Director of Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

Our client, a U.S.-based fintech firm, is seeking a Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement for Empower Sports Academy. This leadership role is pivotal in driving fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic initiatives that support the academy’s long-term success and sustainability. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader and strategic thinker with excellent communication skills, capable of developing impactful fundraising campaigns, building institutional partnerships, and expanding the academy’s global presence. This position oversees philanthropic development, corporate sponsorships, grant acquisition, and growth initiatives aligned with Empower’s mission to empower young female athletes and cultivate future global sports leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth: Develop and implement both short-term and long-term strategic plans to enhance fundraising activities and ensure financial sustainability. Identify opportunities, risks, and areas for expansion by leveraging market insights and trends in global sports development. Collaborate closely with the executive team and founders to align fundraising goals with program needs, capital projects, and operational priorities. Continuously monitor donor trends and funding landscapes to optimize development strategies.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement: Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and philanthropic partnerships. Build and nurture relationships with high-net-worth donors, institutional funders, and global sports organizations to secure sustained financial support. Lead capital campaigns, fundraising events, and donor engagement initiatives to generate commitments. Oversee grant proposal development and ensure alignment with Empower’s mission. Maintain robust donor stewardship programs focused on transparency and recognition.

Partnerships & Institutional Advancement: Establish strategic partnerships with corporations, sports federations, universities, and government agencies to broaden Empower’s reach and resources. Develop relationships with global sports institutions, international funding bodies, and nonprofit networks to position Empower as a leading sports academy. Represent the academy at high-profile conferences, networking events, and donor meetings as a key ambassador.

Communications & Brand Positioning: Work with marketing and communications teams to create compelling storytelling campaigns, impact reports, and donor engagement materials. Oversee the production of annual reports, sponsorship decks, and fundraising collateral to effectively communicate Empower’s impact. Ensure consistent brand messaging across all development efforts to enhance visibility and donor engagement.

Team Leadership & Development: Build and lead a high-performing development team, including fundraising officers, grant writers, and donor relations specialists. Provide mentorship, coaching, and training to strengthen fundraising capabilities and donor management. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence within the team.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Fundraising, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in strategic roles.
- Proven success in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants at significant levels.
- Expertise in capital campaigns, donor cultivation, and philanthropic development strategies.
- Strong ability to develop and execute high-impact fundraising campaigns and events.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with donors, sponsors, and institutional partners.
- Experience in strategic planning, scaling organizations, and financial sustainability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Passion for women’s empowerment, sports development, and global education initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Preferred Skills: Experience working with international donors, philanthropic foundations, and multinational corporations. Knowledge of sports funding, education-based fundraising, or youth development programs. Understanding of nonprofit governance, financial management, and legal compliance. Proficiency in digital fundraising tools, CRM platforms, and data analytics to enhance donor engagement.

Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary package including retirement plan, health insurance, paid time off, parental leave, referral program, performance bonus, and milestone bonuses linked to funds raised. The role also includes a sponsored U.S. trip every two years.

Additional Details:
Work Mode: Hybrid/Onsite
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Experience Required: 7 years

This opportunity offers a chance to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact on the future of female athletes globally through strategic partnerships and innovative fundraising.