This is a full-time post, managing an events team of one full-time Events Assistant, plus freelancers and volunteers. The Head of Partnerships will have responsibility for the programme and for securing a budget of £160,000 to £200,000 per annum from a wide range of partner organisations, including corporations, trade unions, NGOs, charitable trusts and others.

The job involves playing a key role in planning and delivering the development of partner relations, including internal co-ordination and face-to-face relationship building. It also includes all aspects of the commissioning, planning, delivery and dissemination of a successful think-tank events programme: from contributing to the events strategy and developing ideas and themes for events; building relationships with speakers, funders, participants and others; overseeing the effective delivery of events and managing the work of the staff team; and ensuring we communicate effectively about our events through the media and to other key audiences. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Fabian Society’s broader public and organisational strategy.

The ideal candidate would have experience in a policy/political environment or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge; aptitude for building external relationships and securing sponsorship; experience of events delivery and management; strong relevant networks and relationships; experience of managing people and budgets; and a strong understanding of and engagement with the Fabian Society’s objectives and values.

Principal Duties

To lead, manage and deliver a successful Fabian events programme which contributes to the political and policy impact of the Society and ensures Fabian events contribute to the Society’s key relationships, public profile and budget.

To co-ordinate the society’s work in identifying and securing sponsorship for Fabian activity, by building external relationships and developing sponsored packages of activity (involving teams across the society), working with the General Secretary and other managers.

To manage the events team budget, including securing income for events (sponsorship, ticket sales etc) and controlling costs.

To deliver the society’s events programme, and particular events within it, sometimes with the support of assistants, contractors and volunteers.

To take lead responsibility in planning and delivering ‘flagship’ Fabian events, to ensure they meet the society’s aspirations and objectives (eg New Year Conference; Party Conferences fringe programme).

To play a central role in marketing and publicising Fabian events - through the media, marketing databases, digital communications and other dissemination channels – working with the Editorial and Communications manager.

To identify and build relationships with speakers and key participants in Fabian events, and to identify and manage relationships with event venues and with other key suppliers (eg designers, caterers, etc)

To represent the Society publicly where appropriate – for example in chairing and speaking at Fabian and other events - and in particular to play a lead ambassadorial role with key external stakeholders for the events programme (including speakers, funders and other event participants)