Community and Partnerships Support extends your reach through communities, partners and advocates. They find organisations that share your customers, build relationships with them and grow a community around your startup, so people recommend you rather than you always having to find them.

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No tech background needed. This guide explains the role in plain English: what it is, when you need it, what to expect and how to choose the right Volunteer.

A global engine of Volunteer talent, collaborating with ambitious Tech Founders.

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158+

Countries

225+

Tech startups

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In plain English

What does a Community and Partnerships Specialist do for you?

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Think of being introduced at a party.

A friend's introduction gets you a warmer welcome than walking up to a stranger. Partners and communities give your startup those introductions.

Finds partners

Organisations that already serve your customers.

Builds relationships

Joint content, events and referrals.

Grows a community

People who talk about and recommend you.

When you need one

Signs it is time to bring one in.

If two or more of these sound familiar, add this role to your Marketing team.

Bring one in when

✓Other companies already reach the customers you want
✓Customers love you but rarely refer others
✓You want to run or join events and webinars
✓You have no presence in the communities your customers use
✓You need lower cost ways to grow

You can wait if

…You do not yet have a clear offer that partners could recommend

What they own

Four areas a Community and Partnerships Specialist takes off your plate.

Partner research

A list of organisations worth approaching.

Partner outreach

First conversations and agreed joint activities.

Community building

Groups, events and regular engagement.

Advocacy

Referral ideas, testimonials and case studies.

What to expect

Across a 60 Volunteer day term.

Volunteers give up to three hours a day, Monday to Friday, over three months or more. Daily and weekly updates keep you informed, and rapid feedback from you in the first two weeks makes the biggest difference.

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Weeks 1 and 2

Maps likely partners and communities, then agrees priorities and outreach messages with you.

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By mid term

First partner conversations held and community activity under way.

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By day 60

Partnerships in progress, a community plan and a documented contact list for the next specialist.

Choosing the right Volunteer

What to ask, and what to look for.

You do not need to be an expert to recruit well. Use these questions at interview and listen for the signs below.

Questions to ask

?Which partners would you approach first for us, and why?
?Tell me about a partnership you built and what it delivered.
?How would you grow a community from nothing?
?How do you keep partners engaged after the first meeting?

Good signs

✓Thinks about what the partner gains
✓Follows up reliably
✓Keeps a clear record of contacts

Red flags

✕Sends mass messages to everyone
✕Promises partners things without your approval
✕Keeps contacts in personal accounts

Your part as a Tech Founder

Give them this, and they deliver from Day 1.

✓Clarity on what you can offer partners
✓Introductions from your own contacts where possible
✓Approval for any joint agreements
✓Customers willing to share their story
✓A signed Volunteer Agreement before they start

Who they collaborate with

The roles around your Community and Partnerships Specialist.

Brand & Communications Lead

Clarifies your story. Positioning and messaging everyone can repeat.

Read the guide →

Social Media Manager

Keeps you visible. A steady rhythm of useful, on-brand posts.

Read the guide →

Growth / Demand Generation Marketer

Fills the pipeline. A steady flow of prospects who match your ideal customer.

Read the guide →

FAQ

Questions Tech Founders ask.

Who signs partnership agreements? +

You do. Volunteers can research, introduce and coordinate, but any formal agreement should be approved and signed by your company.

How long do partnerships take? +

Often several months. Start conversations early and record them carefully so they continue after a Volunteer Term ends.

Where can I see SkilledUp Life's own partners? +

See our Partners page for an example of how partnerships can extend reach.

How much does it cost to recruit this role? +

Volunteers give their time for experience, not pay. You subscribe to the Advanced (GTM) plan at £250 a month or £2,500 a year, which lets you recruit up to 100 Volunteer team members across Marketing, Sales and Customer Success. See the plans.

Grow it ·
scale it ✦

Ready to recruit your Community and Partnerships Specialist?

Create your company account, list an Opportunity with the matching template and start meeting Volunteers this week.

Create account → Back to the Marketing team