Frances Cain
London
Summary
Partnerships and business development professional with extensive experience managing high-value corporate relationships, delivering complex benefit packages and leading event-driven projects across the UK, Europe, USA and Asia. Skilled in structuring and negotiating sponsorships, preparing evaluation reports and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure that partners receive agreed benefits on time and to a high standard. Combines strong commercial acumen with a longstanding commitment to arts, culture and creative industries, and is keen to support the Royal Academy’s exhibitions and learning programmes through strategic corporate support.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
International Partnerships, Sponsorship & Business Development Manager
The Good Play Guide Ltd / FUNdamentally Children
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
12.2019 - 02.2025
- Manage a portfolio of international corporate partners and supporters, maintaining regular contact, responding to benefit queries and ensuring delivery of agreed rights across campaigns, events and digital activity.
- Identify, pitch and secure new partnerships with industry leaders in the USA and Far East, enhancing brand visibility and generating more than $500,000 in additional revenue across two new partnership income streams.
- Prepare tailored sponsorship proposals, pitch decks and renewal presentations, working closely with internal colleagues to define benefits, timelines and appropriate acknowledgement.
- Coordinate with Finance and Operations to draft, review and process contracts, oversee invoicing and monitor fee collection, ensuring that all partnership agreements are accurately documented.
- Develop simple tracking tools for partner benefits and activation (invitations, branding, content, reporting) and provide regular internal updates on delivery status and upcoming deadlines.
- Represent the organisation at major industry events in the Far East, Europe and America, leading client meetings, cultivating new relationships and acting as an ambassador for the brand.
UK Chapter Chair (Corporate Volunteer Leadership)
Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT),
London
01.2015 - 01.2023
- Planned and delivered a year‑round programme of UK events, including networking evenings, workshops and webinars, managing invitations, guest communication and on‑the‑day hosting to ensure a high‑quality experience for members and sponsors.
- Coordinated mentorship programmes and other member benefits, liaising with senior industry figures and aligning activity with the priorities of the international WIT organisation
- Oversaw the day‑to‑day operations of the UK chapter, including budgeting, use of local resources and allocation of tasks to volunteers to support events and partnership activity
- Acted as primary point of contact for the UK chapter, building relationships with corporate supporters, venues and partner organisations to secure support in cash and in‑kind
- Led initiatives to grow membership and ensure an inclusive, welcoming environment, encouraging active participation in events, committees and discussions across all career stages
Founder & Director – Partnerships and Brand Development
A Girl For All Time Ltd
London
12.2012 - 01.2020
- Founded and led an award-winning children’s brand, building strategic partnerships with major international retailers, distributors and licensing partners to support product launches and campaigns.
- Negotiated commercial terms, heads of agreement and long-form contracts with suppliers, manufacturers and distributors, ensuring mutual value while protecting brand and IP.
- Planned and delivered trade-fair and showcase participation in Germany, Hong Kong, China, the UK and USA, overseeing stand design, guest engagement and follow-up with buyers and partners.
- Managed all CRM, e-commerce and digital marketing activity, including data segmentation, email campaigns and benefit-driven promotions to a customer base of more than 25,000 subscribers.
- Produced regular performance reports and market insights for internal and external stakeholders, informing renewal discussions and identifying opportunities to deepen partnerships.
Inbound Operations Director – Corporate Events & Partnerships
Conference and Incentive Travel Partnership
London
01.2009 - 02.2011
- Led the design and delivery of complex corporate events and programmes for inbound groups of 30 to 3,000 delegates at major London venues, often involving multiple sponsors and stakeholders.
- Built and maintained relationships with venue teams, cultural institutions, caterers and other suppliers, negotiating favourable terms while safeguarding client objectives and guest experience.
- Managed detailed operational plans, including venue holds, guest lists, invitations, on-site logistics and risk assessments, ensuring all contractual obligations were met.
- Worked with finance colleagues to create and manage budgets, monitor costs and meet agreed financial targets.
- Initiated business development activity in the US market, establishing new partnerships that strengthened the organisation’s position and generated repeat bookings.
- Negotiated contracts across the heritage sector, including Tower of London, Spencer House, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge
Education
Bachelor of Arts - American History and Italian Language (Double Major)
University of Notre Dame, College of St Mary’s
South Bend, IN, USABachelor of Arts - Renaissance Art History and Italian Cinema (Double Minor)
University of Notre Dame, College of St Mary’s
South Bend, IN, USASkills
- Corporate sponsorships and partnerships management
- Relationship cultivation and stewardship (C-suite and senior stakeholders)
- Benefit design, delivery tracking and reporting
- Event planning, guest care and on-site hosting
- Contract negotiation and heads of terms
- Cross-department collaboration and stakeholder communication
- International market and partnership development
- CRM and data management (Klaviyo, Zoho, Shopify CRM; proficient in MS Office; quick to learn new systems such as Tessitura and Priava)
- Strategic planning, financial management and budgeting
- Cross-cultural communication (Advanced Italian)
Volunteer Experience
Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT), UK Chapter Chair (Volunteer Leadership), 2012, 2022, Co-chaired the UK chapter of this not-for-profit organisation supporting women in the global toy, licensing and entertainment sectors., Led a small volunteer team to plan and deliver 10+ networking and professional development events annually, including briefings, panel discussions and award celebrations., Cultivated relationships with sponsors, corporate supporters and venue partners, negotiating support packages and ensuring appropriate visibility and benefits at events., Drove membership growth by approximately 50% in the UK through targeted outreach, communications and partnership activity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Languages: English (native), Italian (advanced)
- IT: Microsoft Office, CRM systems (Klaviyo, Zoho, Shopify), e-commerce platforms (Shopify)
- Awards and recognition: Founder of a multi-award-winning toy brand; regular speaker and mentor within the international toy and licensing community.
- Interests: Visual arts, museums and galleries, cultural heritage, international travel.
Languages
Italian
Advanced
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
International Partnerships, Sponsorship & Business Development Manager
The Good Play Guide Ltd / FUNdamentally Children
12.2019 - 02.2025
UK Chapter Chair (Corporate Volunteer Leadership)
Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT),
01.2015 - 01.2023
Founder & Director – Partnerships and Brand Development
A Girl For All Time Ltd
12.2012 - 01.2020
Inbound Operations Director – Corporate Events & Partnerships
Conference and Incentive Travel Partnership
01.2009 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Arts - American History and Italian Language (Double Major)
University of Notre Dame, College of St Mary’s
Bachelor of Arts - Renaissance Art History and Italian Cinema (Double Minor)
University of Notre Dame, College of St Mary’s