Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations Lead
Independent Contractor / Remote
Project: reFramed — International Festival of Figurative Art & Creative Practice + Residency, Greece
Start date: September 7, 2026
Timeline: September 7, 2026 – May 2027
Commitment: Part-time — approximately 25 hours/month with flexibility depending on project needs and key partnership opportunities.
Location: 100% Remote / Global
Festival location: Greece
Compensation: $500 USD/month base retainer + 15% uncapped commission. Base salary 20USD/hour
About reFramed
reFramed is an international arts and education platform exploring the relationship between artists and models through shared artistic practice, education and community. Following a highly successful initial gathering that brought together 46 international participants for an intimate arts and education residency, we are now expanding the project for May 2027. The next edition will bring together a residential educational programme with a public-facing arts festival in Greece, creating a platform for artists, models, educators and audiences to meet, learn and collaborate. As we grow, we are looking to build a strong network of organisations and individuals who can contribute to reFramed financially, materially, institutionally or creatively.
Funding context
reFramed is currently operated through a private entity in Georgia rather than a registered non-profit organisation. As a result, we are not eligible to apply directly to many arts and cultural grants that are restricted to non-profit organisations.
The role should therefore focus primarily on corporate and brand partnerships, institutional collaborations, sponsorships and in-kind support, while also identifying relevant funding opportunities where reFramed can participate through an eligible partner organisation.
The Role
We are looking for an entrepreneurial and highly resourceful Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations Lead to help build that network.
You will work directly with the Founder to identify, approach and develop relationships with potential sponsors, cultural institutions, brands, universities, foundations and other organisations whose interests align with reFramed.
You will also work closely with our Associate Editor & Communications who will provide editorial guidance and oversight on partnership materials and communications.
The goal, beyond securing funding, is to create meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships that can support the 2027 edition and develop into long-term relationships with reFramed.
The previous edition has already provided us with a strong foundation of participants, content, testimonials, imagery and experience from which to develop compelling partnership propositions.
Your ResponsibilitiesPhase 1 — Partnership Strategy & Packaging
September 7–30, 2026
Work closely with the Founder during the first weeks of the engagement to translate reFramed's existing track record, audience, programme and vision into a compelling partnership proposition.
You will:
- Work with the Founder to establish sponsorship targets, partnership pricing and cash/in-kind packages, ensuring that proposed partnerships are financially viable for reFramed.
- Develop and refine reFramed's sponsorship and partnership deck.
- Use existing data, testimonials, imagery and results from the previous edition to build a compelling case for partnership.
- Define key partner categories and identify what reFramed can offer different types of partners.
- Research and map potential partners internationally.
- Build an initial, prioritised pipeline of at least 50 qualified prospects across relevant partner categories.
- Identify potential strategic collaborations that may not involve direct financial sponsorship but could bring significant value to reFramed.
- Begin initial outreach to the most promising prospects where appropriate, using early conversations to test and refine the partnership proposition.
- Track partnership progress against targets, including prospects, proposals, committed partnerships and funds received.
- Support the development and growth of reFramed's existing Patron programme, including identifying potential Patrons, developing relationships, encouraging renewals and exploring opportunities to expand the programme beyond its existing word-of-mouth network.
Potential partners may include:
- Art and cultural organisations
- Universities and art schools
- Foundations and non-profit organisations
- Brands relevant to art, education and creative communities
- Art material and equipment companies
- Hotels, airlines and travel companies
- Hospitality
- Art publication / media
- Galleries, festivals and other cultural platforms
- Creative collaborations that connect a partner's interests, resources or expertise with reFramed's programme
This may include both Greek and international organisations, with particular attention to partners who can benefit from or contribute to an international arts event taking place in Greece.
We are particularly interested in someone who can think beyond traditional sponsorship packages and develop creative, meaningful ways for organisations to engage with reFramed.
Phase 2 — Partnership Development & Closing
October 2026 – April 2027
- Lead targeted outreach and initiate conversations with potential partners.
- Develop relationships rather than relying on one-off sponsorship requests.
- Secure meetings and present partnership opportunities.
- Tailor partnership concepts and proposals to the interests and objectives of individual partners.
- Work with our Associate Editor & Communications to refine and edit partnership proposals and communications before they are sent to partners.
- Own the development of partnership proposals, ensuring that the proposed offer, structure and value are appropriate to each partner.
- Define and negotiate partner benefits, ensuring that agreed deliverables are realistic, valuable to the partner and aligned with reFramed's objectives.
- Negotiate commercial and partnership terms.
