At Evidence Action, we are seeking a Director, Partnerships to lead an ambitious revenue transformation. You will spearhead the strategy to drive step-change growth in institutional fundraising, architect multi-million dollar partnerships, and implement systems to turn ambitious goals into sustainable results.
What You'll Do
- Develop and lead our institutional fundraising strategy—currently focused on foundations, with potential to expand into corporate and government funders—to drive our revenue growth.
- Cultivate and manage top institutional funder relationships in close coordination with program leaders, serving as a senior representative in strategic proposals, meetings, and stewardship.
- Lead the Institutional Partnerships team, empowering staff through coaching and identifying areas for growth.
- Set the standard for excellence in institutional fundraising by defining best practices and coaching program leaders on crafting compelling cases, presenting to funders, and advancing high-priority opportunities.
- Oversee the full grant lifecycle—from pipeline development and proposal writing to reporting and renewals—ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Establish and maintain clear roles, responsibilities, and collaborative processes across programs, finance, fundraising, operations, and communications.
- Implement and optimize AI-enabled tools to streamline proposal drafting, reporting, and funder insights.
- Track and analyze institutional fundraising performance using metrics and dashboards, adapting strategies based on results and funder feedback.
What We're Looking For
- A mix of experience with institutional fundraising, strategic partnerships, or business development, and in directly managing teams.
- Expertise in building and managing high-value foundation relationships and securing large, multi-year grants (e.g., $1M–$10M+), with demonstrated ability to drive significant year-over-year growth.
- A strong understanding of the industry and market trends, with the ability to identify opportunities for growth.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams across multiple time zones, with the ability to motivate and direct team members.
- Strategic and operational leadership skills, including the ability to define and execute institutional fundraising strategies, build pipelines, and lead cross-functional collaboration.
- Exceptional relationship management and communication abilities, with the presence and skill to represent the organization externally and inspire funders.
- Experience designing and overseeing pipeline processes, proposal lifecycles, and performance tracking systems (including CRM tools).
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. for roles based in the U.S.
Technical Stack
- AI-enabled tools
- CRM tools
Team & Environment
You will lead the Institutional Partnerships team and report to the Chief Growth Officer. Our culture treats colleagues as your greatest asset, blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. We excel in disruptive thinking and believe in rolling up our sleeves to get things done, working flexibly and with purpose.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $137,000-$155,000 per year.
- International health care.
- HSA/FSA options.
- Life insurance.
- Disability coverage.
- Retirement plans with a matching component.
- Generous and flexible leave options.
- Other employee perks on a reimbursement basis.
Work Mode
This role operates in a local-country mode and is open to candidates located in the United States.
Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
