Partnerships Officer

Partnerships Officer
Full-Time, Permanent (40 hours per week, Mon-Fri 08.00-17.00)
Location: On-site at The Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn, Kent
Salary: £28,000 per annum (£13.46 per hour)

The Big Cat Sanctuary is seeking a motivated and organised Partnerships Officer to support the
delivery of our ambitious fundraising, development and partnership plans. This is a varied and
rewarding role within our growing Philanthropy and Partnerships team, offering the opportunity
to build meaningful relationships that directly support conservation, capital development and the
long-term sustainability of the Sanctuary.

Working closely with the Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager, you will help identify, develop
and  steward  corporate  partnerships,  sponsors  and  supporters,  ensuring  a  high  standard  of
relationship management and delivery across a diverse portfolio.

This  role  suits  someone  confident,  proactive  and  people‑focused,  with  strong  organisational
skills and a genuine enthusiasm for building partnerships that make a real impact.

Key responsibilities include:
▪  Researching and identifying prospective corporate partners, sponsors and supporters
▪  Supporting  the  development  and  management  of  the  partnerships  pipeline,  including

follow‑up of new leads

▪  Assisting  with  onboarding  new  corporate  partners,  including  communications,  agreements

and administration

▪  Maintaining accurate partnership records and CRM data
▪  Providing  high-quality  stewardship  to  existing  partners,  ensuring  agreed  benefits  and

engagement opportunities are delivered

▪  Supporting sponsors and partners linked to key events and fundraising campaign
▪  Assisting with the planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns and initiatives
▪  Supporting the organisation and delivery of fundraising and partnership events
▪  Helping  promote  partnerships  through  direct  communications,  newsletters  and  marketing

channel

▪  Assisting with award research, applications and recognition opportunities
▪  Providing administrative support to the legacy giving programme

What we’re looking for:
▪  We are looking for an organised and enthusiastic individual with strong communication skills
and  a  confident,  professional  approach  to  relationship‑building.  You  will  be  comfortable
balancing  multiple  priorities,  engaging  with  a  range  of  stakeholders,  and  supporting  both
strategic and practical delivery within a fundraising environment.

What you’ll bring:
▪  Experience in fundraising, partnerships, sales or relationship management
▪  Strong organisational and administrative skills with close attention to detail

▪  Excellent written and verbal communication skills
▪  Confidence engaging with stakeholders and representing the organisation externally
▪  The ability to manage workloads, deadlines and competing priorities effectively
▪  Competence using CRM systems and Microsoft Office
▪  A proactive, positive and collaborative approach

Job Requirements (Essential)
▪  Full, clean driving licence and access to own vehicle (as the Big Cat Sanctuary is not accessible

▪

by public transport)
In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be
eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits before application

Job Requirements (Desirable)
▪  Experience in the charity, conservation or not-for-profit sector
▪  Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, events or sponsorship activity

What to Expect in the Role
▪  40 hours per week, 5 over 7 days; generally worked Mon-Fri between 08.00–17.00, although

some evening/weekend work may be required to cover special events and deadlines

▪  Starting salary £28,000 per annum (£13.46 per hour)
▪  28 days paid holiday, plus Christmas Day off as standard

Why Work Here
▪

Join a passionate, collaborative team dedicated to the care of big cats and an exceptional
staff experience

▪  Play a meaningful role in securing funding for major projects and long‑term sustainability

Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

▪  Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and

collections, and a company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel
together to one of our supported global conservation project partners)

▪  Regular team events and celebrations
▪  Full uniform provided

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to floortje.hoette@thebigcatsanctuary.org
stating the reference Partnerships Officer in the email title.

Closing Date: Friday 15th May at 5pm (however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy
early depending on the number of applications received, so please submit your application as
soon as possible).

Interviews week commencing 25th May 2026

Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford, TN27 8PJ