Marketing Partnerships Manager

At The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), we're on an ambitious journey to give young people a life-changing experience over the next five years. To help us achieve this, we're looking for an enthusiastic and commercially minded Marketing Partnerships Manager to develop and grow partnerships that deliver value for our organisation, our partners, and the young people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on building relationships, delivering impactful marketing campaigns, and identifying opportunities for growth. Working within a collaborative and supportive team, you'll manage a portfolio of existing partners while helping to develop new opportunities that generate income, strengthen our brand, and expand our reach.

About the role

The Marketing Partnerships Manager plays a key role in developing and managing partnerships that generate income and increase engagement with the DofE. Combining elements of account management, business development, sales, and marketing, you'll be responsible for delivering successful partnership campaigns from initial brief through to evaluation and reporting.

Working closely with colleagues across Marketing, Fundraising, Operations, and external partner organisations, you'll ensure partnerships are effectively managed, commercially successful, and aligned with the DofE's strategic objectives.

We're looking for a proactive, relationship-focused individual who can demonstrate experience of growing business opportunities, developing successful partnerships, and delivering excellent stakeholder management.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with marketing partners and brand licensees, ensuring contractual commitments are delivered and income opportunities maximised.
• Provide excellent day-to-day account management, including responding to enquiries, resolving issues, supporting marketing activity, and ensuring brand compliance.
• Arrange and lead regular online and face-to-face partner meetings.
• Create and present compelling partnership proposals to both prospective and existing partners.
• Manage campaign delivery from approval through to implementation and invoicing, working closely with internal marketing teams.
• Review and approve partner use of DofE trademarks across products and marketing materials, ensuring brand guidelines are adhered to.
• Monitor, analyse and report on partner sales activity, ensuring commissions, marketing contributions, and milestone payments are accurately managed and invoiced.
• Conduct regular sales and marketing reviews to identify opportunities for growth and increased income.
• Represent the DofE at internal and partner events, showcasing partnership activities and supporting engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate internal communications to maximise awareness and promotion of partner initiatives.
• Work closely with the Senior Marketing Partnerships Manager to develop and deliver effective partner marketing plans.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Fundraising and Operations to strengthen and enhance the DofE partnership offering.

This position is a 12 month Fixed term contract.

What we are looking for

You'll be a confident relationship builder with strong commercial awareness and a passion for delivering results. You'll enjoy working with a variety of stakeholders and be equally comfortable managing multiple projects, analysing performance data, and presenting ideas to partners.

Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Experience managing partnerships, client accounts, commercial relationships, or similar stakeholder-focused roles.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities to grow engagement, performance, and income.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
• Commercially focused, with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Good understanding of marketing principles, campaign management, and digital communications.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent written communication and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.
• Confidence in leading meetings, delivering presentations, and facilitating training sessions both virtually and in person.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Ability to balance commercial objectives with the needs of a charity focused on supporting young people.
• Resilient, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to attend our Reading office once per week and travel regularly throughout the UK.

Desirable

• Experience in account management, partnerships, marketing, fundraising, media, or a related field.
• Experience of contract management, tenders, or procurement processes.
• Experience working across both commercial and charity/public sector environments.
• Knowledge of, or affinity with, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

How to apply and interview dates

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is: 25th October - Midnight

1st interviews will take place on: WC 9th & 16th October - to be held virtually via Teams.

2nd interviews will take place on: WC 23rd & 30th - to be held in Reading.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.

About The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a renowned charity that empowers young people by offering life-changing programs. With a vision of Youth Without Limits, their aim is to provide over a million young individuals, particularly those facing marginalisation, the opportunity to participate in their transformative initiatives within the next five years. By supporting young people in acquiring new skills, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence and resilience, they promote personal growth and development.

The organisation operates by licensing and supporting various institutions like schools, colleges, youth groups, and hospitals to run their programs. They prioritise the safety of participants and have taken necessary measures to ensure it. Additionally, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has an Executive Leadership Team that works together to expand their provision and a team of Trustees who set the strategic direction for the charity.

With an international reach in over 130 countries and territories, the DofE is part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities to young people globally. The history of the DofE traces back to 1956 when it was initially launched for boys. Over the years, it has evolved and now offers programs for young people aged 14 to 24, focusing on four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The impact of the DofE has been astounding, with millions of young people benefiting from the program. Even during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic, the dedication and contributions of DofE participants have been remarkable.

As the UK recovers, the DofE continues to support and empower young people, playing a vital role in the national effort. With a rich history and a commitment to youth development, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains a beacon of opportunity and growth for young individuals across the globe.