Job Description
Grassroot Soccer UK is advertising for a Business Development Manager to join their small team in London. This is a dynamic role for a self-motivated individual who will be encouraged to show creativity, innovation, leadership and job ownership.

The key purpose of this position is to help Grassroot Soccer UK raise awareness and funds for its international programmes by engaging and expanding its network of high net-worth individuals, organising cultivation and fundraising receptions and events, spearheading UK communications and liaising with a PR company to maximise publicity of Professional Ambassadors such as Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pirés. This post will be housed within the Grassroot Soccer Global Business Development team, reporting to the Grassroot Soccer UK Director.

About Grassroot Soccer
Grassroot Soccer is an international adolescent health organisation that educates, inspires and mobilises young people to overcome their greatest health challenges and live healthier, more productive lives. Grassroot Soccer uses the power of football to connect young people with the mentors, information, and health services they need to thrive, and empowers adolescents to make educated choices about pressing health challenges such as HIV & AIDS, sexual health, gender-based violence, and malaria. Grassroot Soccer’s evidence-based programmes, led by trained local Coaches, incorporate football into dynamic lessons about health and wellness that engage young people and break down cultural barriers. With proven results and a constant focus on research and innovation, Grassroot Soccer has reached over 1.2 million young people in nearly 50 countries with health education.

About Grassroot Soccer UK
Grassroot Soccer UK is a UK-registered charity that cultivates and manages European donors, partnerships and events primarily to raise awareness and funds for Grassroot Soccer’s programmes internationally. Donors include the Arsenal Foundation, BT Sport, City Foundation, Comic Relief, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Swedish Postcode Foundation and Vitol Foundation. Throughout the year, Grassroot Soccer UK holds receptions and networking events for its increasing number of London-based supporters and high net-worth donors, as well as an annual fundraising gala on World AIDS Day which raised nearly £700,000 in 2015.

Scope of job
The Business Development Manager will lead on all unrestricted fundraising in the UK. Essential requirements include outstanding sales, marketing skills, communications and relationship management skills. In addition, you will need an ability to work flexibly and drive innovation, generate leads, and negotiate/close deals. Approximately 70% of the position will be dedicated to unrestricted fundraising (Ambassadors Council, high net-worth individuals, networking and fundraising events) and approximately 30% of time will be spent on UK communications and public relations (PR) opportunities. Grassroot Soccer UK holds an annual World AIDS Day fundraising gala dinner on 1st December each year and you will lead the coordination of this event, alongside an event consultant and other external parties. There is scope to experiment with new and innovative ideas and campaigns, and shape the future direction of Grassroot Soccer UK.

Key responsibilities
• Help Grassroot Soccer UK grow its revenue and impact by driving and owning UK unrestricted funding processes and activities.
• Spearhead the annual World AIDS Day fundraising gala dinner (300 people) and smaller networking receptions/events throughout the year (20-50 people).
• Manage external consultants and contractors who will support the gala and events (eg. event consultant, PR company, professional football agents).
• Represent Grassroot Soccer in meetings with prospective high net-worth individuals and enhance the profile of Grassroot Soccer UK at charity, sport and business events.
• Manage, engage and expand the UK Ambassadors Council, a dynamic and growing group of London-based individuals who support the organisation in various ways.
• Update and own customer relationship management database and on-going administrative processes.
• Work alongside the internal Communications team to develop UK communications materials, slide decks and campaigns.
• Provide day-to-day administrative, operational and financial office support where required.

Key relationships
As part of Grassroot Soccer UK, the Business Development Manager will report to the Grassroot Soccer UK Director and will work closely with the Community and Outreach Coordinator, the Grassroot Soccer UK board of directors, an event consultant, a PR company, and other relevant contractors where required. The role requires strong collaboration with colleagues across multiple internal departments including Communications in USA and South Africa, Finance and Administration in USA, Business Development in USA and the Grassroot Soccer co-founders.

Requirements – Essential:
• At least 5 years’ experience in corporate social responsibility, corporate charity fundraising or high net-worth individual engagement.
• Outstanding verbal communication skills and a personable approach to represent Grassroot Soccer in meetings with senior level individuals (directors/CEOs) and quickly establish credibility, influence and respect.
• Commercial talent and acumen to generate new leads, close deals, maintain strong relationships and conduct thorough follow-up.
• Proven track record of managing clients/accounts, developing tailored engagement plans and managing a comprehensive client/customer relations database to monitor relationships on an ongoing basis.
• Experience with and track record of organising successful high profile networking and/or fundraising events.
• Demonstrated competence in managing multiple contractors, consultants and agents to negotiate charitable deals, provide support and manage where required.
• Focus on and acute attention to detail, both administratively and in personal relationships.
• Possess a natural inclination to take initiative, be creative, and experiment with new ideas and innovations.
• Willingness to work independently and flexibly across different time zones and teams.

Desirable:
• Relevant post graduate qualification (master’s or equivalent).
• Interest in/knowledge of social issues affecting young people and communities in developing countries.
• An understanding of the social impact of sport.
• Experience working internationally and in different cultural contexts.
• Experience working with well reputed charities (e.g. as a volunteer, employee, consultant, board member).
• Knowledge of the intersecting UK business, charity and sport worlds.

Position hours and location:
The position is 40 hours per week working within an environment that accommodates flexibility and working remotely from time to time.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter to Lucy Mills at lmills@grassrootsoccer.org