Director, Strategic Partnerships

About Water.org

1 in 4 people around the world lack access to safe water and 2 in 5 people don’t have access to a safe toilet. We are working every day to change this. We are Water.org. We’re here to bring water and sanitation to the world. We want to make it safe, accessible, and cost-effective because we believe that water is the way to empower a bright future that we can all share in, worldwide. We are an international nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Missouri that has positively transformed millions of lives around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, we pioneer market-driven financial solutions to the global water crisis. For more than 30 years, we’ve been providing women hope, children health and families a bright future. 

Job Overview 

The Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships leads a key segment of building strategic, high-profile fundraising partnerships that will help shape the next stage of evolution and growth at Water.org and WaterEquity, an asset management company with the sole purpose of mobilizing emerging market private investments in water and sanitation. This leader brings seasoned experience overseeing the end-to-end fundraising cycle from identification and cultivation to securing gifts that drive impact and unrestricted revenue.   

The incumbent in this position leverages the unique value and impact of the Water.org group of entities to develop and expand donor and investor partnerships to reach more people, faster.  These partnerships will primarily include U/HNWIs, family offices, and private foundations spanning across diverse industries (including tech/fintech), with some partnerships also included within multi-national corporations and foundations.  

Department Accountabilities 

• Multi-Channel Revenue Generation 
• Philanthropic Partnerships 
• Donor Engagement & Grant Stewardship 
• Development Operations & Planning 
• Brand Marketing & Communication 
• Campaigns & Event Management 
• Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement 
• Analysis, Modeling & Reporting  

Job-Specific Accountabilities 

Strategic Relationship Management 

Establishes and owns new, high-impact, fundraising partnerships. Leads development and implementation of strategies and tactics related to securing a robust base of partnerships.  Strategically collaborates to meet individual, department, and organizational fundraising goals, targeting gifts in the six-figure+ range.  

Donor Engagement Strategy  

Leads articulation and oversight of a comprehensive donor engagement strategy and plan for target donor segments, ensuring successful delivery of a unique experience tailored to specific audiences and stakeholders. Develops timely revenue projections and provides complete, accurate internal reporting on donor outreach and related activities.   

Donor Communication + Recognition 

Oversees a cohesive plan with related teams within the department for tailored communications, stewardship, and donor recognition/appreciation efforts to deepen engagement and support.  Ensures donor behavior is assessed and tracked on an ongoing basis, prioritizing outreach and communication to each donor accordingly.   

Talent Management  

Challenges and maximizes the strength of the team by aligning their efforts to meet objectives and deliver results. Fosters productive cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive effort and delivery of business outcomes.   

Complexity + Problem Solving Skills 

• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including management and program staff within Water.org, to develop comprehensive partnerships that drive revenue growth and advance Water.org's global scaling strategy.  
• Leverages deep and broad experience on fundraising strategies and tactics for strategic donor segments.   
• Ability to manage complex projects and relationships, requiring adaptive thinking and solutions to unique circumstances and requirements.    
• Superior communication and presentation skills, including highly developed skills to motivate, inspire and persuade.    

Key Competencies 

• Values Differences – Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.   
• Strategic Mindset – Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.   
• Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.  
• Builds Effective Teams – Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.   
• Instills Trust – Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.   

Management Responsibility  

• ​​Supervises work of others. Responsible for hiring, discipline, and pay administration of their subordinates.​ 
• Supervised positions include: Strategic Development Specialist

Travel Requirement 

• Up to 25% of domestic and international travel 

Location

This position's desired location is within the United States. The following states are preferred: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC.

Required Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, international development, finance, or related field and/or equivalent related work experience. 
• 12 or more years of progressive front-line experience in fundraising, managing high-profile or private wealth/bank client relationships, complex sales relationships and/or business development.  At least three years of supervisory experience. 
• Deep foundational knowledge of U/HNWI, families, and private foundation donor segments. 
• Proficient (written and verbal) in English.   

Being authorized to work in the country posted is a precondition of employment.  

Type and Estimated Length of Employment:   

 Indefinite 

Salary/Benefits   

This position offers a base salary range of $107,200 -$142,900 . Base salary may be flexible based on skills, certifications, location and/or qualifications. In addition, this position is eligible to participate in our annual incentive plan up to 15%. This position offers full-time benefits inclusive of medical/dental insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement program, paid time off, paid holidays and more as well as periodic review for merit and incentive pay based on organizational and personal achievement.   

Water.org is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, military and veteran status, genetic information, and any other status protected by law.  We provide qualified applicants and employees reasonable accommodation, when necessary, to enable individuals to complete the application process and/or perform the essential functions of the job. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We strive to build and maintain a diverse team that will advance our mission and work and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.