Applications are now open for the External Relations Coordinator position at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), offering an opportunity for an experienced corporate relations, sponsorship, partnerships, fundraising or external relations professional to join its team in London, United Kingdom.
The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and is based in London. The successful candidate will support senior members of the External Relations team in developing and managing high-quality relationships with corporate partners, sponsors and members.
The role is particularly suited to professionals who are organised, proactive, commercially aware and interested in developing a career in corporate partnerships, sponsorship and income generation.
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank with expertise in regional geopolitics and geo-economics within a global context.
Its international researchers provide independent analysis and insights into strategic challenges and priorities affecting governments and the private sector.
The institute also brings together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security, supporting dialogue and bilateral and multilateral consultations.
The External Relations Coordinator will join a team responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with corporate organisations that engage with the institute.
About the External Relations Coordinator Position
The successful candidate will work closely with the Sponsorship Senior Manager, Membership Senior Manager, Senior Coordinator and Head of External Relations.
The role will provide support throughout the sponsorship and membership lifecycle. This includes researching prospective corporate partners, preparing proposals and presentations, coordinating meetings, supporting pitches and maintaining relationships with existing sponsors and members.
The successful applicant will play an important administrative and coordination role while helping the External Relations team generate long-term value for IISS and its corporate partners.
Key Responsibilities
The External Relations Coordinator will undertake responsibilities across research, relationship management, administration and reporting.
Key duties include:
- Supporting the development and delivery of the organisation’s external relations strategy.
- Assisting with negotiations, proposals and partnership renewals.
- Researching potential corporate partners and understanding their business priorities and objectives.
- Identifying existing partnerships and potential areas of mutual interest.
- Preparing pitches, meetings, presentations, briefing documents and proposals.
- Supporting the External Relations team in delivering strong partner experiences.
- Developing positive and professional relationships with existing and prospective corporate partners.
- Acting as a reliable day-to-day contact for selected sponsors and partners.
- Coordinating partner communications, meetings and follow-up activities.
- Gathering partnership outcomes, impact information and reporting data.
- Maintaining accurate CRM records and prospect pipelines.
- Scheduling meetings and coordinating diaries, agendas and meeting notes.
- Tracking action points and follow-up communications.
- Supporting pipeline and income reporting against agreed targets.
The role therefore combines relationship management, research, administration, communication and business development.
Who Can Apply?
IISS is looking for candidates with demonstrable experience in areas such as corporate relations, sponsorship, partnerships, fundraising, external relations or business development.
Applicants should ideally have experience supporting or managing corporate partnerships or sponsorships and understand how relationships develop throughout the sponsor or member lifecycle.
Strong organisational and administrative skills are also essential. Candidates should be able to manage several relationships, projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
Other desired qualities and experience include:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong relationship-building abilities.
- Experience preparing presentations, proposals and reports.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of business partnership objectives.
- Strong research and information-gathering skills.
- Experience using a CRM system or database.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Confidence taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.
- An interest in developing a career in sponsorship, corporate partnerships and income generation.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate how their previous experience can contribute to the institute’s external relations objectives.
Remuneration and Employee Benefits
The IISS states that it provides a full employment package for its employees.
The benefits package includes Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, a BUPA health cashback plan, Season Ticket Loan, Cycle Scheme and a Contributory Pension Scheme.
Further information about employment at the institute can be obtained through its official website.
Application Requirements
Candidates applying for the External Relations Coordinator position are required to submit two documents.
Applicants should provide:
- A cover letter explaining the skills and experience they would bring to the position.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Candidates should ensure that their application demonstrates relevant experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship, fundraising, external relations, business development or related areas.
Eligibility and Recruitment Process
The position is open to candidates who are eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
Importantly, the IISS states that it will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants should therefore confirm their UK work eligibility before submitting an application.
The recruitment process will include an in-person interview at the candidate’s nearest IISS office. Applicants who progress to this stage should be prepared to travel as required.
The IISS also states that it is an equal opportunities employer.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is 17 September 2026.
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their CV and cover letter in advance and submit their application before the stated deadline.
How to Apply for the IISS External Relations Coordinator Job
Eligible candidates can apply through the official IISS recruitment portal by selecting the “Apply Now” option and following the instructions provided.
Apply here: IISS External Relations Coordinator – Official Application Portal
Final Thoughts
The IISS External Relations Coordinator position presents an opportunity for a motivated professional to build a career within an internationally recognised defence and security think tank.
The permanent, full-time role in London combines corporate relationship management, sponsorship, partnerships, research, communication and business development, making it potentially attractive to candidates with experience across the nonprofit, think tank, fundraising, corporate affairs and external relations sectors.
With applications closing on 17 September 2026, eligible candidates should carefully review the requirements, prepare a strong CV and cover letter, and submit their applications through the official IISS recruitment portal before the deadline.
