Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.
Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With a newly integrated Partnerships Team and an ambitious £5m appeal ahead, Acorns is now seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive high-value corporate new business and secure strategic partnerships that deliver long-term income growth.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, this is a senior corporate new business role focused on identifying, cultivating and converting strategic prospects into multi-year partners. You will own and drive a c.£1m new business pipeline, lead senior-level engagement including C-suite conversations, and secure six-figure+ partnerships aligned to Acorns’ strategic priorities.
If you thrive on making things happen, enjoy research and relationship-building, and want to make a big difference quickly, this is the role for you. We’re looking for a proactive, confident fundraiser with a strong conversion rate and the energy to lead Acorns’ new business push.
As Senior Business Development Manager, you will:
* Identify and engage companies for multi-year strategic partnerships, Charity of the Year agreements, sponsorship and cause-related marketing
* Own and manage a robust new business pipeline of circa £1m, ensuring accurate forecasting, progression and conversion
* Secure high-value corporate partnerships, including stock generation and innovative fundraising initiatives
* Build and influence relationships at senior level, including C-suite stakeholders
* Work closely with the Partnerships and Community teams to ensure smooth transition of new partners into account management
* Line manage the Business Development Manager and drive performance against agreed targets
Essential skills and experience:
* Proven corporate fundraising or business development experience within a charity or commercial setting
* Track record of securing six-figure+ corporate partnerships
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and C-suite leaders
* Experience operating in a targeted, commercially focused environment
* Commercial awareness, including experience of budgets, forecasting and ROI analysis
* Experience managing contractual agreements and working within GDPR and fundraising compliance frameworks
* Experience using CRM systems to manage pipeline and reporting
* Line management experience
Desirable:
* Knowledge of the CSR and ESG landscape and corporate partnership trends
* Experience of cause-related marketing and sponsorship activation
* Familiarity with regional corporate networks and fundraising landscape
* Experience supporting major appeals or high-profile campaign activity
Employee benefits include:
* 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
* 5% employer pension contribution
* Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
* Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted gym membership
* Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support