Location: London, United Kingdom
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation that improves health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. The Strategic Partnerships Lead will join Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships (GRSP), reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, on a 12-month fixed term contract. The role develops and delivers strategic partnerships that bring together philanthropic, multilateral, advocacy and other external organisations to advance Wellcome's science and health priorities, with a major focus on mental health partnerships globally and particular emphasis on Africa.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver partnership strategies and programmes that help shape the external environment and advance Wellcome's science and health priorities, particularly mental health.
- Build and maintain relationships across the philanthropy sector, identifying opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, collective action and co-investment.
- Work closely with colleagues across Wellcome to coordinate strategic partnerships, providing insight, guidance and expertise in philanthropy and partnership development.
- Manage a portfolio of strategic partnerships, ensuring clear objectives, agreed milestones, effective governance and regular monitoring of progress and impact.
- Coach and develop partnership colleagues, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team.
- Collaborate with teams across Wellcome and external partners to align funding, influence and action around shared priorities, while ensuring effective risk management and high-quality delivery.
Minimum criteria:
- Extensive senior-level experience in a partnerships function, establishing, leading and stewarding high-value philanthropic and institutional relationships internationally, including with major foundations, collaborative funds or other philanthropic actors.
- Substantial experience in global health, mental health, science or closely related areas, partnering with philanthropy, multilateral, civil society and/or government bodies, with a strong understanding of the funding and philanthropy landscape.
- Strong understanding of global and regional philanthropy ecosystems, with demonstrable experience contributing to thought leadership, insights and analysis on sector trends.
- Experience building coalitions and multi-stakeholder partnerships that align diverse organisations around shared objectives and drive collective action.
- Proven capability to operate with diplomacy, judgement and credibility at senior level, building long-term, trust-based relationships and using partnerships as a platform for advocacy and influencing.
Salary: £73,900 - £87,500. Hybrid working: 3 days in the Euston Road offices, remaining 2 days remote or in office.
Closing date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions demonstrating that you meet the minimum requirements for the role, via the Wellcome Workday application page.
https://wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellcome/job/London/Strategic-Partnerships-Lead_R-003534/apply