Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement

About the role

The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement leads fundraising, donor engagement and strategic initiatives that ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the academy. The role covers philanthropic development, corporate sponsorships, grant acquisition and strategic growth, aligned with the mission to empower young female athletes and shape future global sports leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term strategic plans for fundraising and financial sustainability, and work with the executive team and founders on fundraising goals.
• Design a fundraising strategy covering major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants and philanthropic partnerships, and lead capital campaigns, galas and donor events.
• Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth donors, institutional funders and global sports organizations, and oversee grant proposals and funding applications.
• Maintain donor stewardship programs and represent the academy at conferences, networking events and donor meetings.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications on storytelling campaigns, impact reports, annual reports and sponsorship decks.
• Build and lead a development team of fundraising officers, grant writers and donor relations specialists, providing mentorship and training.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Fundraising or a related field.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in strategic positions.
• Proven track record securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships and grants; expertise in capital campaigns and donor cultivation.
• Experience in strategic planning, scaling and financial sustainability planning.
• Preferred: experience with international donors, foundations and multinational corporations, knowledge of sports funding or youth development, and understanding of nonprofit governance and compliance.

What we offer

• Market-competitive pay range, performance bonus and milestone bonus linked to funds raised.
• Retirement plan, health insurance, paid time off and parental leave.
• One sponsored U.S. trip every two years.