Deputy Head of Sponsored Events

**Description**

Are you passionate about researching and identifying trends in international affairs and generating these into commercially funded events?

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world's leading independent policy institutes with a reputation for tackling the hardest problems of international relations that stretches back more than a century. Based in London with a global outreach, we aim to help build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world. We pursue our mission through convening meetings and speakers, private dialogue, world leading analysis and solutions-based ideas, and look to help the next generation as well in building a better world.

Our Fundraising & Partnerships team runs our commercial convening activities including conferences, roundtables and custom events which attract the most influential leaders from across governments, businesses, academia and civil society.

We seek a driven Deputy Head of Sponsored Events & Partnerships with commercial expertise who will work closely with the Head of Sponsored Events & Partnership in developing our annual programme of revenue-generating conferences, special events and roundtables. The role will suit a highly organised and experienced conference professional with a track record in securing sponsorship income and stewarding key partners to deliver on revenue objectives. You are the kind of person who thrives in a fast-paced working environment and is adept at undertaking a wide variety of business development activities and creating B2B focused events.

**About the role**

The main responsibilities are outlined below:
**Strategy**
- Play a key role in developing and enabling a sales strategy, driving unreserved income for Chatham House;
- Support the Head of Sponsored Events & Partnerships and the Director of Fundraising and Partnerships on the wider business development strategy for revenue generating events;
- Agenda development for commercial events and conferences, and supporting wider institutional convening activities and partnerships;
- Onboard and manage strategic partners to maintain an active pipeline of sponsorship to underpin the development and financial growth of commercial events;
- Expand our engagement with external partners to raise the profile and visibility of Chatham House;
- Ensure event content adheres to the Institute’s remit, independence, and principles for convening;
- Identify influential and high-profile speakers and sponsors, bringing together communities of policymakers, the private sector and civil society organisations;
- Stay up to date with market trends and audience insights to ensure our event offering remains competitive and responsive to B2B market demand;
- Deputise for the Head of Sponsored Events & Partnerships as required.

**People**
- As well as being a key member of the Sponsored Events & Partnerships playing a leading role in the sales function across the fundraising teams;
- Manage, empower and encourage an outstanding and dedicated team focused on accelerating growth of our events portfolio through both delegate sales and sponsorship;
- Provide team members with experienced steer and guidance on best practice for their own agenda and best commercial outcomes;
- Build tailored development plans for direct reports, ensuring retention and development of skills;
- Work closely with the Head of Events to ensure the successful execution and delivery of financially profitable events;
- Build new and manage established strategic partnerships, growing our commercial convening activities;
- Partner with colleagues at Chatham House to explore opportunities for cross-collaboration. Work alongside colleagues across the Institute to transform international affairs-based content into commercially viable events and conferences.

**Delivery**
- Ensure all marketing and sales activities maximise inbound enquiries and lead generation;
- Research, identify and engage commercial organisations to secure sponsorship;
- Write clear, concise and topical agendas;
- Develop engaging sessions and event formats;
- Translate Chatham House partner requirements into relevant content and events that appeal to target markets and align with Chatham House’s values and objectives;
- Identify new audiences and convening opportunities to support continued growth, maximising revenue opportunities via delegate sales and sponsorship;
- Project manage the conferences and events led by the role, to ensure progress and delivery on time;
- Manage budgets, financial reporting, overall P&L including contracts and invoicing;
- Ensure you and your teams’ events achieve income targets and adhere to pre-defined budgets.

**Experience**:

- A proven track record in meeting sales targets and a flair for content development;
- Experience in a fundraising or business development management role;
- Management experience working in an income-generating environment;
- Demonstrated experience of suc