Partnerships Development Executive

Big Change finds and backs changemakers with early-stage ideas that have the potential to spark lasting change for all young people. We provide opportunities for leaders to connect, learn and act together as part of a purpose-driven community who are rethinking and reshaping the systems around young people. Our community of changemakers deliver impact, create opportunities, and make the case for change. They share a commitment to learning, sharing insight, and taking action to create the big change needed to ensure all young people thrive. Together we listen, learn, grow, and spark lasting change. Watch the story of Big Change here.

In 2025 alone we backed 10 leaders with bold and brilliant ideas to create change for young people. Many are under 30, and they all have lived experience of the problems they are addressing. Our support drives long-term change. In 2014, we were an early supporter of Voice 21, as they piloted an oracy education programme in one school in East London. A decade on, they now work with thousands of students in over 1,200 schools. Through their advocacy work and their Big Change-funded Oracy All-Party Parliamentary Group, Oracy has featured in cross-party education priorities. It also features in the 2026 Schools White Paper, and it is now inspected by Ofsted, giving it the same weight as numeracy and literacy.

At Big Change, we care deeply about creating the conditions for people to thrive, grow and do meaningful work together. Alongside a flexible and supportive working environment, we offer: £1,000 annual learning and development allowance Unlimited annual leave policy Flexible and hybrid working (minimum 1 day a week in the office) Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contribution Wellbeing allowance Volunteering days.

OVERVIEW

This is a brilliant opportunity to join Big Change and get stuck into lots of different aspects of partnerships and fundraising. You’ll work alongside our Partnerships team, helping us build relationships, find new opportunities, keep things moving and ultimately bring more people and resources behind our mission to spark lasting change for young people. This is a genuinely entry-level role — you don’t need to have done a job like this before. We’re much more interested in your potential, curiosity, organisation and willingness to learn. You’ll be supported by the team, build your skills as you go and have plenty of opportunities to learn by doing.

FUNDRAISING & PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT

Help deliver thoughtful stewardship for funders and partners, ensuring timely communications, reporting and recognition. Support the development of compelling funding proposals, presentations and partnership materials, working with colleagues across Big Change. Maintain accurate records of team activity, ensuring CRM (Customer Relationship Management) records are up to date and used effectively across the team. Manage shared inboxes and ensure enquiries are responded to promptly. Coordinate meetings, follow-up actions and communications with donors and partners. Support the preparation of reports, due diligence requests and funding proposals/applications. Support the Director with inbox management, helping to prioritise communications, coordinate follow-up actions and keep key relationships moving forward. Any other tasks that support the stewardship of funders, donors and strategic partners, helping to build strong, long-term relationships.

RESEARCH & PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT

Research prospective trusts, foundations, corporates and individual supporters whose values align with Big Change's mission. Identify and qualify new partnership opportunities, maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospective supporters. Carry out initial outreach to prospective partners and supporters through LinkedIn, email and other appropriate channels, helping to open conversations and build relationships. Produce research briefs, prospect profiles and meeting notes to inform partnership and fundraising activity. Monitor emerging funding opportunities, sector trends and policy developments relevant to Big Change. Support the management of the partnerships pipeline, tracking opportunities, next steps and key deadlines through CRM and other team systems.

EVENTS & DONOR ENGAGEMENT

Coordinate logistics for donor events, learning gatherings and meetings. Research venues, manage suppliers, coordinate catering and oversee event administration. Prepare guest lists, invitations, attendee briefings and event materials. Support post-event follow-up and stewardship communications.

TEAM OPERATIONS & COORDINATION

Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Partnerships team, including meetings, actions, reporting, communication calendar, Google Drive and other shared tools, helping the team stay organised and connected. Work closely with the Operations Team to coordinate contracts, invoices, payments and compliance processes. Support the development of internal systems and processes that improve efficiency across the team. Partner with the Impact Executive to help coordinate activity across the Partnerships and Impact teams, sharing administrative responsibilities and providing cover during periods of annual leave. Build strong relationships across Big Change, working closely with colleagues to coordinate partnership activity and ensure a joined-up experience for funders and partners. Contribute to cross-organisational projects where needed.

ABOUT YOU

You don’t have to have had fundraising experience. You take a proactive approach to your work, bringing an enthusiastic can do attitude. You’re not afraid to ask for support. You are confident and enjoy building positive relationships with people. You have a genuine interest in Big Change's mission and a commitment to creating opportunities for young people.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

We're more interested in your potential than having done exactly this role before. We'd love to hear from you if you have: Great organisational skills and the ability to manage a range of priorities. Strong written communication skills and attention to detail. Ability to write clearly and confidently for different audiences, from emails and reports to funding proposals and presentations. Curiosity and the ability to research information and turn it into clear, useful insights. Some experience of organising or coordinating activities, projects, events or administrative tasks. This could come from work, education, volunteering or your life outside work. Confidence using digital tools such as Google Workspace, and enthusiasm for learning new systems.

IT WOULD BE A BONUS IF YOU HAVE

Experience in fundraising, partnerships, philanthropy or business development. Experience using a CRM such as Beacon. Experience supporting relationships with funders, donors or partners. Experience coordinating events or stakeholder engagement. Experience preparing funding applications, reports or presentations. An understanding of the social impact sector. These are things that would be a bonus rather than a requirement. We'll support you to learn and grow in the role, so if you don't have this experience yet but are excited by the opportunity, please don't let that stop you from applying.