Head of Corporate Partnerships
Workplace: ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London NW1, Hybrid
Department: Fundraising
Salary: £60,900 - £64,470 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Purpose of the role

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.

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of spending at least two days per week in the office, alongside client visits as part of relationship building and partnership activity.

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.

About You

• 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.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

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. 

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you 
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops 
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle 
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

Closing Date: Monday 11th August 2025
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

The selection process will involve two stages:
First interview – held virtually via video call.
Second interview – held in person and will include a skills-based assessment.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

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

No agencies please.