Director of Special Programs & Partnerships

The Global Fund for a New Economy

Director of Special Programs & Partnerships 

Introduction

We are seeking a Director of Special Programs and Partnerships to work with the new economy field to identify, scope, build, and scale special programs and partnerships at the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE). This wide-ranging role will be focused on delivering a range of high-profile and impactful projects, from launching new think tanks to high-profile international delegations to strategic partner convenings.

The Director of Special Programs and Partnerships will have a good balance of drive, skills, strategic foresight, and demonstrable experience in the field to build out the team and our program work.

About the Global Fund for a New Economy

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

As a remote-first 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 a sustainable and democratic 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 and addressing the impact of AI and emerging technologies. Specifically, GFNE will invest in field building, mobilize resources for the ecosystem, and support partner organizations through catalytic grants 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 Special Programs and Partnerships at GFNE will play a pivotal role in advancing GFNE’s mission by developing new pieces of movement infrastructure, running special programs, and managing high-level partnerships, as well as acting as a lead on new network strategies. As a wide-ranging role, this could include everything from managing our project to supporting thought leaders to set up a new policy institute to organizing a high-level policy delegation between countries to learn the advocacy lessons around industrial strategy in an age of increased authoritarianism. 

This role requires a strategic thinker and connector with a passion for building collaborative partnerships and a strong program management and network development background. Strong candidates will be thorough, strategic, and good with people; most of all, they will have the ability to build strong teams and a natural ability to build momentum behind new projects and ideas. 

Responsibilities

Scope a range of new pieces of movement infrastructure needed by the new economy field. 

• Work with our partners on the ground and staff to help develop an analysis of the key gaps and missing pieces of infrastructure that the field needs (e.g. setting up a new campaign, think tank, or other pieces of movement infrastructure) 
• Work with partners on the ground to set up this infrastructure to establish a strategy, funding pipeline, and operations needed to work successfully. 
• Work with existing organizations to advise and support their growth and work. 

Lead strategic initiatives to deliver on key organizational opportunities and goals. 

• Working with partners, identify, scope, and design initiatives that deliver on specific time-bound opportunities across GFNE and our work, ranging from international convenings to specific campaign interventions. 
• Leads the delivery of strategic initiatives, working closely with the internal teams, consultants, and external partners, including fundraising for the field.
• Ensure that the energy and opportunities of these strategic initiatives have funding and are usefully absorbed back into the field.  

Design and lead an approach to GFNE partner convenings 

• Lead the development of GFNE’s multi-layered approach to ensure that the field has the network and connectivity needed to efficiently swap lessons, models, and opportunities. 
• Build and deliver on the GFNE’s own network and partnership strategy and function. 
• Connect key groups and leaders across our network to develop ideas and opportunities for the new economy movement.

Cross-organizational and team management.

• Over time, grow a small staff and set of consultants to support the day-to-day delivery of the special programs and partnerships. 
• Manage relationships with key program partners.
• Represent the organization at events and convenings as necessary. 
• Play an active role in GFNE’s programming and strategy execution. 
• Perform other duties as assigned, including budget management, fundraising bid and report writing, and operational support.

Person specification

• Minimum of 5-10 years in senior project management and director roles with a history of working on and delivering projects that are widely regarded to have led to demonstrable impact and increased capacity for the field. 
• Ambition and vision for the new economy field
• Established leadership and authority on questions of new economy, preferably with a focus on the economic development of Global South nations in a global context.
• Experience raising resources from philanthropy, major donors, and public funding.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate with people across differences and work in a remote multi-cultural environment.
• An understanding of how to work effectively and with sensitivity across different cultures, country and regional contexts, and time zones.
• Experience in building organizations or projects and line management with a proven ability to support the success, development, and growth of others. 
• Ability to build strong relationships with fellow team members and to work collaboratively.
• Extremely organized and committed to delivering high-quality work on deadline.
• Excellent communicator across formats, able to clearly communicate the crux of a request or response via email, Slack, and in-person as needed.
• Comfortable using (or learning) Google Suite, Slack, major social media platforms, and Microsoft Office.
• Multiple languages and work experience in more than one country is useful but not required.

• Extensive experience working in or with partners in the Global South, ideally with experience of our priority countries. 
• A sense of humour and self-awareness.

Compensation and terms & conditions

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

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

Compensation: Global Fund for a New Economy is committed to providing a generous compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and the market in which candidates are based. Our benefits package includes 100% employer-paid health insurance, retirement contributions, PTO and leave policies, a remote work stipend, and more. 

How to apply

If you wish to be considered for this appointment, please submit your application along with a résumé and cover letter outlining your interest in and relevance to the role at globalneweconomy.org.

The deadline for applications is 20 January 2025. We currently aim to interview shortlisted candidates through January and early February, though this may be subject to change, as diaries allow. 

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, or disabilities. We positively encourage applications from those from under-represented or marginalized groups.