Head of Corporate Partnerships

ZSL is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Corporate Partnerships to lead the growth of high-impact corporate fundraising aligned with our mission to restore wildlife and create a world where nature thrives. In this senior leadership role, you will spearhead the development and implementation of ZSL’s Corporate Partnerships strategy, with a strong focus on income growth, innovation, and long-term value. A results driven relationship builder, you will lead and inspire a talented team to cultivate, secure, and steward high-value partnerships that support ZSL’s global conservation goals.

Reporting to the Director of Development and working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will identify and unlock strategic opportunities, positioning ZSL as a trusted partner for forward-thinking businesses committed to sustainability and positive impact. This is a unique opportunity to shape and expand a purpose led portfolio that delivers vital funding, shared value, and lasting change for wildlife and people alike.

Key responsibilities:  

• Business Development: Draw on research to create a healthy pipeline, engaging new prospects and of developing positive relationships at senior levels. Identify and secure new corporate partnerships that align with ZSL's strategic goals, as well as commercial priorities.
• Strategic Partnership Development: Develop and implement innovative partnership models to attract and retain high-value (£1m+) corporate partners and provide unique opportunities for ZSL to raise its profile to new audiences.
• Spokesperson: Represent the ZSL brand in public to corporate Board level representatives, inspiring confidence in partners by demonstrating credibility, knowledge and professionalism.
• Corporate Membership: Grow the Corporate Membership programme, led by Corporate Partnerships Officer, ensuring exceptional experiences, value for members and a healthy ROI for ZSL.
• Internal Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across ZSL to identify opportunities to collaborate, leading to enhanced partnerships and strengthening our opportunities to partner.

• Proven experience of strategic corporate partnerships new business, including identifying, engaging, developing and managing strategic corporate partnerships with a track record of delivering income of seven figure and six figure partnerships.
• Previous experience in leading and developing teams, with a strong emphasis on coaching and supporting less experienced staff.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and work across a complex organisation, engaging with multiple stakeholders who have income generating responsibilities.
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure, ensuring alignment with budgetary plans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to and influence senior stakeholders, prospects and partners.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.