Ecosystem Engagement Lead

Ecosystem Engagement Lead – Leeds

We are seeking an experienced relationship-builder to lead Allia Impact’s work in Leeds and West Yorkshire, supporting founders, developing partnerships and growing our regional impact.

• Salary: £42,000 - £45,000 depending on experience
• Location: Leeds and West Yorkshire (based at our Harehills site with regional travel)
• Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
• Closing date: 4 November 2026

About the Role

As our Ecosystem Engagement Lead , you will be the face of Allia Impact in Leeds and West Yorkshire, helping to establish and grow our presence within the region's innovation, enterprise and social impact ecosystem.

Reporting to the Head of Venture Support, you will lead the delivery of entrepreneurship and venture support programmes, working directly with founders, startups and social enterprises to help them access the skills, networks and opportunities they need to grow.

You will also play a key role in building strategic partnerships with local authorities, universities, businesses, investors, funders and community organisations, ensuring Allia becomes a recognised and trusted partner across the region.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering high-quality venture support programmes, workshops and events.
• Providing practical support, mentoring and connections for founders and social entrepreneurs.
• Developing partnerships across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
• Representing Allia at networking events, forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Identifying funding, sponsorship and business development opportunities.
• Acting as the regional lead for Leeds, providing insights and reporting on local impact.
• Working closely with colleagues across Allia's national network to share learning and best practice.

About You

You will be a confident and entrepreneurial professional with experience of working within business support, startup ecosystems, social enterprise or innovation programmes.

You will have:

• Experience supporting founders, entrepreneurs or impact-led organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
• Experience delivering programmes, training, workshops or mentoring.
• A proven ability to secure partnerships, funding opportunities or business development outcomes.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• A passion for social innovation, entrepreneurship and creating positive impact in local communities.

Experience of working with local authorities, universities, funders or regional economic development programmes would be advantageous.

You may have experience as a: Ecosystem Manager, Innovation Manager, Startup Programme Manager, Enterprise Development Manager, Venture Support Manager, Community Partnerships Manager, Business Development Manager, Social Impact Manager or Enterprise Programme Lead.

About Allia

Allia is an independent social enterprise creating opportunities for people, places and communities to thrive. Through venture support, enterprise programmes, impact investment and workspace, we help founders and organisations tackle some of society's biggest challenges.

Our work supports startups, social enterprises and purpose-led businesses to grow their impact, develop sustainable solutions and strengthen local ecosystems. Joining Allia means becoming part of a collaborative, values-driven organisation committed to innovation, inclusion and positive social change.

In return, we offer

• A supportive and inclusive working environment where you can make a meaningful contribution.
• A values-led culture.
• Flexibility and wellbeing support.
• A collaborative and passionate workforce.
• The chance to see the real-world impact

Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays. Increasing to a maximum entitlement of 30 days based on service.
• Pension scheme.
• Private Healthcare
• Huge range of discounts, a Healthcare cash plan, wellness programme, and more
• Life Assurance
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• Paid volunteering day

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, together with your salary expectations. CV’s can be sent via this advert, via our website, or directly to [email protected]

Closing date: 4 November 2026

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented within our workforce. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be delighted to support you.