Head of Development & Partnerships Northern Ireland Contract: Full-time permanent position (subject to passing probationary period) Salary: £35,000 £43,000 dependent on experience + 7% employer pension contribution Location: Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland (hybrid working considered) Responsible to: Fundraising Director We rescue children, then we do whatever it takes to provide the care, love and attention they need to thrive. About Stand by Me We believe every child deserves to be loved, accepted and understood for who they are. The children we care for come from complex backgrounds, but beyond their circumstances we see their potential. We lift them up, stand by them and help them on their own two feet, meeting each childs unique needs, from food and healthcare to a strong family and a quality education. We are in this for the long term to truly transform their lives. We build our work around local communities, empowering trustworthy local people to bring lasting change. Many of the children once in our care are now teachers, nurses, business owners and community leaders, transforming the places where they grew up. The Role As Head of Development & Partnerships for Northern Ireland, you will be the senior leader responsible for growing Stand by Mes presence, partnerships and income across the region. You will serve as Stand by Mes chief ambassador and chief fundraiser in Northern Ireland, personally driving significant income growth by developing new and existing relationships with churches, major donors, trusts, foundations, businesses and strategic partners. You will represent Stand by Me at churches, events and conferences, and lead overseas project visits, helping supporters experience first-hand the life-changing impact of their giving. Identify and pursue new opportunities for partnership, income growth and supporter engagement. Fundraising & Partnership Development Personally build and sustain strong, long-term relationships with churches, major donors, trusts, foundations, corporates and key influencers. Inspire new supporters to give, sponsor children, fundraise and engage deeply with Stand by Mes mission. Network strategically to raise awareness, open doors and create new partnership opportunities. Donor Stewardship & Relationship Development Develop personalised stewardship plans for key supporters and partners. Provide high-quality proposals, updates and impact reports. Maintain accurate records and supporter insights using the CRM system. Ensure best practice and compliance with fundraising regulations. Team Leadership Lead the Northern Ireland office and manage, support and develop the Church & Schools Coordinator. Project Engagement Lead or accompany supporters on overseas visits to demonstrate the impact of their giving and share the ongoing needs of our projects. Inspire deeper commitment by sharing stories of transformation and hope. General Oversee the day-to-day running of the Northern Ireland office, working closely with the Essex office on health and safety, facilities and compliance matters. Essential Experience & Skills Proven success in generating new supporters, partnerships and income in a charity or commercial context. Strong relationship-management and networking experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems. Experience in donor stewardship and proposal writing. Knowledge of the Christian charity sector and church networks in Northern Ireland/Ireland. Personal Qualities Because partnerships will be developed primarily through churches, this role carries an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9). The successful candidate must be a practising Christian, able to confidently affirm and represent Stand by Mes Christian ethos. Passion for international development and childrens welfare. High emotional intelligence and a natural ability to build trust. Willingness to travel across Northern Ireland, to England at least once a year, and internationally. Full UK Driving Licence and access to a car. Flexibility to work regular evenings and weekends. Youll thrive in a role that blends strategy, storytelling and relationship-building, and youll be as comfortable speaking from a church platform as you are meeting one-to-one with a key donor. Faith-filled and passionate, we care deeply for one another and for the children we serve, celebrating hope, joy and transformation together. We care for children as He would, by restoring their dignity, seeing not only their suffering, but celebrating their God-given potential. Faithful supporters have prayed, given generously, sponsored children and travelled with us to see lives transformed. This new role builds on a strong foundation of support, shaped by decades of faith, encouragement and generosity, and looks ahead to an ambitious next chapter of growth. Youll build on decades of faithful support while leading significant growth, helping bring love, dignity and hope to more children around the world….
