Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead

DETAILS

Location: Dubai, UAE

Type: Full-time

Salary: AED 15,000 per month + benefits

Annual revenue target: USD 1 Million

The Sparkle Foundation is looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and highly motivated Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead to help drive our next phase of growth.

This is not a traditional charity fundraising role. We are looking for a natural salesperson, relationship builder and deal closer who thrives on targets, enjoys opening doors and wants to use their commercial skills to make a measurable difference.

Working directly alongside the Global CEO, the postholder will be responsible for generating USD 1 million in annual revenue through new and existing corporate partnerships, sponsorships and strategic relationships across the UAE, owning the full sales cycle from prospecting and pitching through to negotiation, closing and long-term partner retention.

key responsibilities

Revenue Generation and Sales Pipeline

• Generate USD 1 million in annual revenue through new and existing partnerships, sponsorships and corporate relationships.
• Build and manage a strong sales pipeline, from prospecting and pitching through to negotiation and closing.
• Secure corporate sponsorships, strategic partnerships and long-term financial commitments.
• Grow the value of existing partnerships through renewals, upgrades and multi-year commitments.

Partnership Development and Relationship Management

• Proactively identify, approach and secure new corporate partners across the UAE.
• Develop relationships with decision-makers, business leaders, schools, family offices and high-net-worth networks.
• Work directly alongside the Global CEO to develop new opportunities and progress high-value relationships.
• Manage partner relationships to ensure strong stewardship, retention and long-term value for both the partner and Sparkle.

Representation, Events and Activations

• Represent Sparkle at networking events, business meetings, presentations and speaking opportunities.
• Organise and support revenue-generating events and partnership activations.
• Ensure leads and opportunities generated through events and meetings are captured and followed up promptly.

Collaboration, CRM and Reporting

• Collaborate with the marketing team on proposals, campaigns and partnership materials.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, revenue forecasts and weekly performance reports.
• Provide regular pipeline and revenue updates to the Global CEO and senior management.
  
  

key performance areas

Success will be measured by:

• Revenue secured against the USD 1 million annual target.
• New partnerships signed.
• Pipeline growth.
• Conversion rates.
• Long-term partner retention.

Specific financial targets and KPIs will be agreed annually and reviewed regularly.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Proven track record in sales, business development or commercial partnerships.
• Confident, persuasive and comfortable asking for and closing significant financial commitments.
• Target-driven, proactive and motivated by results.
• Excellent networking, presentation and public-speaking skills.
• Well-connected in the UAE business community, or confident in building a network quickly.
• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible, hands-on and willing to attend events and meetings outside standard office hours when required.
• Passionate about making a difference while understanding the importance of generating sustainable revenue.

WORKING HOURS AND BENEFITS

• This is a full-time, office-based role in Dubai, working 40 hours per week. Days will regularly include external meetings, presentations, networking and events.
• The salary for this role is AED 15,000 per month plus benefits. Annual leave entitlement is 22 days plus UAE public holidays. Some evening and weekend work will be required around events and partner meetings, with time off in lieu provided in accordance with Foundation policy.
• The role is offered on a permanent contract, subject to a six-month probation period.
• We offer a collaborative working culture, opportunities for professional development and the chance to play a direct role in growing the income, partnerships and impact of The Sparkle Foundation.