- Secure cash sponsorships and in-kind support.
- Identify opportunities for collaborations that strengthen reFramed's international network and long-term development.
- Maintain and continuously update a clear pipeline of prospects, conversations, proposals, commitments and follow-ups.
- Work independently while keeping the Founder informed of significant opportunities and negotiations.
- Focus on closing outstanding partnerships and securing final in-kind support as the festival approaches.
Phase 3 — Partner Management, Festival & Retention
April – May 2027
- Maintain relationships with confirmed partners leading into and during the festival.
- Coordinate with the production team to ensure that agreed partner benefits and activations are delivered as promised.
- Act as the main relationship point for partners where appropriate.
- Contribute to a post-event impact report and identify opportunities for partnership renewal for future editions.
What We're Looking For
Initiative, judgement and relationship-building ability.
You may be a strong fit if you have:
- 2–4+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, sponsorship, fundraising, cultural production, events or a related field.
- Curious, proactive and resourceful. Comfortable finding opportunities, making connections and figuring things out independently, particularly in the arts, culture and education sectors.
- Experience developing or securing partnerships, sponsorships or collaborations.
- An existing network within the arts, culture, creative industries, education, hospitality, media or related sectors is a strong advantage.
- Creative thinker with the ability to not only identify potential partners but also develop innovative partnership ideas. Able to pitch creatively. Thinks beyond traditional sponsorship packages and can develop compelling partnership ideas that go beyond logos and PDFs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- The ability to develop clear, persuasive partnership proposals and communications.
- Excellent organisational and follow-up skills.
- The ability to manage your own pipeline and work independently in a remote environment.
- Commercial awareness and confidence discussing budgets, proposals and partnership terms.
- Genuine interest in contemporary art, education and creative communities.
What We Offer$500 USD monthly retainer + 15% uncapped commission
The role combines a $500 USD monthly base retainer with a 15% uncapped commission on cash sponsorships and partnerships directly secured by you.
The commission is paid on funds actually received by reFramed.
For significant in-kind partnerships — such as complimentary accommodation, flights, venues, equipment, materials or services — an additional bonus of up to 5% of the verified commercial value may be agreed depending on the nature and value of the partnership.
The compensation structure is designed to give you a stable base while providing significant upside for successful partnerships.
For example:
- $5,000 sponsorship → $750 commission
- $10,000 sponsorship → $1,500 commission
- $25,000 sponsorship → $3,750 commission
There is no cap on commission earnings.
Creative autonomy
You will work directly with the Founder and have a meaningful role in shaping how reFramed is positioned to potential partners.
This is an opportunity to help build the partnership infrastructure of a young international arts platform from an early stage, rather than simply managing an existing sponsorship portfolio.
Flexible freelance structure
This is a remote, project-based independent contractor role designed to work alongside other professional commitments.
The initial engagement will run from September 7, 2026 through May 2027, with the possibility of continuing the collaboration beyond the 2027 edition depending on results and mutual interest.
Because this role is directly tied to the development and financial sustainability of the 2027 edition, its continuation depends on the project generating sufficient resources to support the role. If this is not achieved, the engagement may need to end before May 2027. We want to be transparent about this from the outset.
How to Apply
Please send your CV / resume to [email protected] with a short introduction addressing the following:
- Tell us about 2–3 partnerships, sponsorships or collaborations you have personally helped develop or secure. For each, briefly describe your role, the partner, the nature and approximate value of the partnership, and the outcome.
- Identify 3–5 organisations, brands or institutions you think reFramed should be talking to. For each, briefly explain why you see a potential fit and what kind of partnership you would explore — for example, financial sponsorship, in-kind support or strategic collaboration.
- Tell us briefly about your availability between September 2026 and May 2027.
We are particularly interested in seeing how you think about partnerships, not simply a list of previous employers.
References: Two professional references may be requested from shortlisted candidates. Ideally, references should be able to speak to your experience in partnerships, business development, fundraising, sponsorship or related work.
Application deadline: September 3, 2026
Job Types: Part-time, Contract, Commission
Contract length: 8 months
Pay: From £14.72 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 15.0 per week
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Can you give an example of a partnership or sponsorship you personally helped develop, and briefly explain your role and the outcome?
- Have you worked with an arts, cultural, educational or nonprofit organisation in a partnerships, fundraising or development capacity?
- If you joined reFramed, what types of organisations would you approach as potential partners, and what might you offer them in return?
Experience:
- partnerships, fundraising, sponsorship or arts development: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: Remote
