United Nations Foundation

Director, Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives

Employment Opportunity - WASHINGTON, DC - Full Time

Position Overview

The United Nations Foundation (UNF) seeks a highly skilled and experienced fundraising and strategic operations professional to serve as Director of Partnerships and Strategic initiatives within its Development and Partnerships team.
As UNF embarks on an exciting strategic refresh to shape its future, the Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives will play a critical leadership role in developing and executing initiatives that expand revenue, enhance stakeholder relationships, and improve operational performance across the development function. The Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives will be responsible for leading strategic planning efforts, overseeing cross-functional initiatives, managing key donor and partner relationships, and ensuring effective team operations—from budgeting and resource allocation to donor reporting and data systems. They will work closely with the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives and collaborate across the Foundation to advance donor engagement strategies that support the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and persuasive communicator with deep experience in both fundraising and organizational leadership.

The position is based in Washington, D.C. (hybrid Schedule).

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning and Execution:
  • Collaborate with the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives to develop and implement strategic plans, setting clear goals and objectives.
  • Oversee the execution of key initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of desired outcomes.
  • Conduct in-depth research and analysis to identify opportunities and challenges, providing strategic recommendations.                                                                                                                
Operational Management:
  • Oversee day-to-day team operations, including budget management, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.
  • Ensure efficient and effective administrative processes, including donor reporting, Salesforce tracking, and document management.
Stakeholder Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including UN agencies, government officials, foundations, corporations, and civil society organizations.
Communication and Reporting:
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and briefings for internal and external audiences.
  • Effectively communicate complex ideas and strategies to diverse audiences.
  • Develop and maintain strong communication channels with the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives and other key stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria
  • Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in international relations, public policy, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
  • Eight or more years of relevant experience in a fast-paced, international environment.
  • Proven track record of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
  • Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple, competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and with other colleagues across teams in an efficient, coordinated, and flexible manner.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Familiarity with the UN system and international development issues.
  • Proficiency in relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools).
  • Willingness to travel internationally (up to 15%).
  • Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
Benefits & Compensation 

For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:
  • a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
  • dental insurance
  • vision insurance
  • flexible spending accounts
  • 403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
  • group term and supplemental life insurance
  • short-term disability
  • long-term disability
  • commuter subsidy
  • back-up care
  • employee assistance program
Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.

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