Onward is a powerful ideas factory for centre-right thinkers and leaders. We exist to make Britain fairer, more prosperous, and more united, by generating a new wave of modernising ideas and a fresh kind of politics that reaches out to new groups of people.
The role
The Head of External Relations is responsible for growing and deepening the organisation’s relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate partners, business leaders, charitable partners, and Members of Parliament.
Key roles and responsibilities
Engagement – On a day-to-day basis, manage Onward’s relationships with key partners and stakeholders, with a view to enhancing the network, strengthening revenue streams, and building Onward’s profile. This will include corporate sponsors of events, members of the Business Leadership Network, and Onward’s Advisory Board and Directors.
Fundraising- Responsible for Onward’s individual fundraising activities and business leaders’ network, with a view to both grow the corporate membership and improve its value to Onward and members. This will include keeping members satisfied, organising dinners and research briefings, and identifying and attracting target corporates. It will also include working closely with the Director and Board of Directors to identify and manage relationships with individual donors and potential donors on future funding leads.
Events oversight – Lead Onward’s events programme and manage the event’s output, including roundtables, major summits, dinners, and Party Conference. Responsible for developing a long-term pipeline of events partnerships aligned to Onward’s research programmes, working with the team to deliver existing commitments, and building links with Parliamentarians and others to ensure a high calibre of speakers.
Operations – Manage the operations of the organisations, including but not limited to CRM database, oversight of proper process and procedure, financial activity, and acting as a secretary for the Board of Directors and Advisory Board.
Carrying out other duties as and when required in order to contribute to the efficient running of Onward.
Experience and skills
A strong track record of managing small c.10 and up to large-scale of c.500 high profile events with political, industry, and business leaders.
Prior fundraising experience and successful record of soliciting donations, either by yourself or as part of a wider team, from a deep and diverse network of individual and institutional donors, including high net worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners.
Experience with preparing successful grants and funding applications.
Previous experience with operations management for a start-up or political office, including experience with Trustees and Advisory Board members.
Demonstrable experience of relationship management and building of political and corporate networks.
Highly organised and strong attention to detail.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines.
Experience using a CRM database ( ideally Nationbuilder) and Substack.
A strong understanding and interest in UK politics and current affairs, and sympathy towards the aims and values of Onward.
Applications to be sent to Katie Fairclough – [email protected]