opportunities that can provide long-term financial support, such as multi-year agreements, major sponsorships, and large-scale philanthropic contributions.
• Leverage the charity’s brand and reputation to drive corporate donations, philanthropic gifts, and CSR support from national and local businesses.
• Collaborate with the CEO and the wider team to create and implement fundraising campaigns that align with the charity’s mission and objectives.

Strategic Partnership Development:

• Identify and actively pursue new strategic partnership opportunities with businesses, corporations, schools, colleges, universities, and community groups.
• Build and nurture long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with existing and potential corporate partners, ensuring that both the charity and its partners are deriving maximum value from the collaboration.
• Develop and implement innovative, high-impact partnership strategies that align with Down Syndrome Cheshire's vision and objectives.
• Cultivate partnerships that generate new income streams through corporate sponsorships, CSR initiatives, cause-related marketing, and other funding opportunities.
• Engage with educational institutions to explore and secure partnerships that create opportunities for fundraising, volunteering, and student placements, while enhancing the charity’s community visibility and reach.
• Develop strategies to acquire in-kind support, such as venue donations, goods, or services, to reduce operational costs and direct more funds toward mission-related activities.

Strategic Networking and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent Down Syndrome Cheshire at key industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build connections, raise the charity's profile, and open doors to new partnership opportunities.
• Establish and maintain a robust network of contacts within the business, educational, and nonprofit sectors to explore and secure potential partnerships.
• Foster and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, university leaders, and senior decision-makers, to ensure the charity remains at the forefront of their philanthropic priorities.
• Engage with potential donors and sponsors to discuss partnership opportunities and ensure they are aware of the charity’s impact, vision, and goals.

Partnership Strategy and Reporting:

• Develop a detailed partnership strategy, including clear objectives, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of partnership activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships and income generation initiatives, making recommendations for improvements to ensure the charity maximises its impact.
• Provide regular reports to the CEO and Board of Trustees on the status of partnerships, income generation targets, and new partnership opportunities.

Brand and Communication Strategy:

• Work closely with the marketing and communications team to create compelling partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, and other marketing materials that highlight the benefits of collaborating with Down Syndrome Cheshire.
• Represent the charity at high-level meetings with potential partners, donors, and sponsors, articulating Down Syndrome Cheshire’s mission, vision, and the impact of support.
• Promote the charity’s partnership activities through various channels, ensuring maximum exposure for both the partners and Down Syndrome Cheshire.

Qualifications: Education and Experience:

• A degree in Business, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience in partnership development, corporate fundraising, or business development, preferably within the charity or nonprofit sector.
• Strong track record of securing high-value partnerships and income generation through strategic relationships.
• Experience in developing and managing corporate sponsorships, cause-related marketing, and CSR initiatives.
• Knowledge of the charity sector, with a particular understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome, is desirable but not essential.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior decision makers.
• Strategic thinker with a proven ability to develop and implement effective partnership strategies.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to secure new partnerships and funding.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple partnerships and projects simultaneously.
• Results-driven and proactive, with a passion for generating income and securing long-term sustainable partnerships.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Other Requirements:

• A proactive, self-motivated individual with a strong sense of advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

Why Join Us: At Down Syndrome Cheshire, you will be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team working to create lasting positive change for individuals with Down syndrome. As the Fundraising and Partnerships Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in generating critical support and resources that will enable the charity to expand its reach, services, and impact. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for forging partnerships and securing sustainable income, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to [email protected]

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £17.58 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexitime

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (required)
• managing partnerships: 3 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Northwich CW9 7LU

Application deadline: 29/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/10/2025