External Relations Coordinator

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class, independent and impartial analysis and offer insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

About the Role

We are looking for an organised, proactive and relationship-focused Coordinator to join our team and support the Sponsorship Senior Manager and the Membership Senior Manager in managing and developing high-quality corporate relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in corporate relations, sponsorship, partnerships, membership, fundraising or a similar role who is looking to develop their career within a high-performing External Relations team with an international client base.

Working closely with the two Senior Managers and the Senior Coordinator, you will provide essential support across the sponsorship and membership lifecycles — from researching and identifying prospective partners, to preparing proposals, coordinating meetings, supporting pitches and ensuring sponsors and members receive excellent stewardship year-round.

You will be a key member of a high-performing team, helping to ensure that the team’s activity is well organised, professionally delivered and focused on generating long-term value for both the organisation and its corporate partners.

Responsibilities

Research and Support

• Support the Head of External Relations and the Senior Managers in developing and delivering the organisation's external relations strategy, assisting with negotiations, proposals and partnership renewals as required.
• Research and identify prospective corporate partners including their business priorities, strategic and tactical objectives, and existing partnerships.
• Assist with developing, and preparing for pitches, meetings, proposals, presentations, briefing documents and other relevant materials.

Relationship Management

• Work with the External Relations team to deliver excellent stewardship and partner experiences, building positive and professional relationships with existing and prospective corporate partners.
• Act as a reliable and professional day-to-day contact for selected sponsors and partners, and Coordinate partner communications, meetings and follow-up activity.
• Assist with gathering partnership outcomes, impact data and relevant reporting.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain an up-to-date pipeline of prospects alongside accurate CRM records of prospect and partner activity, communications and key relationship information.
• Schedule meetings, coordinate diaries, agendas, meeting notes, action points and follow-up communications where required.
• Assist with regular pipeline and income reporting against agreed targets.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience working in corporate relations, sponsorship, partnerships, fundraising, external relations, business development or a related role.
• Experience supporting or managing corporate partnerships or sponsorships with an understanding of the sponsor and member lifecycle.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple relationships, projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with external and internal stakeholders
• The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Experience preparing presentations, proposals, reports and other partnership materials.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to understand what businesses want from partnerships and identify opportunities to create mutual value.
• Demonstrable research skills and the ability to identify relevant information about prospective partners.
• Experience using a CRM or database to maintain accurate relationship records.
• A proactive problem-solving approach and the confidence to take ownership of tasks.
• A genuine interest in developing a career in sponsorship, corporate partnerships and income generation.

Remuneration:

The IISS provides a full employment package. The benefits package at the Institute includes Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, BUPA health cashback plan, Season Ticket Loan, Cycle scheme and Contributory Pension Scheme. More information about the IISS can be found at .

The deadline for receipt of applications is 17 th September 2026.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The recruitment process will include an in-person interview at the candidate’s nearest IISS office. Candidates should be prepared to travel accordingly, if selected for progression.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.

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