Partnerships Manager

The University of Cambridge’s commercialisation arm, Cambridge Enterprise, is seeking an exceptional and passionate Partnerships Manager to spearhead its ambitious sponsorship program for an exciting new initiative to support and accelerate early-stage technology and science spin-outs, propelling them towards creating impactful tech-driven solutions for the world's challenges. 

At Cambridge Enterprise, we play a vital role in nurturing innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth while making a positive impact on society. Joining our team means becoming an integral part of Europe's most successful science research and technology cluster. 

You’ll be joining the Founders team. A new flagship initiative that will use Cambridge’s unique strengths to accelerate the progress of University start-ups by bringing together future founders with global entrepreneurial alumni, local experts and peer role-models, alongside funding and deep tech spin-out expertise. 

Our initiative is key to the University of Cambridge’s strategic development. This new flagship initiative will support and accelerate the progress of University founders as they start new companies, addressing the issues facing the world today. It will bring together future founders with global entrepreneurial alumni, local experts and peer role-models, alongside funding and deep tech spin-out expertise, to support many more founders to create stronger companies which scale faster and have greater impact. The initiative will provide extensive support to founders as they take companies forward, through pre-seed investment, intensive mentoring, and programmatic support. It will also leverage and connect with the complex but powerful Cambridge ecosystem and support founders through action-based programmes to help them build global scalable businesses. The initiative will focus on companies that bring research-based innovation to bear in solving the problems facing both the UK and the wider world, ensuring that they deliver measurable economic impact for the UK as a whole.  

The Role: 

As the Partnerships Manager, you will be instrumental in the success of the program, collaborating closely with the program director and managing director of the initiative to shape the funding strategy. Your primary responsibility will be securing corporate and philanthropic sponsorships and partnerships for the University's Founders initiative, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of our accelerator and programs initiatives. 

How you’ll contribute: 

• Develop a strategy and delivery plan to secure ongoing corporate and philanthropic funding for Founders at The University of Cambridge 
• Identify potential funding partners and key decision makers within those partners 
• Develop and build relationships with funding partners that enhance the success of both Founders and the partner 
• Deliver a compelling financial model and pitch 
• Manage the ongoing relationships with funding partners 
• Ensure that all activities undertaken are compliant with statutory regulations, that philanthropic and corporate partners do not carry financial or reputation risk to the University 
• Ensure appropriate data is captured and updated and that it is held in accordance with statutory regulations e.g. GDPR 

Skills & experience required:  

• Successful, personal track record in full sponsorship cycle B2B, with proven ability to raise substantial sponsorship sums (e.g. deals worth min £150-300k in 6 months / proven ability to grow YOY investment from large corporates to £1.0 million plus per annum) 
• Excellent relationship building skills, focussed on large corporates, investors and philanthropists 
• The ability to build successful working relationships at Board, CEO and donor level, with the business acumen and gravitas to conduct and close negotiations 
• Significant experience in meeting substantial annual targets from a broad range of sources and proven track record in running cultivation events at the highest level 
• Experience of monitoring and reporting against targets and budgets 
• Thorough knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations and financial issues surrounding fundraising 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently 
• Good communication and teamwork skills 
• Relevant experience in accelerators or the startup ecosystem would be an advantage 

Who You Are 

• You have an enterprising spirit with the ability to identify leverage and maximise on potential engagement opportunities 
• You have strong commercialisation acumen with the ability to work at both strategic and tactical levels. 
• You are a good communicator with an open and inclusive style which inspires trust, and have excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating diplomacy, discretion, tact and persuasiveness. 
• You are self-motivated to deliver results. 
• You have excellent organisational and project management skills with the ability to work on a wide range of demands and deliver to deadlines. 
• You are passionate about start-ups and entrepreneurship 
• You are excited about playing a key role in the Cambridge ecosystem 
• You are a values-driven individual 
• You have strong IT skills 

Character & Mindset 

• Productive & efficient – you are self-motivated, independently driven and thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments. You are always looking to improve your productivity by learning new tools and methods. 
• Growth mindset – you are ambitious and excited about working in a challenging, fast-paced, and dynamic environment, with a constant curiosity and a desire to learn new things. You are prepared to highlight if and when you need help. 
• Driven & dependable – you are dependable, consistent, and skilled in planning, priority setting and execution. You are a team player who is flexible around job responsibilities and willing to jump in and help where needed. 
• Analytical mindset – you are a strategic thinker with the ability to synthesise research and ideas into meaningful and powerful presentations and possess dynamic problem-solving skills. You ask or learn to ask the right questions. 
• Strong team orientation – you embrace teamwork and enjoy fostering a collaborative and positive environment.  

Skills 

• Communication & marketing skills – you have strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of senior level audiences 
• Commercial acumen – you can identify and leverage potential partnership opportunities 
• Organisation & Project Management – You are a great organiser with a strong ability to multitask to meet deadlines.  
• Diplomacy & persuasiveness – you build great relationships and inspire trust 
• Team Communication – you are a strong team player and excel in working with multiple team members to deliver projects on time and to a high standard 
• Technology – the ability to use modern technology platforms, and learn quickly (Slack, Google Docs & Slides etc). 

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. We promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture at Cambridge Enterprise, so please apply if you meet the majority of these competencies. 

Salary, hours and benefits: 

The pay band for this role is £40k to £60k depending on your skills and experience. 

This is a full-time hybrid role, with at least 3 days a week in our Cambridge office. 

We offer exceptional benefits and invest greatly in our team’s happiness, wellbeing, and growth. We are proud to have won a Platinum Award for being one of the best employers in the Eastern Region.  

 
Our benefits package includes: 

• 30 days holiday per year plus bank holidays. 
• Generous University pension scheme 
• Flexible working environment with the opportunity to work from abroad for up to 90 days per year. 
• A commitment to your personal development and growth including free access to LinkedIn learning. 
• Enhanced parental and childcare benefits. 
• Mental health and wellbeing support. 
• Retail and travel discount schemes. 
• Modern office space in West Cambridge. 
• The chance to be part of a dynamic team within a truly world-leading organisation. 

About us: 

Cambridge Enterprise is the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge nestled within Europe’s most successful research and technology hub. Our mission is to amplify the commercial success of University of Cambridge innovators, experts and entrepreneurs to the benefit of society, the UK economy and the University itself.  

We offer exceptional benefits and invest significantly in our team’s happiness, wellbeing, and growth which is shown in our winning a Platinum award being one of the best employers in the Eastern region. 

Equal Opportunities Statement: 

We believe in equal opportunities for all and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals with different backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. 

If you have any questions regarding the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made, please don’t hesitate to contact us at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk  

Ready to join the team? Please see our website to apply.