Job Description

Business Development and Engagement Executive

(Full-time / Part-time options available)

ABOUT US

IDEA Design Hub CIC (IDEA)

is a

UK-based social enterprise

originally founded in

Hong Kong in 2009

. Since expanding to

London in 2021

, IDEA has continued its mission to

inspire learning and innovation through design

, empowering children and young people to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and shape a more empathetic world.

OUR VISION

At IDEA, we believe that

Design Thinking, Creativity, and Empathy

are essential tools for building a better future.
Our name reflects our philosophy "Involve in Design, Empower with Action" as we nurture children's ability to learn through

making, exploring, and meaningful collaboration

.

We strive to make creative education accessible to all, helping young people discover confidence, imagination, and problem-solving through art, architecture, and design.

OUR PROGRAMMES

Since 2009, IDEA has delivered a wide range of

creative, hands-on learning programmes

across the

UK, Hong Kong, Cambodia, India, and Nepal

, engaging children from diverse backgrounds through innovative and inclusive design-based learning.

Our programmes include:

After-school Clubs

- Little Architect, Little Fashion Designer, Comic, Manga & Anime Drawing, Digital Art & Video Game Clubs

Community Design Projects

- Outdoor Learning Space Design, Age-friendly and Sensory Garden Design for SEND

Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) Programmes

School Building Project

Public Furniture Design & Build Events

Creative Training Workshops

OUR RECOGNITIONS & PARTNERS

IDEA collaborates with a

global network of schools, cultural institutions, and community partners

to create meaningful learning experiences for children and young people.

In

2015

, IDEA was

honoured by UN Volunteers

as one of the Five Hundred Stories, recognising our impact in advancing the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

through volunteering and education.

London

Department of Education, Borough of Bromley Shepherds Bush Library, Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Partnerships with

25+ Primary Schools

including:

Hammersmith & Fulham:

Greenside Primary School, Kenmont Primary School, St John XXIII Catholic Primary School, The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School and Holy Cross RC Primary School

Richmond upon Thames:

St John the Baptist Junior School

Kingston upon Thames:

St Agatha's Catholic Primary School

Westminster:

Gateway Academy

Haringey:

Eden Primary School

Hong Kong

Ying Wa College Caritas Wong Tai Sin Centre Youth Outreach Hong Kong The Hong Kong Institute of Architects

Cambodia

Cambodian Children's Advocacy Foundation National Technical Training Institute

India

Kalki Welfare Society Allam's Creative

Nepal

Future Village Nepal

THE ROLE

We are seeking a

highly motivated and strategic Business Development and Engagement Executive

to join our expanding team in London.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, relationship-driven individual who thrives in a creative, purpose-led environment. You will lead efforts to

grow IDEA's reach and partnerships,

connecting with schools, local authorities, and community organisations, while driving

business development, outreach, and engagement initiatives

that strengthen IDEA's mission and impact.

The role combines

strategic thinking

with

hands-on relationship building

, ideal for someone who is passionate about

education, design, and social innovation

.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify and pursue new business and partnership opportunities across education, community, and creative sectors. Build and nurture long-term relationships with schools, cultural institutions, and local authorities. Develop tailored proposals and partnership models that align with client and community needs. Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities. Collaborate with the marketing and creative teams to design campaigns that promote IDEA's programmes and social mission. Represent IDEA at events, meetings, and presentations with confidence and professionalism. Negotiate partnership agreements and manage the business development pipeline using

Salesforce

or equivalent CRM tools. Provide insights and feedback to the management team to inform growth strategy and programme development.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Proven experience in

business development, partnerships, or sales

, ideally within

education, creative industries, or community organisations

. Excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills. Strong organisational and time management abilities. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver against targets. Proficiency in

Salesforce

or similar CRM systems. Degree in

Marketing, Business Administration

, or related discipline. Minimum

2 years' experience

in a business development or client-facing role.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES

Experience in

art, design, or creative education

. Understanding of

social enterprise models

and community engagement approaches. Knowledge of the

London education and cultural landscape

. Enthusiasm for

design thinking and innovation in learning

.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Empathetic and perceptive, with a genuine passion for people and creative learning. Professional, articulate, and engaging communicator. Creative problem-solver who enjoys developing new ideas and partnerships. Adaptable, resilient, and energised by challenges. Collaborative team player with an entrepreneurial mindset.

WHAT WE OFFER

A chance to join a purpose-driven organisation making a measurable social impact. Opportunities to shape IDEA's growth and partnerships strategy. Supportive, creative, and collaborative working culture. Flexible working arrangements. Continuous professional development and creative freedom.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 24,000.00-36,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 - 37.5 per week

Experience:

Business development: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person