Head of Strategic Partnerships and Income Generation

Head of Strategic Partnerships and Income Generation

Help shape how Bolster Community grows and the difference we can make.

A newly created senior leadership role for someone who can see opportunity, build trusted partnerships and turn ambition into sustainable results for our communities.

About Bolster Community

Founded in 2004, Bolster Community is an award-winning charity and social enterprise working alongside children, families, adults and older people to improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and create opportunities.

With deep roots in Newry, Mourne and Down, our work is shaped by community relationships and a commitment to ensuring people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to reach their potential.

Through our Family, Ability and Seniors services, we support individuals and families, promote independence and inclusion, and help build stronger, better-connected communities.

Bolster has spent more than two decades responding to local need and making a difference in our communities. Our next chapter is about building on that work: reaching more people, growing our social enterprise and creating the income and strategic partnerships that will enable us to expand our impact and develop sustainable services for the future.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Bolster's Senior Leadership Team, leading our business development, strategic partnerships and income generation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Services and Board, you will identify and develop opportunities that support Bolster's long-term growth and financial sustainability. From building influential partnerships and developing new income streams to growing our social enterprise, you will play a key role in turning ideas and opportunities into meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

This is a strategic role for someone who can combine commercial awareness with a strong understanding of community benefit and social purpose.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Bolster's income generation and diversification strategy, identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Build and develop strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses, statutory bodies and community partners.
• Identify and progress opportunities for new services, funding, commissions and social enterprise development.
• Lead the preparation of funding applications, tenders, business cases and commercial proposals.
• Work alongside the Chief Executive, Head of Services and Board to shape organisational strategy and assess opportunities for future development.
• Provide strategic advice on financial viability, investment, risk and long-term sustainability.
• Represent Bolster externally, strengthening its profile, reputation and influence through networks and partnerships.
• Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team, deputising for the Chief Executive as required.

About you

We are looking for an ambitious, forward-thinking and commercially minded leader who can recognise opportunities, build strong relationships and turn ideas into practical results to help shape Bolster’s future growth.

You will have:

• A relevant degree in a field such as business, management, leadership, finance, social policy or community development, or at least three years' equivalent senior-level professional experience in a relevant field.
• At least three years' experience in business development, income generation or a comparable leadership role.
• A proven personal track record of progressing at least two opportunities that resulted in secured income, contracts, charity partnerships or sustainable new services.
• Experience of developing business cases, commercial proposals, tenders or funding applications, with the ability to assess costs, risks and potential returns.
• Strong commercial and financial judgement, including an understanding of financial viability, full cost recovery and sustainable growth.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships, influence senior decision-makers and develop strategic partnerships.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, research, proposal-writing and presentation skills.
• The confidence to identify opportunities, challenge assumptions, make recommendations and balance organisational growth with Bolster's charitable purpose and capacity.
• A sound understanding of governance, accountability and evidence-led decision-making.

It would also be beneficial to have:

• Experience of commissioned services, public procurement or statutory funding in Northern Ireland.
• Experience of leading or growing a social enterprise or developing traded and other non-grant income.
• Experience of representing an organisation externally, influencing policy or working with a Board or trustees.
• Experience of leading or managing people or teams.
• Knowledge of community-based services, early intervention, family support, disability or related areas.
• A relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.

What we offer

Salary of £50,000–£53,000 per annum.

Permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week).

Hybrid working.

A senior leadership opportunity to help shape the future development of an established charity and social enterprise.

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to individuals, families and communities.

Location: Unit 1, Whitegates Business Park, Newry, BT35 6UA.

Find out more and apply

Interested in being part of Bolster's next chapter?

For full details of the role and how to apply, please download the recruitment pack and application form from our website:

https://bolstercommunity.org/about/join-the-team/

Closing date for applications: Friday 4 December 2026