ABOUT US
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an education charity that exists to empower and support young people living in complex and challenging circumstances. We use rugby to foster an environment of genuine acceptance, where the sport becomes a platform for participants to improve their confidence, communication skills, commitment, self-control, and ability to work effectively within a team. Through group learning and one-to-one mentoring, SOHK helps young people (re)engage with education and safeguard their wellbeing.
We plan to double the number of young people engaging with our programmes over the next five years. We are also making significant investments in our impact function, to better understand how we can maximise the benefits for participants and attract more attention and investment to social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions.
OVERVIEW
We are seeking a dynamic and driven Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager to play a key role in delivering our fundraising ambitions across England and Wales. This is a varied and hands-on role, combining strategic relationship-building with high-quality event delivery to generate income and deepen supporter engagement.
The Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager will take ownership of a portfolio of major fundraising events, from planning and budgeting through to delivery and follow-up. This includes developing the annual events strategy, managing income and expenditure, supporting ticket and table sales, sourcing prizes, and ensuring an exceptional supporter experience throughout.
Working closely with the Head of Fundraising, they will build and convert a pipeline of corporate partners, developing compelling proposals and securing new partnerships to meet income targets. They will also lead on the stewardship of these relationships, delivering tailored engagement plans that demonstrate impact and maximise retention.
Alongside delivery, the Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager will monitor performance, manage budgets, and maintain accurate reporting and CRM data, working collaboratively with Fundraising and Marketing colleagues to maximise results.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Major SOHK Events
- Events Lead: Take full ownership of the SOHK organised major events in England, Scotland and Wales.
- Develop and deliver an annual events strategy & Calendar that is aligned with FRT targets
- Set and manage event budgets, income targets and KPIs
- Ensure exceptional supporter experience at all touch points.
- Source high value auction and raffle prizes
- Work closely with FRT to sell tables & tickets at events.
- Ensure prize donors, table buyers and supporters have a great experience of SOHK – feeling thanked and appreciated.
- Plan thoroughly for post event stewardship and follow up
Corporate Partnerships (working with Head of Fundraising)
- Build a pipeline of potential corporate partners and continually seek to add to pipeline as needed
- Research and make high quality approaches
- Confidently write winning pitches and present at meetings
- Secure new partnerships to achieve income targets
- Stewardship: Act as the main point of contact for partnerships that are allocated to you; nurturing and strengthening the relationships
- Develop and implement tailored cultivation and stewardship plans to enhance partner engagement and retention
- Demonstrate the impact of partner contributions to maximise retention (alongside our Marketing & Comms Team)
Reporting, Monitoring & Budgeting
- Report as required on all activity and progress to the Head of Fundraising
- Monitor and manage expenditure related to fundraising activities – managing P&L sheet
- Ensure data capture for CRM (Beacon) from all events
SILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Proven experience in event management, including planning, delivery, and evaluation of fundraising or engagement events
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, and suppliers
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organisation professionally
- Experience managing event budgets and delivering activity within financial targets
- Ability to problem-solve and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
- Understanding of the role events play in fundraising, supporter engagement, and awareness-building
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with event or CRM systems
- Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends as required
- Genuinely buy into the SOHK mission, purpose and values
Desirable
- Experience supporting or delivering corporate partnerships, sponsorships, or donor engagement initiatives
- Knowledge of fundraising principles and income generation through events
- Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Ability to identify and develop partnership opportunities that align with organisational values
- Experience with volunteer coordination and stewardship
- Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce, Raiser's Edge)
- Understanding of marketing and communications to support event promotion and partner visibility
- Awareness of compliance, safeguarding, and ethical considerations within a charity setting
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
- Salary range: £37,000 - £40,000
- Full-time
- 28 days annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
- South East England (based). This role requires weekly travel to London, with occasional travel to other locations across the UK.
- Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for successful candidates and the job is dependent on suitable references.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a current CV and a cover letter no longer than two sides of A4. Please express why you think you could do this job for School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK). Send as separate documents - attached to an email to jobs@schoolofhardknocks.org.uk
School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an inclusive charity committed to broadening the diversity of our organisation and is keen to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Applications close at 10pm on Sunday 17th May. In-person interviews will be held in London on 21st and 22nd May.