Royal Economic Society (RES) is the professional membership body and learned society for the study and application of economics. The RES has been at the forefront of advancing economic knowledge globally since 1890 and has been foundational in building capability and excellence in the profession. With over 3,000 individual members worldwide and a dozen organizational members, we are one of the oldest economic associations in the world.  Increasingly we are focused on improving the public understanding of economics through engagement with schools and the wider public. Improving diversity, inclusion and professional conduct within the discipline is a key strategic priority of the Society. 

The Partnerships Manager will play a central role in helping the RES achieve its strategic goals by developing, building and sustaining partnerships to deliver external funding. The individual will manage existing relationships, identify opportunities, lead bid writing, develop compelling funding proposals, and build relationships with funders, partners, and philanthropic donors.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and bid development

• Identify and secure new sponsorship and partnerships opportunities to support existing RES activities
• Seek funding for new activities in line with the Society’s goals.
• Maintain and develop relationships with current and prospective partners including funding bodies, trusts and foundations, sponsors, major donors, corporates, universities and others.
• Write high-quality, persuasive funding bids and proposals, working with RES staff, trustees, and partner organisations.
• Develop cases for support, theory of change frameworks and budgets to underpin funding applications.
• Respond to calls for funding with tailored and timely applications that align with funder interests and the Society’s strategic priorities.
• Work closely with colleagues on the delivery of the funded activities, where appropriate overseeing these directly.
• Work closely with colleagues to identify priority initiatives that require external funding to proceed and maintain a clear pipeline of funding needs across the organisation.
• Develop and maintain RES group and institutional memberships.

Business Development and External Engagement

• Monitor trends in research funding, philanthropy, and corporate partnerships relevant to economics and learned societies.
• Horizon-scan and build a pipeline of future fundraising opportunities.
• Represent RES externally at funder meetings, networking events, and partnership development discussions.

Internal Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Work closely with colleagues shaping and costing funding proposals and ensure bid quality and compliance
• Provide guidance, training, and support to colleagues on funding opportunities, bid development, and funder expectations.
• Work with finance colleagues to ensure accurate invoicing, renewals, and financial forecasting.

Reporting

• Monitor performance against income and other targets and report regularly to the Chief Executive and Board.
• Prepare briefings, proposals and reports for Board and committee meetings.

Other

• Carry out any other tasks and responsibilities commensurate with the role and as reasonably requested.

Person Specification

Essential Skills

1. Proven experience of successful fundraising, bid writing or business development, preferably in a learned society, research organisation, professional body or in higher education.
2. Understanding of impact and outcomes-based funding models (e.g. theory of change), and how to align funding opportunities with organisational priorities.
3. Ability to support the development of budgets for funding bids and to track/report against income target.
4. Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write persuasive funding bids, cases for support, and briefing materials.
6. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
7. Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines whilst maintaining quality.

Desired Skills

1. Familiarity with the research, higher education, or economics funding landscape.
2. Experience of working with a variety of funders, including trusts and foundations, research councils, corporates, or major donors.
3. Experience working with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce or equivalent).
4. Understanding of how charitable governance interacts with fundraising, including experience supporting committees or preparing reports for Boards.

Application Process

Please send your CV along with a personal statement outlining how you meet each person specification point. Applications that have not linked the personal statement to the person specification points will not be considered.

Applications should be emailed to us by 9am Monday 8 September 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Interviews will take place week commencing 15 September 2025.