Partnerships Manager

Pay RangeThis range is provided by Institute for Government. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base Pay RangeAre you an accomplished communicator with a strong track record in sales, business development, or fundraising – ideally within the think tank, public affairs, public policy, or research sector? Are you skilled at building strong relationships, managing complex projects, and turning nuanced policy ideas into clear, persuasive proposals that resonate with a wide range of audiences? This is a great opportunity for an experienced professional who understands the dynamics of the think tank environment and has demonstrated success in securing funding, sponsorships, and/or strategic partnerships. You’ll play a central role at the heart of this leading think tank, supporting our mission to make government more effective. About the RoleThe Institute for Government (IfG) is seeking a Partnerships Manager to lead the business function within our partnerships team. In this role, you’ll leverage your expertise to drive income generation, influence policy, and engage senior stakeholders, while supporting the success of the wider team. The position offers a clear progression path to Senior Partnerships Manager as you take on larger portfolios and more strategic accounts. This is a varied and fast‑paced role where you’ll work closely with colleagues across the IfG – from researchers to event managers – as well as with external partners. Responsibilities Drive resource generation and fundraising activities: Grow externally funded activity that advances the Institute’s mission, owning a personal resource‑generation target and contributing to the team target. Business development: Originate, qualify, and progress a 12–18‑month pipeline, including corporates, academia, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, and research councils. Project delivery: Oversee sponsored research, public events/webinars (including party conference activity), private roundtables, and IfG Academy work, ensuring IfG’s impartiality, independence and reputation are protected. Proposal development: Design and pitch offers across co‑branded research, events, workshops, and content sponsorship, tailoring to funder priorities, IfG priorities and current political trends. Governance and reporting: Drive weekly funding rhythm, maintaining clean data and contributing to team reports. Oversee contracting, invoicing, and audit standards. Strategic initiatives: Deliver against existing trusts & foundations strategy, support research‑council bids and pilot new revenue‑generating initiatives. AI leadership: Champion safe and effective use of Microsoft 365 Copilot and other AI tools to accelerate prospecting, proposal drafting, and reporting, maintaining a prompt/workflow library and applying critical checks to AI outputs in line with IfG policies. Team leadership: Line‑manage partnerships officers, set objectives, coach business development craft, and model best practice. Essential Skills and Experience Minimum 5 years’ experience in public affairs, sales or partnerships in Westminster. Proven business development and/or fundraising track record. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and persuasively and with strong attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple complex projects. Proficiency in building relationships. CRM literacy and familiarity with e‑mail marketing/campaign tools is a must. Preferred Skills Experience within the think tank, public affairs, public policy, or research sector. Understanding of funding, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Business Development and Project Management Industries Think Tanks and Civic and Social Organizations #J-18808-Ljbffr