Head of Strategic Partnerships – Church of England
Compassion is a Christian child development charity that sees beyond poverty to the incredible potential God has placed in every child and family. Partnering with more than 8,900 local churches in 29 countries, we work to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Compassion is a Christian child development charity that sees beyond poverty to the incredible potential God has placed in every child and family. Partnering with more than 8,900 local churches in 29 countries, we work to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Are you a gifted networker with a deep love for the Church of England and a heart for justice?
Do you long to see the Church mobilised to make a tangible difference in the lives of children living in poverty?
Are you a gifted networker with a deep love for the Church of England and a heart for justice?
Do you long to see the Church mobilised to make a tangible difference in the lives of children living in poverty?
Compassion UK is seeking a
Head of Strategic Partnerships (Church of England)to join our Church Partnerships Team. In this vital role, you’ll shape and lead our strategy to build meaningful connections with Church of England leaders, events, and networks across the UK. Your work will be key in helping us grow child sponsorship and transformational giving, bringing lasting change to children and communities through the local church.Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver a compelling strategy to grow partnerships with the Church of England and other key networks.
- Build deep, long-term relationships with church leaders and denominational influencers.
- Speak at events and services to raise awareness of poverty and invite support.
- Collaborate across teams to maximise opportunities for growth and impact.
- Lead cultivation pathways such as field trips and leadership engagement.
- Contribute to a high-performing, faith-driven team committed to excellence.
The ideal candidate will bring the following skills and experience to thrive in this role:
- A strong understanding of the Church of England’s structure, mission, and theology.
- Proven experience in strategic planning and partnership development.
- Confidence in public speaking, especially in church settings.
- A heart for justice and a personal commitment to the Christian faith, you can read more about this in our Policy on Posts to be Held by Christians.
- Willingness to travel and work weekends (approx. 24 activities per year).
It would be beneficial (although not mandatory) to possess:
- CRM experience.Familiarity with using a CRM or similar database system.
- Volunteer coordination.Experience in managing or supporting volunteers.
Please review the full job description
Location, hours and benefits
📍 Location
This role is
⏰ Working Hours
Full-time, 35 hours per week with a
flexible working pattern.
📅 Proposed Key Recruitment Dates
- Application Deadline:Friday 26 September
- Informal Online Interviews:Monday, 29 September,with the hiring manager
- First Stage Interview (in person):Tuesday, 7 October and Wednesday, 8 October at Compassion House, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT(With the hiring manager and two senior panel members)
- Second Stage Interview (in person):Thursday, 16 October at Compassion House, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT(With the Chief of Partnerships, the Director of People and Culture, and the hiring manager)
Please note:
- Applications will be reviewed as they are received, leading to informal interviews.
- Applicants must currently have the right to work in the United Kingdom without the need for sponsorship.
📝 Assessment Tasks
If you're invited to the formal interview stages, you'll be asked to complete an assessment task, which will include preparing a short presentation. Full details will be provided in advance to help you prepare confidently.These tasks are designed to give our panel a deeper understanding of your approach, experience, and suitability for the role.
📄 Candidate Pack
Please explore our
to learn more about Compassion UK's benefits and what it means to live and work in accordance with Compassion UK’scandidate packStatement of Faith,Core Values,and other policies, includingEthos Statement,our commitment to Child Protection.s💙 What We Offer
Compassion UK provides a generous and supportive working environment, including:
- 25 days annual leave+ bank holidays, plus3 gifted days at Christmas
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Private medical and dental cover
- Income protection and life cover(4x salary)
- Enhanced family-friendly and sickness policies
- Employee Assistance Programme(Help@Hand)
- Specsavers eye care vouchers
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Time in lieu
- Free parking at Compassion House
- On-site gym and shower facilities
- Access to the Company Shop
- Celebration of life milestones
- Tea and Treat Wednesdays at Compassion House
- Fully equipped kitchen and breakout areas
- Free tea, coffee, and fruit at Compassion House
- Hot-desking flexibility
- Daily team prayers and devotionals
- Regular Compassion updates and worship events
- Smart casual dress code
- Learning and development opportunities
- Recognition programmes
🤝 Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
📬 Contact Us
For any questions or additional information, please contact the People & Culture team at:
About Compassion UK
Compassion UK is committed to ensure everyone who comes into contact with us or our work is protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As such, Compassion UK expects all staff to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which will include Disclosure and Baring Service checks. Compassion UK also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we'll request from the job applicant's previous employers information about any findings of sexual misconduct - such as sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment - during employment. We'll also request information of incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. When someone submits a job application with us, they'll be confirming that they understand these recruitment procedures.
To comply with our obligations under the Immigration, Asylum, & Nationality Act 2006 we cannot consider applicants who do not presently have permission to work in the United Kingdom. We are only able to consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work visas.
To comply with our obligations under the Immigration, Asylum, & Nationality Act 2006 we cannot consider applicants who do not presently have permission to work in the United Kingdom. We are only able to consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work visas.
Documents
Our Hiring Process
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