Senior Partnerships Coordinator at READ Foundation · Manchester

Job Description & Person Specification

Senior Partnerships Coordinator

Salary: £36,000 - £41,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Location: Manchester, M14 6AX

Reports to: Head of Programmes

Closing Date: 9th October 2026 (Interviews to be conducted on a rolling basis)

We are unable to sponsor applicants for visas for this particular post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

About READ Foundation

READ Foundation is a UK based registered charity working to provide access to quality education to vulnerable children in our regions of work. We create opportunities for orphan and needy children to go to school, to gain an education and build a better life for themselves. We currently focus on constructing new schools, providing sponsorship for orphans and are now expanding our educational portfolio to reflect the large humanitarian and development needs ongoing throughout the world.

Purpose of Job

The Senior Partnerships Coordinator is responsible for proactively creating and fostering strong external relationships with existing and new strategic or charity partners that raises the profile of READ Foundation. The role involves liaising with both UK and internationally based organisations as well as the READ Foundation Canada and US offices and is ideal for someone with strong relationship building and management skills.

The role further requires supporting the Head of Programmes in developing concept notes and proposals for submission to partners and for identifying funding opportunities with Trusts and Foundations to further generate income and drive the growth of the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

Included but not limited to:

Partnership coordination

• Maintain and develop high-quality working relationships with existing strategic or charity partners.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, logframes and work plans as per partner guidelines, often working to tight deadlines.
• Prepare quality narrative and financial reports for submission to partners.
• Provide regular updates to partners on their projects. This will include scheduling meetings, capturing notes and actions and preparing all deliverables linked to the partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance the overall partner experience, keeping in line with best practices across the industry.

Partnership development

• Maintain a database of potential strategic or charity partners, institutional donors, Trusts and Foundations. This will include undertaking research to identify potential partners, evaluating how well they fit with READ Foundation’s vision, purpose and strategy.
• Identify, engage and cultivate new strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to maintain a strong pipeline of funding.
• Prepare presentation material, project briefs and campaign briefs for submission to existing and new partners and donors.
• Create and maintain a library of useful data and information to streamline the preparation of future funding proposals.
• Work closely with internal teams to support READ Foundation’s presence at specific partner events and networking opportunities by ensuring relevant reports and documents are available and attending where relevant.

Management and reporting

• Ensure efficient document management, including storing of all project information and supporting documents.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping (including on Salesforce) to facilitate efficient relationship management.
• Oversee logistical support to ensure travel safety and security processes are followed for partner field trips.
• Capture information on partnership activity to enable accurate reporting on income, projects and impact.
• Assist in the development of READ Foundation annual reports and other relevant documents (polices and manuals) required by partners and other stakeholders.

This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, so the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description.

Special Working Conditions

Work occasional flexible hours including evenings and weekends

Instructions to Apply

Please send your full CV and supporting letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification for the post

Two satisfactory references will be required upon conditional offer.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven ability to develop and manage strong working relationships with partners including NGO’s, Trusts and Foundations etc.
• A proven track record of success in working in an organisation of complexity, to deliver high-quality results to deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage time, workload and prioritise work to deadlines.
• Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem-solving techniques including the ability to establish appropriate and effective processes and structures.
• Ambitious and self-motivated with an ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience of developing concept notes and writing successful proposals and funding applications.
• Proven experience and knowledge of effective budgetary control and grant management.
• Strong experience of writing quality project reports and materials for partners with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of education focused projects is desirable.
• Knowledge of project management principles and their application and the ability to use CRM tools such as Salesforce is desirable.

Qualifications and Skills

• 4+ years’ experience within a charity or in a similar environment
• Educated in a development or humanitarian discipline such as International Development
• Experience in developing or managing education-based projects (desirable)
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills
• Strong and well-developed analytical skills
• Good independent judgement and ability to challenge constructively

Commitment to Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

All staff members, regardless of their role or level within READ Foundation are required to uphold READ Foundation’s safeguarding standards and commit to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

Key Responsibilities:

• Adhere to READ's Safeguarding and PSEA Policies and Code of Conduct at all times.
• Report any safeguarding concerns or SEA incidents they become aware of, following READ's reporting mechanisms.
• Participate in mandatory safeguarding training and refresher sessions.
• Cooperate in good faith with any safeguarding investigations, audits, or reviews conducted by READ.
• Promote a culture of safeguarding within their respective roles and ensure that safeguarding risks are identified and mitigated.
• Failure to comply with these safeguarding responsibilities may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment, in line with organisational policies.

Safeguarding Commitment: At READ Foundation, we are unwavering in our dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for all, especially children and vulnerable adults. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation and abuse. To uphold this commitment, this role necessitates background checks and strict adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and pledge to uphold our safeguarding principles.

Company Benefits

The position also comes with the following benefits:

• 32 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays and company-wide holidays)
• Awards for employee of the year
• Paid time off for bereavement, sick days and medical appointments
• Investment in training, professional growth and development
• Occupational Pension Scheme
• Hybrid working options available (some days working remotely can be discussed at time of interview)
• Health insurance cash plan

READ Foundation is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work, along with encouraging a healthy work life balance.