Organisation Derbyshire Cricket Foundation Salary 32,000 - 35,000 Location Throuhgout Derbyshire with flexibility for hybrid working. Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 4 January 2026 Interview date 19 January 2026 Job Description Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF) is the Governing Body for recreational cricket in Derbyshire, delivering services in support of the cricket community across the county. It is one of 39 County Cricket Boards/Foundations in England & Wales and works in partnership with a number of key stakeholders to develop the recreational game locally in line with the strategy developed by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). We have an ambition to inspire a generation to say, “Cricket is a game for me”. The DCF is also a registered charity that aims to improve well-being and provide opportunities for diverse communities across the County through cricket. The Business Development Manager will develop and leverage local partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and funding bodies to support these aims.
The primary work location for the Business Development Manager will be at the County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby, but the role will require travel on a regular basis as the role will be proactive in engaging stakeholders across Derbyshire in support of the DCF strategy and business plan. The position provides an opportunity, for the Business Development Manager to work flexibly, and this is likely to include the occasional requirement to participate in some evening and weekend commitments.
Purpose and Focus of the Role
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with excellent relationship management skills to help develop and sustainably grow the impact of our business by identifying and securing new investment to support the delivery of DCF programmes and activity. This will include working with existing corporate and charity partners, and establishing new relationships with Corporate sponsors, individual donors, and Trusts & Foundations.
You will develop and use stewardship tools to guide donors and partnerships through their giving journey, including cultivation plans, proposals, and reports. You will be involved in sourcing and presenting tailored information, making appropriate financial and non-financial requests. The responsibilities of the Business Development Manager will include:
Fundraising Strategy & Implementation
Lead on developing, planning and managing the delivery of the DCF Business Development Strategy to include:
- Design and implement DCF’s fundraising plan, aligning income generation with organisational priorities and long-term sustainability.
- Agree on an annual high-value fundraising strategy for DCF in collaboration with the Managing Director.
- Align the DCF Business Development Strategy with the delivery of a robust marketing plan.
High-Value Relationship Management
- Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, senior corporate contacts, local government, and grant-making bodies, developing bespoke engagement plans and cases for support.
Corporate Partnerships
- Develop partnerships that maximise revenue through sponsorships and other income streams
- Develop and create new fundraising opportunities that raise the profile of DCF and attract new partners and donors.
- Nurture and maintain long-lasting positive relationships with corporate contacts and individual supporters to build a loyal supporter base.
- Identify, pitch, and secure strategic corporate partnerships that deliver mutual value and community impact.
- Maintain and grow long-term relationships through meaningful engagement, brand alignment, and the expansion of high-value offerings.
Trusts & Foundations
- Lead on researching, writing and submitting compelling funding proposals and applications
- Secure funding to support growth in community programmes and impact through public/private sector and charitable funding bids.
Profile & Impact
- Raise the profile of Derbyshire Cricket Foundation's charitable programmes through storytelling, marketing collaboration, and impact-led reporting.
- Identify and attend appropriate networking forums, and maximise opportunities to develop lasting relationships and raise the profile of the organisation.
Leadership and Management
- Work closely with the senior leadership team, programme leads, coaches, and delivery teams to identify funding needs, co-design initiatives, and measure success.
- As a member of the senior management team, you will contribute to the development and delivery of the organisation's strategic and business plans, ensuring managers and teams are supported to engage with this process.
- Lead the delivery of the DCF marketing plan, including line management of the DCF Digital Marketing Apprentice
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure fundraising activity meets all legal, ethical, and data protection standards, including GDPR, Gift Aid and Fundraising Regulator guidelines
General Responsibilities:
- Provide formal written reports and case studies, and ensure that all monitoring and evaluation is undertaken as required
- Participate on various DCF and stakeholder working groups, as agreed and required. Attend relevant meetings, seminars, workshops and/or conferences as agreed
- Establish a County wide process of continuous operational review and improvement (monitoring and evaluation of all work) planning, supported by other DCF staff as required.
- Ensure a high level of local positive promotion and marketing of activities and events both locally and nationally through the development of the DCF website and media platforms.
- Commit to a personal professional development programme in order to provide an ever-improving service and support to all stakeholders. This will be agreed with the Managing Director.
- Other duties as required.
- To present Derbyshire Cricket Foundation Ltd, other Partners and the game of cricket in a positive and professional manner.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven track record in fundraising or income generation, ideally within sport, education, or community development.
- Demonstrated success in securing high-value gifts or partnerships.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – both written and verbal – with the ability to inspire and influence.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to work autonomously and take ownership of key relationships.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of operational planning & implementation, monitoring & evaluation of programmes and processes
- Experience of creating and sustaining strong relationships to produce social impact outcomes.
- Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, agile environment.
- High level of IT literacy and confidence with CRM systems, prospect pipelines, and donor reporting tools.
- Commitment to inclusion, community engagement, and the wider values of sport for social good.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (including social media)
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Knowledge of the UK fundraising landscape, including grant funders, CSR trends, and legal frameworks.
- Experience in working within or alongside the sports, health or youth development sectors.
- Competent on Social Media and understand the importance of marketing to increase exposure.
- ‘Safeguarding Children’ trained or, commitment to achieving this within a short period of time
- ECB DBS checked.
- Ability to travel independently between sites (Full and valid driving license).
- Willingness to work ‘unsocial’ hours, including evenings and weekends where required.
- Ensure the health, safety and welfare of yourself, participants and others at all times
- Perform all duties in an equitable manner and to actively promote the principles of equality amongst colleagues, partners and service users
- Conform to, actively commit to and promote Derbyshire Cricket Foundation values when using any communication