Hiking Club: Sponsorships Officer

I am currently the Sponsorships officer for UCL Hiking. In this role, I've worked with the team to create a sponsorship pitch deck, and I am currently working on the ideation of creating a tier based benefit system for potential companies. People seem to come to the hiking club for gear recommendations out of trust, and I wish to show that as evidence as part of our pitches to hiking gear companies.  My plan would be for 1. To ask for donations to our growing loan store - so our large community can test their products out for themselves, and 2. Seek a unique discount code from such companies so they can see the impact we have as a club. Lastly, I'd seek sponsorships for residentials (to lower costs for members), and socials. This has proven to be difficult, for instance when we tried pitching to various asian restaurants for our Lunar New Year social. Hence, I'd prioritise creating long-term relationships with companies that see the impact we can have (preferably building the partnership forward with the hiking gears companies we approach) 

In the past I have experience working with my community robotics club as a sponsorship officer, where we raised around 9,700 pounds year-on-year for a total of three years. I was in charge of creating pitch decks, finding potential corporate sponsors, and delivering tailored emails and in-person pitches. I am excited to use the skills I've developed so far in these roles, to create more opportunities for the hiking club!

I am standing for Sponsorship Officer because I believe sponsorship is not just about asking for funding, but about creating meaningful value for both the club and our partners.

Through my three months of marketing experience, I learned that successful partnerships are built on understanding the audience and offering clear value in return. I developed skills in identifying target markets, analysing strengths, and communicating benefits effectively. Marketing taught me that negotiation is about creating a win–win situation — showing brands how working with us can increase their visibility and connect them with an engaged and relevant audience.

As a Walking Leader, I understand our members directly. I know what they need — whether that is discounted equipment, better gear access, travel support, or affordable opportunities. I care about making hiking more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. As Sponsorship Officer, I would first listen to members’ needs, then actively approach brands and local outdoor shops that align with our interests.

I would present our strengths — active participation, regular hikes, residential trips, and strong media output — as value for sponsors. I am confident in writing professional emails, preparing proposals, and maintaining long-term relationships rather than one-time agreements.

Most importantly, I am responsible, proactive, and genuinely committed to securing partnerships that benefit our members and help the club grow sustainably.

I might’ve needed a walking stick on my first (last) hike BUT I promise I won’t need a crutch if you vote me in as Sponsorships Officer!! Hiking Club is one of the best ways to escape the chaos of London and spend time with great people. I’m running for Sponsorships Officer because I’d love to help bring in partnerships that make the club even better for everyone. By connecting with outdoor brands, local businesses, and other partners, I’d aim to secure sponsorships that can support our activities and add extra value for members. Whether that’s discounts, gear partnerships, or support for events, my goal would be to help the club grow what it can offer. I’d also work closely with the committee to make sure any partnerships genuinely benefit our members and the overall experience of the club.

Just imagine our club having heavily discounted equipment, sponsored food for socials, or even reduced costs for residential and camping trips — how great would that be? That’s exactly the kind of support I want to help bring to the club next year.

I’m Xinyu, a first year Earth Sciences student, and I’d like to run for Sponsorship Officer for UCL Hiking Club. This year, I have already been involved in a sponsorship role as part of the subcommittee, and that experience has made me even more enthusiastic about applying for the full position. It has given me a better understanding of how much potential sponsorship has to support the club, and how important it is to build partnerships that benefit members.

That’s why I’d love the opportunity to contribute more through this role. I want to continue securing sponsorships and developing partnerships that make a real difference to our members — from discounts on equipment, to support for socials events, to prizes and collaborations for other trips. My aim is to make the club even more exciting, accessible, and rewarding for members.

I believe I would be a strong fit for this role not only because I already have sponsorship experience and understand how this operates, but also because I’m confident in reaching out to people, following up on opportunities, and representing the club in a professional way. 

If you like my ideas and want to see more nice discounts for our club next year, then please vote me!