Senior Sponsorship Manager

Facts. Analysis. Influence.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class, independent and impartial analysis and offer insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded Senior Sponsorship Manager to lead the development and delivery of high-value sponsorship partnerships. This role sits within the IISS External Relations team which covers both corporate membership and sponsorship relationships.

This is a senior fundraising and business development role for an experienced relationship-builder who can identify, cultivate and secure significant corporate partnerships. You will report to the Head of External Relations and be responsible for generating substantial sponsorship income, developing compelling propositions for prospective partners, and managing relationships from initial approach through to negotiation, and solicitation. You will then work with the wider External Relations team to deliver excellent standards of stewardship and relationship management.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of securing five- and six-figure sponsorship or partnership agreements, alongside the strategic and interpersonal skills required to build long-term relationships with senior decision-makers, and to work in an established high-performing external relations team.

This is a senior fundraising and business development role for an experienced relationship-builder who can identify, cultivate and secure significant corporate partnerships. You will report to the Head of External Relations and be responsible for generating substantial sponsorship income, developing compelling propositions for prospective partners, and managing relationships from initial approach through to negotiation, and solicitation. You will then work with the wider External Relations team to deliver excellent standards of stewardship and relationship management.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of securing five- and six-figure sponsorship or partnership agreements, alongside the strategic and interpersonal skills required to build long-term relationships with senior decision-makers, and to work in an established high-performing external relations team.

• Support the Head of External Relations to develop and deliver an Institute-wide sponsorship strategy that achieves ambitious income targets.
• Line manage the Sponsorship Coordinator, setting clear objectives, priorities and performance expectations.
• Personally lead research, identification, cultivation, negotiations, and pitch conversations to build and manage a strong pipeline of high-value sponsorship prospects for five- and six-figure partnerships.
• Develop compelling sponsorship propositions, presentations and commercial proposals tailored to individual prospects.
• Identify opportunities to increase the value of partnerships through effective relationship management and negotiation.
• Support the External Relations Coordinators in maintaining accurate records of prospects, pipelines, income forecasts and activity.

• Develop trusted relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Work with the wider External Relations team as a point of contact for sponsors
• Understand partners' commercial, marketing and reputational objectives and translate these into meaningful partnership opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to deliver agreed sponsorship benefits so that partners receive strong return on investment.
• Develop strategies to maximise retention and lifetime partnership value, supporting or leading renewal conversations as appropriate.

• Work with the wider External Relations and commercial teams to contribute to the Institute’s wider income-generation and commercial strategy.
• Monitor sponsorship trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities across relevant sectors, using market intelligence and insight to identify new sectors and prospects.
• Work with the Head of External Relations and Director for External Relations in the development of new sponsorship products and partnership opportunities.
• Support senior leadership with strategic recommendations and commercial insight.

• Relevant experience in sponsorship, fundraising or business development.
• A proven track record of personally raising or securing five- and six-figure sums through corporate sponsorship or partnerships.
• Strong organisational skills, with experience of managing a sponsorship pipeline with multiple high-value opportunities from prospect identification through to successful close.
• Strong commercial instincts, with experience of creating mutually beneficial bespoke proposals and sponsorship packages.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation, pitching and negotiation.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the confidence and credibility to engage with senior executives and decision-makers to develop long-term partnerships.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience forecasting and reporting against income targets.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to identify opportunities rather than simply respond to them.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across departments.

The IISS provides a full employment package. The benefits package at the Institute includes Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, BUPA health cashback plan, Season Ticket Loan, Cycle scheme and Contributory Pension Scheme. More information about the IISS can be found at www.iiss.org.

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the “Apply Now” blue button and following the instructions to submit two documents:

• a cover letter outlining what skills and experience you can bring to the role.
• a full Curriculum Vitae.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 17^th September 2026.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The recruitment process will include an in-person interview at the candidate’s nearest IISS office. Candidates should be prepared to travel accordingly, if selected for progression.