Background
Open Lens Media (OLM) is a Training, Development, and Engagement Social Enterprise that utilizes creative approaches in Media and Digital Technology to provide employability, educational, community engagement, training, and consultation services to young people and youth-focused agencies.
We specialize in working directly with children, young people, and young adults between the ages of 11-16, 17-24, and 25-35 from disenfranchised and low socio-economic backgrounds. Our aim is to support them in developing essential personal and professional skills that facilitate their transition into further education, employment, training, or entrepreneurship.
Social Mission
Our social mission is to contribute to building a more equitable society where all young people have equal access to opportunities in education, employment, and training, regardless of their socio-economic background. We are committed to equipping every young person with the skills, confidence, and support needed to fulfill their potential and create a brighter future.
Role Overview
We are seeking a strategic and driven Business Development Manager to join our team. This leadership role is responsible for expanding OLM’s reach, revenue streams, and partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in income generation, stakeholder engagement, and translating social impact into tangible business growth.
You will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and expansion of our youth-centered programmes and accredited courses by identifying new opportunities, securing funding, and cultivating relationships with partners, funders, and commissioners.
Responsibilities:
1. Business Growth & Strategy: Develop and lead the organisation’s business development strategy aligned with its social mission and strategic goals. Identify and pursue new funding sources, income-generating opportunities, and commissioned work. Develop service proposals and pricing models that reflect OLM’s value and impact.
2. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and manage partnerships with funders, local authorities, corporate sponsors, education institutions, and community organizations. Represent OLM at events, conferences, and meetings to promote our work and forge collaborations. Negotiate partnership agreements and funding arrangements.
3. Fundraising & Income Generation: Research funding opportunities including tenders, grants, trusts, and sponsorships. Lead the writing and submission of funding applications and bids. Track and report on funding outcomes, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
4. Service Promotion & Outreach: Collaborate with marketing to develop strategies for promoting services and raising OLM’s profile. Support the creation of sales materials, digital content, and presentations for potential partners and funders. Maintain a pipeline of prospects using CRM tools.
5. Monitoring & Reporting: Set KPIs for income and partnerships; report regularly to senior leadership. Analyze business development performance to identify trends and areas for improvement. Contribute to impact reports demonstrating the value of OLM’s work.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Proven experience in business development, income generation, or fundraising within the charity, social enterprise, or youth sector.
* Strong understanding of funding landscape including public sector contracts, grants, and sponsorships.
* Excellent proposal writing and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships.
* Strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
* Self-motivated with organizational skills to manage multiple priorities.
Desirable:
* Experience working with youth-focused organizations.
* Existing relationships with third sector or funding bodies.
* Understanding of social impact measurement and reporting.
* Degree in Business, Marketing, Social Enterprise, or related field.
Additional Skills & Experience:
* Experience in developing strategic business plans and delivering income-generation strategies.
* Ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships, including at public events and meetings.
* Knowledge of grant writing, funding applications, and pursuing funding opportunities.
* Strong organizational skills for project planning, budgeting, and resource management.
* Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with youth, community partners, and funders.
* Passion for youth empowerment and designing impactful programs.
* Analytical skills for risk management, monitoring KPIs, and evaluation.
* Familiarity with project management tools and MS Office Suite.
How to Apply:
If interested, please submit the following via email to info@openlensmedia.co.uk with the subject line ‘Business Development Manager’ or ‘OLM/BDM’:
1. Application form (attached)
2. Resume/CV and a brief Cover Letter explaining your interest and how your experience aligns with the role.
3. Contact details for at least two professional references.
Application deadline: 12th May 2025 (end of day)
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