Director – Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

ISRN is seeking a dynamic senior leader to spearhead Business Development, Donor Relations, and Strategic Partnerships. The role requires extensive experience in fundraising, managing multidisciplinary teams, and representing the organization with corporate leaders, foundations, government stakeholders, and international donors. The person will be responsible for generating revenue, developing pipeline opportunities, and ensuring the strategic growth of programs and partnerships.

Core Responsibilities

1. Business Growth, Fundraising & Strategy

• Lead and execute a comprehensive Business Development and Fundraising Strategy aligned with ISRN’s vision and organizational strategy.
• Identify and pursue new funding avenues, including government, CSR, international donors, foundations, and bilateral/multilateral institutions.
• Develop innovative proposals, concept notes, and funding pitches in collaboration with internal teams.
• Drive strong donor relations, meetings, negotiations, presentations, and account management.
• Create a strategy for new and existing partnerships, and position ISRN as a partner of choice.
• Identify opportunities for organizational expansion and facilitate entry into new programmatic themes and geographies.

2. Strategic Partnerships, Representation & Networking

• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders—corporates, foundations, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Represent ISRN at national and international forums, meetings, and donor roundtables.
• Increase visibility of ISRN and lead strategic collaborations, including MoUs and consortiums.
• Strengthen the brand through external communication, media engagement, publications, and events.

3. Proposal Development, Reporting & Program Design

• Lead proposal development processes, including design, budgeting, M&E, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Ensure project performance against KPIs, impact objectives, and donor deliverables.
• Oversee donor reporting, financial compliance, and contract/award management.

4. Leadership and Team Management

• Provide direction and mentoring to the Business Development and fundraising teams.
• Guide project teams for smooth implementation, compliance, reporting, and donor management.
• Lead performance reviews, capacity building, and talent development.

5. Finance, Operations & Risk Oversight

• Ensure strong financial compliance, budgeting, grant management, and reporting.
• Monitor projects for timely delivery and results, ensuring donor terms are fulfilled.

Educational Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in Business Development, fundraising, strategic partnerships, proposal development, or program management.
• MBA/MSW or relevant background in Development, Strategy, Public Policy, CSR, or Business Development.
• Proven track record of building high-value partnerships and securing funding.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, proposal writing, and negotiation skills.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership approach with strong problem-solving ability.

Preferred Attributes

• Ability to lead teams and work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Experience managing complex projects and partnerships.