University Partnerships Manager
upReach Charitable Company - Income Generation and External Engagement Team
Location:United Kingdom, HybridSalary:£33,690 to £41,065 dependant on location, per annum, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowanceHours:Full TimeContract Type:Permanent
Placed On: 19th February 2026
Closes: 18th March 2026
ROLE SUMMARY
As a University Partnership Manager at upReach, you will play a vital role in securing and growing high-impact partnerships with universities committed to social mobility.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships within the Income Generation and External Engagement team, You will play a critical role in advancing upReach’s mission by generating income and leading upReach’s University Partnerships strategy. Creating life-changing opportunities for our Associates through high-impact university partnerships.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Given the expansive and dynamic nature of this role, the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, but provides a clear overview of your primary areas of responsibility, ownership and impact.
Develop and Secure New Strategic University Partnerships:
- Proactively identify, cultivate, and convert a pipeline of four and five-figure prospective university partners aligned with upReach’s mission and strategic goals.
- Lead high-quality prospecting and relationship-building activity, targeting income-generating partnerships that also deliver high-impact opportunities for Associates.
- Build strong relationships with key contacts at potential partners, including senior stakeholders within widening participation, employability, and careers teams, through regular in-person and virtual meetings.
Stakeholder Representation and Engagement
- Act as a visible representative of upReach at key partner events, conferences, and roundtables, building relationships, showcasing our impact, and raising our external profile.
- Leverage social media strategically to spotlight partnership activity, amplify success stories and demonstrate the value of our partnerships in real time.
- Respond swiftly and professionally to partner and prospective partner requests, ensuring timely, accurate information and follow-up.
Monitor and Grow Existing University Partnerships
- Responsibility for a portfolio of upReach’s existing university partners, ensuring effective stewardship of the day-to-day relationship with high satisfaction, sustainable renewal and growth.
- Set and monitor partnership goals and OKRs, leading regular reviews and performance reporting.
- Working closely with upReach’s Programme teams to ensure partnerships and programmes are delivered to a high standard.
Partnership Visibility and Impact
- Collaborate closely with Marketing & Communications to co-create high-quality content and campaigns that showcase our strategic partnerships through university guides, case studies, thought leadership, social media, and joint events.
- Lead on impact reporting for your partnership portfolio, using both data and compelling stories to evidence the outcomes of the partnership and drive continued engagement.
- Proactively identify and deliver opportunities for partners to amplify the voice of upReach; through our external events, fundraising opportunities and sharing social-media collateral that promotes our work.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation
- Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure timely and accurate invoicing and contracting for all University partnerships, supporting effective financial management.
- Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of partnership activity using upReach’s internal CRM and systems, enabling effective reporting, forecasting and stewardship.
- Uphold the organisation’s legal and ethical obligations, including data protection, charity law, and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Manage and support a rotation of the Future Charity Leaders Programme, providing guidance, feedback, and development opportunities.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong track record of relationship-building, influencing, and delivering high-quality engagement with a range of stakeholders, ideally including senior university professionals.
- Confident and pragmatic decision maker in a fast-paced environment, with an understanding of when to escalate situations and seek input appropriately.
- Proven ability to develop and implement partnership or engagement strategies that strengthen collaboration and deliver shared goals.
- Collaborative team player with experience supporting and working across diverse teams to deliver shared objectives.
- Experience measuring and reporting on partnership impact, engagement, or value creation.
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
