Business Development Consultant

We're seeking a strategic Business Consultant with strong business development skills to help us secure high-value partnerships, access funding, and design sustainable growth strategies that support Connecting Stories' mission and long-term impact.

What difference will you make?

What Impact Will You Make?

• Strengthen the long-term sustainability and growth of Connecting Stories CIC.
• Help us build strategic, high-value partnerships with corporates and funders.
• Support the development of funding strategies to unlock new income streams.
• Shape scalable business models that align with our mission and values.
• Provide actionable insights that improve our operations and impact.
• Empower our team with strategic guidance and practical tools for growth.
• Contribute to amplifying the voices and stories of women from underrepresented communities across the UK.
• Play a key role in transitioning Connecting Stories from a grassroots organisation to a globally recognised movement for change.

What's In It For You

• Impact Use your expertise to help build partnerships and attract funding that empowers women and drives long-term change.
• Growth Gain experience with a values-led, community-focused organisation.
• Networking Connect with professionals across nonprofit and corporate sectors.
• Flexibility Volunteer remotely on a schedule that suits you.
• Fulfilment Be part of a purpose-driven team making a difference in women's lives across the UK and beyond.

What are we looking for?

Skills

• Strategic Thinking Ability to analyse complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop actionable strategies.
• Problem-Solving Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to design and implement practical solutions.
• Communication Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Collaboration Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal teams, stakeholders, and partners.
• Organisation Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Data Analysis Proficiency in using data to inform decision-making and measure impact.
• Tech Proficiency Familiarity with productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and project management platforms (e.g., Trello, Asana) is a plus.

Experience

• Background in business consulting, strategy, operations, or organisational development.
• Experience working with non-profits, social enterprises, or mission-driven organisations (preferred but not required).
• Demonstrated success in evaluating business models, processes, or systems and providing actionable recommendations.
• Experience in identifying and developing partnerships, sponsorships, or funding opportunities.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation techniques to assess the success of implemented strategies.

Qualities

• Proactive and Self-Motivated Takes initiative and approaches challenges with enthusiasm and determination.
• Passionate Genuine interest in Connecting Stories CIC's mission to empower women and create social impact.
• Innovative Creative thinker who brings fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.
• Empathetic Culturally sensitive and respectful when working with diverse communities.
• Adaptable Flexible in responding to changing priorities and open to new ways of working.
• Detail-Oriented Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks and recommendations.
• Team Player Enjoys working collaboratively and contributes positively to a supportive and inclusive environment.

Availability & Commitment Requirement

• We require volunteers who can commit adequate time, follow through on assigned tasks, and remain actively engaged throughout their involvement.
• Before applying, please ensure that
• You can commit a minimum of 1–3 hours per week
• You are able to attend scheduled meetings, planning sessions, and team check-ins
• You are prepared to contribute steadily over a minimum period of 3–6 months
• You have the capacity to deliver assigned tasks on time with professionalism
• To maintain continuity and uphold programme quality, volunteers who are unable to meet these availability and engagement requirements may be discontinued after the first three weeks.

What will you be doing?

In this volunteer role, you will

• Provide strategic insights to enhance our business model and improve sustainability.
• Help identify and secure partnership opportunities with corporate and philanthropic organisations.
• Support our funding strategy by identifying grant opportunities, sponsorships, and sustainable income streams.
• Collaborate with our leadership team to strengthen our presence and influence in the non-profit ecosystem.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in business development, consulting, or strategy who is passionate about creating social impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Analysis Evaluate current operations and recommend practical improvements.
• Business Development Identify, pursue, and support the development of strategic partnerships with corporates, funders, and institutions.
• Funding & Sustainability Advise on income diversification, grant applications, and long-term financial strategies.
• Growth Strategy Support the development of scalable models and impactful programming.
• Performance Optimisation Develop frameworks to enhance operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement Work closely with both internal teams and external partners.