Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Sponsorship

at Chatham House

🏢 About Chatham House

Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a world-leading policy institute with a century-long legacy of shaping global debate. It's unique for its influential research on international affairs and its convening power that brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts. Working here offers the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge global policy discussions while building partnerships that directly support impactful research and events.

About This Role

As Senior Manager, Sponsorship, you'll lead high-value corporate partnerships that fund Chatham House's influential events and research initiatives. This role is impactful because you'll translate complex global policy issues into compelling sponsorship opportunities, directly enabling the institute's mission to foster open debate and shape international policy. You'll steward relationships with senior corporate leaders while overseeing a diverse portfolio of conferences and roundtables.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning meetings with research programme directors to understand upcoming events and sponsorship needs, followed by developing tailored partnership proposals for specific corporate prospects. Afternoons could include stewardship calls with existing partners, reviewing sponsorship packages for upcoming conferences, and strategizing with the events team on maximizing partner value at high-profile roundtables.

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🎯 Who Chatham House Is Looking For

  • Has a proven track record of securing six-figure corporate partnerships, preferably in policy, think tank, or international affairs contexts
  • Demonstrates ability to translate complex global policy topics (like climate governance or geopolitical risk) into tangible value propositions for corporate partners
  • Possesses strong relationship-building skills with C-suite executives and senior decision-makers in multinational corporations
  • Combines commercial fundraising expertise with genuine interest in international affairs and Chatham House's research areas

📝 Tips for Applying to Chatham House

1

Quantify your partnership achievements specifically - instead of 'secured sponsorships,' state 'secured £250K+ multi-year partnership with [Company] for [specific type of event]'

2

Tailor your examples to Chatham House's research themes - highlight experience with partnerships related to international security, global economy, or sustainability if possible

3

Demonstrate you understand Chatham House's unique position - avoid generic think tank language; reference specific programs like the International Security Programme or Energy, Environment and Resources Programme

4

Show how you've translated complex topics into commercial opportunities - provide a brief case study of how you made a technical policy issue appealing to corporate sponsors

5

Highlight your network in relevant sectors - mention specific industries (financial services, energy, tech) where you have existing relationships that could benefit Chatham House

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience securing six-figure partnerships, with concrete examples and results', "How you've successfully translated complex policy or research topics into compelling sponsorship packages", "Your understanding of Chatham House's mission and how your approach aligns with their values of independence and rigorous analysis", "Your ability to build senior-level relationships in corporate sectors relevant to Chatham House's work (finance, energy, technology, etc.)"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Chatham House's current corporate partners and sponsorship opportunities listed on their website
  • → Recent major events and conference series (like the London Conference or sustainability summits) to understand their programming
  • → The institute's research programmes and priority themes for the coming year
  • → Chatham House Rule and how it might impact partnership discussions and event management

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would develop a sponsorship proposition for Chatham House's upcoming 'Future of Democracy' conference series
2 How would you approach a corporate partner who is hesitant about sponsoring policy discussions they perceive as controversial?
3 Describe your experience managing a portfolio of partnerships simultaneously - how do you prioritize and steward multiple high-value relationships?
4 What metrics would you use to measure the success of sponsorship partnerships at a policy institute like Chatham House?
5 How would you leverage Chatham House's research expertise to create unique value for corporate partners beyond traditional event branding?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on transactional sponsorship benefits without demonstrating understanding of how partnerships support Chatham House's mission
  • Using generic corporate sponsorship examples without tailoring to policy/international affairs context
  • Failing to demonstrate how you would navigate the balance between commercial partnerships and maintaining Chatham House's reputation for independent analysis

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Chatham House!

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