Role Description
The Partnership and Engagement Manager is responsible for building and nurturing strategic relationships that support the mission, goals, and sustainability of the organization. This role focuses on identifying potential partners, securing funding, and enhancing stakeholder engagement to amplify the organization’s impact. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in relationship management, fundraising, and communications, with experience working in the non-profit or social impact sector. They will be a passionate advocate for the organization’s mission and be adept at developing innovative strategies to drive collaboration and resource mobilization.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Partnership Development & Management:
- Identify and establish strategic partnerships with NGOs, corporate organizations, foundations, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to advance the organization’s goals.
- Develop partnership proposals and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that align with the organization’s mission and priorities.
- Maintain and nurture existing partnerships, ensuring continuous engagement and value creation.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Community Relations:
- Act as the main liaison between the organization and its partners, donors, and stakeholders.
- Organize community outreach initiatives, events, and engagement activities to promote collaboration and awareness.
- Ensure regular communication with partners and stakeholders to provide updates on projects, share impact stories, and foster a strong sense of community.
3. Resource Mobilization & Fundraising:
- Identify funding opportunities and develop strategies to secure grants, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions from corporate, philanthropic, and institutional donors.
- Collaborate with the Program and Finance teams to develop compelling proposals, budgets, and reports that align with donor requirements.
- Manage the donor engagement process from prospect research to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
4. Program Support & Capacity Building:
- Work closely with program teams to understand their needs and identify partnership opportunities that can enhance program delivery and impact.
- Provide technical support and training to program staff on partnership management and engagement strategies.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity-building workshops, and joint initiatives with partners.
5. Communication & Advocacy:
- Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance the visibility of the organization and its initiatives.
- Represent the organization at conferences, forums, and networking events to advocate for the organization’s mission and expand its network.
- Collaborate with the communications team to create compelling content for newsletters, social media, and donor reports.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
- Monitor and evaluate partnership activities to measure success and identify areas for improvement.
- Prepare regular reports and updates for management and donors, highlighting the impact and outcomes of partnerships.
- Track and manage partnership agreements, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.
Other tasks assigned by the Reporting Manager.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in partnership management, fundraising, or stakeholder engagement within the NGO or non-profit sector.
- Proven track record of developing and managing high-impact partnerships and securing funding.
- Strong understanding of the non-profit ecosystem, donor expectations, and compliance requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
- Proficiency in project management and CRM tools.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in grant writing and proposal development.
- Knowledge of fundraising platforms and donor management systems.
- Strong networking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
- Cultural sensitivity and experience working in a multicultural environment.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about social impact and committed to the organization’s mission and values.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organized, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proactive and resourceful, with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
Success Criteria:
- Successful development and implementation of partnership strategies that result in increased funding and project collaborations.
- High levels of partner satisfaction and strengthened relationships.
- Achievement of annual fundraising and engagement targets.
- Increased visibility and advocacy for the organization’s work through strategic stakeholder engagement.