Vice President Business Growth and Entrepreneurship Lead Global Philanthropy, UK

We are seeking a strategic leader to help advance our commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable change in communities where the firm is present. In this role, you will help shape and direct programs that strengthen the small business and entrepreneurship ecosystem across the UK - driving change in the institutions, products and services that entrepreneurs rely on to access finance and support... Working at the intersection of strategy, partnership and measurable impact, you will support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK as they start, sustain and grow. You will mobilise the full range of the firm's resources, including philanthropic capital as well as data, expertise, networks and convening power, to help small businesses and entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow.

As a Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Small Business Ecosystem Lead in the Global Philanthropy team, you will lead the development, management and delivery of our philanthropic programs across the UK, with a particular focus on helping small businesses and entrepreneurs access the finance, capital and support they need to start, sustain and grow. You will bring deep, senior-level expertise in small business support, inclusive entrepreneurship and access to finance or microfinance, alongside a strong understanding of the UK government stakeholder and private sectors (lenders, investors etc.) landscape. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will build senior networks, set strategy and own a grant portfolio that drives sustainable, systemic impact. We work collaboratively and inclusively, and you will be a trusted advisor to colleagues and community organisations alike.

Job responsibilities

• Lead and own the UK Global Philanthropy strategy for Business Growth and Entrepreneurship, strengthening the small business ecosystem through improved access to finance, support services, partnerships and market-level solutions that help underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs start and grow.

• Set direction that aligns market priorities with the wider Firm agenda on Business Growth, partnering with the firm's senior leaders in the UK to secure executive buy-in and build strong local oversight, and mobilising the firm's philanthropic capital alongside its expertise, networks, convening power and broader business engagement.

• Build and steward strong senior networks, internally and externally, so the work is well positioned, relevant and visible across national and regional agendas.

• Track social, political and economic priorities and shifts relevant to the firm’s philanthropic activities, exercising independent judgement to translate insights into strategies that protect reputation and strengthen program impact.

• Provide authoritative thematic and geographic briefings, and identify and manage firm led high-visibility engagement opportunities such as events and site visits.

• Represent the firm with senior public and private sector stakeholders at conferences, meetings, launches and roundtables, and identify opportunities to amplify impact through non-financial contributions.

• Research and identify programming needs, and develop relationships and programs with non-profit partners to address them coherently with the broader strategy.

• Conduct effective due diligence and risk analysis on complex issues to ensure the firm’s resources and reputation are protected.

• Lead, manage and deliver the development, budgeting, presentation and approval of grant-making activities through national, regional and global processes.

• Represent the firm externally in industry forums, working groups, conferences and public speaking opportunities, and lead thought leadership and strategic communications activities

• Serve as the internal subject-matter expert, providing management reporting, sharing best practices, and staying informed on timely small business policy and research.

Required qualifications, capabilities and skills

• Extensive, senior-level experience in small business support programs, with a proven track record of independently designing, leading and delivering complex initiatives, preferably in the UK.

• Strong understanding of the broader small business finance ecosystem, including entrepreneurship support, access to finance, lending markets, government policy and economic factors affecting small business growth

• Deep experience working either within or alongside non-profit, corporate and/or government environments, with an understanding of grant-making and the ability to assess the capacity of not-for-profit organisations.

• Proven ability to think critically and strategically about program design and implementation and to develop practical solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence stakeholders at the most senior levels and on complex issues, from field workers to senior civil servants and corporate leaders.

• Self-motivated, with the ability to operate autonomously and to work effectively both in a team and independently.

• Excellent writing, communication and project management skills.

• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise.

• Ability to work under pressure and against tight deadlines.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities and skills

• Recognised expertise in inclusive entrepreneurship, access to finance and/or microfinance.