Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships

New York, New York
EMpower – The Emerging Markets Foundation

About EMpower:

EMpower, a global philanthropic organization, is dedicated to improving the lives and horizons of marginalized young people ages 10-24 in 15 emerging market countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Russia and Turkey. Through grants and other support, EMpower partners with over 100 local organizations working to strengthen the education and livelihoods of young people, and to build their resilience, self-confidence and well-being. To learn more, check out our website at .

EMpower has offices in Hong Kong, India (Delhi), London and New York, staff in Singapore and Sierra Leone, and in-country consultants in Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.

About this role:

EMpower was founded in 2000 by financial professionals from the emerging market (EM) community who wanted to give back to the countries where they did business. Twenty years on, our partnerships with finance firms are just as important to EMpower and these relationships are critical to our work empowering marginalised young people in 15 countries. Our current partners include Citi e for education, Cargill, Credit Suisse, Estee Lauder, Principal Foundation, PIMCO, VR Capital, and many more.

This is the lead position to pursue corporate funding in the USA, responsible for driving forward these relationships and initiating new corporate partnerships. A confident networker, the Manager will represent EMpower at meetings, forums and events, as well as support engagement with key funders, in order to initiate and strengthen our relationships. The majority of leads and approaches are expected to be self-generated, through research, outreach, and other networking channels.

A non-traditional candidate from a finance or business background, who has moved into the non-profit/CSR space – or is looking to transition, is welcome. The corporate funding landscape of EMpower has traditionally been rooted in the finance (especially emerging markets finance) world, with additional trusts and foundations’ support. This position offers the opportunity to spearhead a diversification of corporate funding, while growing and strengthening relationships with finance firms.

Approaches are supported by a well-connected and active fundraising Board-see more information, including our 100% underwriting model on our website. They will work in close partnership with the other two Development positions in the USA, namely the Development Manager (focused on events and individuals) and the Development Assistant, whose work supports both Managers.

The Development Manager will join a talented global team. In total, EMpower has a global Development and Communications team of 9 people and a total global staff of ~30 people. The postholder will relish operating in a dynamic environment where there is opportunity to contribute to a wide range of strategic initiatives, including global fundraising strategies, working closely with the VP of Global Development and Communications.

Key Responsibilities

1. Own and support the development and implementation of the corporate fundraising strategy in the USA.

2. The postholder will be expected to deliver $300-500k of new income per year from companies, from a combination of growing existing relationships and securing new partners. We recognize that these relationships will take time to develop and therefore the target in the first year will be lower.

3. Build strong, effective working relationships with existing corporate donors.

4. Grant manage key corporate awards, including delivering all financial and programmatic reporting.

Fundraising

The role is primarily responsible for growing and sustaining corporate income in the USA, in line with EMpower’s organisational strategy. As a key member of a small, dynamic team, the postholder will also support other areas of fundraising where required.

Responsibilities include:

• Proactive approaches to research, identify and recruit new corporate partners and funding opportunities for EMpower.
• Close work with Board members to identify new potential targets and initiate relationships.
• Effective stewardship for corporate donors, ensuring collaboration and strong relationships, working closely with the Programmes Team.
• Actively support fundraising initiatives across the Development Team, including supporting on USA events and dinners.
• Planning and coordinating funding approaches, working closely with the Programme Team, other regional development teams, plus senior management as required to develop high quality funding applications. This includes developing budgets and proposals in accordance with funder guidelines.
• Tracking corporate donor trends in line with global development goals; use knowledge to refine development goals, and share knowledge with other team members.
• Leading the development of annual income and expenditure budgets/forecasting for corporate fundraising.
• Internal reports (monthly) and reviews (quarterly) on the performance and progress of corporate fundraising against agreed financial targets, operational activities and annual objectives.
• Representing EMpower at forums, networks, and meetings relevant to corporate funding and funders.
• Ensure collaboration and open relationships with corporate donors and the rest of EMpower’s team.

This description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties that may arise.

Professional skills, experience, and knowledge:

• Demonstrable experience of securing and/or managing grants from corporate donors OR institutional sales in a financial institution
• Track record of delivering or surpassing financial targets, operational activities and objectives, through own efforts and initiatives and mobilizing others
• Thrives when working face to face with high level stakeholders and donors, ideally with an interest or knowledge in the financial sector
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver crisp compelling presentations and reports
• Track record of excellence in client relationship management
• Experience working in an international development organisation or philanthropic organisation is preferred; strong desire to do so is required
• Highly numerate with the ability to develop and monitor budgets; analyse, interpret, and communicate complex data and financial information
• Excellent communicator in English (verbal and written), including the ability to liaise confidently and diplomatically with donors and colleagues (US and overseas)
• Experience of living, working or substantial travel in emerging market countries preferred

Personal Skills and Attributes

This post sits within a highly effective global Development team that has delivered nearly >10% growth each year over the last 6 years, including during the pandemic. The postholder will be highly proactive and will also enjoy working as a key part of this small team, maintaining an environment of excellence and camaraderie, and will be keen to contribute to strategy and effective cross-team collaboration.

Specific attributes needed are:

• Performance focused with personal initiative and a flexible and proactive approach
• Strong interpersonal and written communications skills, demonstrating cultural sensitivity/awareness
• Professional, and self-motivated with the ability to quickly understand new ideas and concepts
• High energy, enthusiasm, and resilience-comfortable with making cold approaches and pitching
• Well organized and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple activities and meet agreed deadlines
• Ability to work and collaborate in a global team that operates across different time zones and cultures
• Strong sense of ownership for quality of work, deliverables, and service, with the humility, humor and perspective to collaborate in a team setting
• Committed to and respect for EMpower’s mission and values; a desire to give back to vulnerable young people, and a strong interest in philanthropy and development.

Right to live and work in the USA, based from our New York office (hybrid flexible working options available)

Applications:

EMpower is a public foundation that makes grants globally to benefit at-risk youth, with a strong focus on adolescent girls. We are committed to attracting, developing, motivating and retaining exceptional talent and to a work environment that recognizes contribution, fosters respect and teamwork, and facilitates strong performance. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, recognizing that diversity enriches all staff and our work globally. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or faith, or physical ability.

Please apply by sending your CV and cover letter to , and put “Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships” in the subject line. We will only be able to acknowledge and respond to candidates identified as most suitable.