Director of Foundation Partnerships

Director of Foundation Partnerships
The Opportunity 
The Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE) seeks a Director of Foundation Partnerships to lead and expand its engagement with philanthropic foundations, with a particular focus on building and maintaining relationships with foundations, and securing institutional giving. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Director will play a key role in developing and executing a foundation fundraising strategy that secures significant multi-year support for GFNE’s grantmaking, strategic initiatives and operations. This position is ideal for a dynamic and experienced fundraising professional with a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation grants at six- and seven-figure levels.

About the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE)
Founded in 2024, the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE) is dedicated to building an economic system that benefits all people and protects our planet, in ways that strengthen democracy. GFNE partners with leaders, changemakers, and innovative organizations around the world to provide the strategic funding, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to drive this transformation.

As a remote organization, GFNE is committed to building a global team rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value a wide range of perspectives and strive to foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture that aligns with our mission. Our work spans partnerships with think tanks, community organizations, academic institutions, labor unions, and advocacy groups, building a global movement for the new economy. 

With founding support from the Hewlett Foundation, Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation, and the Omidyar Network, GFNE is prioritizing efforts in ten countries: Brazil, India, the United States, South Africa, Kenya, Germany, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Mexico, and Indonesia. Our current focus areas include exploring the economic opportunities and challenges of the green transition, addressing the impact of AI and emerging technologies from a political economy perspective, and promoting global governance reforms that enable the new economy. Across such areas, GFNE invests in field building, mobilizes resources for the ecosystem, and supports partner organizations through catalytic grants, convenings, and strategic and operational support. 

We invite those who share our commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economy to join us in this transformative work.

About the role 
The Director of Foundation Partnerships will develop and execute a foundation fundraising strategy to secure new and renewed funding from institutional donors. This role will focus on identifying, building and strengthening long-term relationships with key philanthropic partners, ensuring alignment between GFNE’s mission and foundation priorities. The Director will collaborate closely with the CDO to craft compelling funding proposals, reports, and engagement strategies.

Responsibilities
The work will entail a range of activities, including:

Foundation Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to cultivate and secure six- seven, and eight-figure foundation grants.
• Identify and research new foundation prospects globally, and that align with GFNE’s priorities.
• Lead the creation of tailored proposals, reports, and impact narratives in collaboration with program and communications teams.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of foundation prospects in different geographies and manage all aspects of solicitation and stewardship.

Foundation Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for GFNE’s portfolio of institutional funders, ensuring strong engagement and long-term partnerships.
• Represent GFNE in funder meetings, convenings, and industry events to enhance visibility and positioning and expand contacts.
• Develop strategies for deepening engagement with existing institutional funders, identifying opportunities for renewals and increased investment.
• Coordinate donor meetings, briefings, and learning sessions to strengthen relationships and communicate GFNE’s impact and strategic planning.

Collaboration & Internal Leadership

• Partner with the CDO, Co-Presidents and the rest of the senior leadership team to align fundraising priorities with organizational strategy.
• Support Co-Presidents at fundraising meetings.
• Work cross-functionally with finance and grants management teams to ensure compliance with funder requirements and timely reporting.
• Support the development of internal fundraising systems, processes, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the overall development strategy, helping to shape GFNE’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications 

The Director of Foundation Partnerships is a well-established fundraising leader who has a deep understanding of systematically building and maintaining relationships. The qualifications we seek include:

• At least 7-10 years of experience in institutional fundraising, grantmaking, or a related field, with a strong track record of securing foundation funding at six- and seven-figure levels.
• Deep understanding of philanthropic trends, foundation priorities, and best practices in institutional giving.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with experience crafting compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and steward funders effectively.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a high degree of initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Experience working in international and/or economic justice-focused organizations is a plus.
• Commitment to GFNE’s mission and values, including a strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Additional information: 

Location: Remote, but travel is expected to meet colleagues from the Fund, partners, and allied organizations.

Working hours: Full-time. Some flexibility will be necessary to ensure effective working with a global team.

Compensation for this role will be competitive relative to the market in which candidates are based. The Fund is currently determining benefits packages. The details of these will be discussed with candidates in due course. 

Salary will be paid in the local currency equivalent to the contractually agreed USD amount.

If you wish to be considered for this appointment, please send a CV and cover letter to us. 

The Global Fund for a New Economy is committed to building a diverse team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration, irrespective of racial or ethnic background, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health, age, geography or disabilities. We positively encourage applications from those from under-represented or marginalized groups.