Partnerships Lead

Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.

Role: Partnerships Lead

Location: Hybrid/High Park, Drumcondra

Reporting to: Director of Strategy & Public Affairs

Terms: This is a specified purpose contract covering a secondment, envisaged to end on 31st May 2027.

Salary Range: €67,934 - €87,914 per annum (pro-rata)

(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)

Job Purpose:

The Partnerships Lead is a senior role responsible for leading our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity and securing grant funding. The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong track record of securing and managing grant funding, as well as expertise in partnership development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A key focus of the role is to develop new CSR initiatives and statutory and philanthropic grant funding opportunities. This position requires a high level of innovation along with strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

CSR Partnerships and Grant Funding

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership programme with a focus on increasing our fundraising income.
• Collaborate with the Housing and Services teams to identify community investment needs, source relevant grant funding opportunities and lead the grant application processes.
• Enhance the profile and recognition of Respond as a successful partner for CSR and grant projects.
• Identify and pursue grant funding and CSR opportunities that support innovation across our services and ways of working.
• Ensure Respond's CSR and grant funding programme is aligned with the organisation's ESG Strategy and Implementation Plan as these are developed.
• Plan and implement a strategy to promote and partner Respond with relevant Religious Congregations.

• Oversee the management and stewardship of funder relationships in a professional manner to highlight the impact of donor support for the people we work with.
• Drive effective working relationships across the organisation to support this work and the achievement of Responds strategic goals.
• Lead cross-department meetings/working groups and coordinate inputs into grant/funding applications.
• Maximise external networks of support to harness goodwill and support for Respond.
• Work with the Communications team to develop marketing materials for promotion.
• Oversee the maintenance of comprehensive records of donors and the management of regular donor communications in line with GDPR.
• Continuously build upon existing donor relationships and form new donor relationships.
• Collaborate with other organisations, networks and groups within the community to build partnerships and enhance grant and CSR activities.
• Comply with charities regulation, data protection acts, governance and best practice.
• Provide leadership at every level of the organization so partnership initiatives achieve their full potential.

• Manage the service budget, ensuring effectiveness and value for money in service delivery.
• Ensure reporting on all activities whilst meeting stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure quarterly reconciliation with the Finance team to track income and expenditure records.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising and organisational standards, policies and procedures in conjunction with the Compliance team.

• Adopt an approach of continuous learning and personal development.
• Participate as an effective member of the Strategy and Public Affairs team.
• To positively promote Respond in all activities.
• Any other duties that are consistent with your role.

• Requires undergraduate degree level in marketing, fundraising or equivalent experience.
• Position requires 5-8 years of experience in fundraising.

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of Corporate Social Responsibility and grant funding landscape.
• Proven record of delivery of effective partnerships.
• Develop and successful management of relationships with partners, external stakeholders, donors and funders
• Exemplary communication abilities with both strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Established leadership skills with the ability to inspire change, motivate and to deliver consistent success.
• Ability to manage and analyse data to drive effective decisions and innovation.

Closing date for applications is 19th of May 2026.