Director, Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives

🔹 Company: United Nations Foundation

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, International Affairs

🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Providing operational support and leadership for the Development and Partnerships team
• Executing major initiatives and cultivating valuable relationships
• Overseeing strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder engagement
• Driving revenue growth and supporting UNF's strategic refresh

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills. It is ideal for an experienced professional looking to make a significant impact in the international development sector.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Collaborate with the Vice President to develop and implement strategic plans, setting clear goals and objectives

✅ Oversee the execution of key initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of desired outcomes

✅ Conduct in-depth research and analysis to identify opportunities and challenges, providing strategic recommendations

✅ Oversee day-to-day team operations, including budget management, resource allocation, and workflow optimization

✅ Ensure efficient and effective administrative processes, including donor reporting, Salesforce tracking, and document management

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

✅ Prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and briefings for internal and external audiences

✅ Effectively communicate complex ideas and strategies to diverse audiences

✅ Develop and maintain strong communication channels with the Vice President and other key stakeholders

✅ Other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder engagement. It requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred in international relations, public policy, business administration, or a related field

Experience: Eight or more years of relevant experience in a fast-paced, international environment

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple, competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and with other colleagues across teams in an efficient, coordinated, and flexible manner
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Familiarity with the UN system and international development issues
• Proficiency in relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools)
• Willingness to travel internationally (up to 15%)
• Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with the UN system or similar international organizations
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: Given the international focus and strategic nature of the role, candidates with relevant experience in the UN system or similar organizations may be preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (AI-estimated based on job title, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Health Plans (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan with a generous matching contribution
• Group Term and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Commuter Subsidy
• Back-Up Care
• Employee Assistance Program

Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid schedule with a mix of on-site and remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles, experience levels, and locations. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive for the nonprofit sector.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: International Affairs, focusing on UN-U.S. relations, technology, global health, sustainable development, girls and women's issues, and climate and energy

Company Size: 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for growth and impact

Founded: 1998, with a 27-year history of supporting the United Nations and driving global progress

Company Description:

• An independent charitable organization created to work closely with the UN to address humanity’s greatest challenges
• Focuses on building novel innovations and partnerships to support the UN and drive global progress at scale
• Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in New York City

Company Specialties:

• UN-U.S. Relations
• Technology
• Nonprofit
• Global Health
• Sustainable Development
• Girls and Women
• Climate and Energy

Company Website: http://www.unfoundation.org

ASSUMPTION: The United Nations Foundation is a well-established organization with a strong reputation in the international affairs and nonprofit sectors. Its focus on supporting the United Nations makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in global impact and collaboration.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid to Senior level, with significant responsibility and opportunities for growth

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, with potential oversight of team members

Work Arrangement: Hybrid schedule, with a mix of on-site and remote work, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the organization as the team and UNF's strategic initiatives grow
• Chance to develop and refine skills in strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder engagement
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and gain exposure to high-level decision-making processes

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both within the team and across the organization. Candidates can expect to develop their skills and advance their careers as they contribute to UNF's strategic initiatives.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work

Office Location(s): 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, US; 801 Second Ave, Suite 1300, New York, NY 10017, US

Geographic Context:

• Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong international presence, offering numerous cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities
• The city is home to many international organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies, providing ample networking and collaboration opportunities
• The cost of living in Washington, D.C. is relatively high compared to other U.S. cities, with a median home price of around $650,000

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a mix of on-site and remote work, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to balance the benefits of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. The location in Washington, D.C. provides ample opportunities for professional growth and networking within the international affairs and nonprofit sectors.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or HR representative
• In-person or video interview with the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, and other key stakeholders
• Final round interview with senior leadership, focusing on cultural fit and strategic alignment

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Operational management and project management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with UNF's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that demonstrate your fit for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Research the United Nations Foundation and its strategic initiatives to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization's mission

ATS Keywords: Strategic planning, operational management, stakeholder engagement, international development, UN system, nonprofit, project management, team collaboration, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, organizational skills, time management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing candidates' strategic thinking, communication, and operational management skills, as well as their cultural fit and alignment with UNF's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the nonprofit and international affairs sectors. Proficiency in these tools will be essential for success in this position.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Partnership
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on achieving impact
• Committed to UNF's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and managing complex projects?
• Do you share UNF's commitment to innovation, partnership, and excellence?

ASSUMPTION: The United Nations Foundation values a collaborative, adaptable, and results-driven work style. Candidates who align with these values and are committed to UNF's mission will be well-suited for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple, competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Navigating a complex, international stakeholder landscape
• Adapting to change and shifting priorities as UNF's strategic refresh progresses
• Balancing the demands of on-site and remote work in a hybrid environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring candidates to be adaptable, organized, and skilled in managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles in the nonprofit sector, this position offers a unique focus on strategic partnerships and initiatives, with a strong emphasis on driving revenue growth and supporting the United Nations
• Unlike many nonprofit roles, this position requires a high level of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within UNF or other international organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other nonprofit positions due to its focus on strategic partnerships and initiatives, requiring a unique blend of skills and experience. Candidates should be prepared to leverage their strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills to succeed in this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for a major UNF initiative, including clear goals, objectives, and timelines
• Managing a complex, multi-stakeholder project to secure significant funding for a UNF program, requiring strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills
• Conducting in-depth research and analysis to identify new partnership opportunities, providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, operational, and stakeholder engagement aspects of the role, requiring candidates to demonstrate their skills in strategic thinking, project management, and communication.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the strategic priorities for UNF in the coming years, and how this role supports those priorities?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and departments within UNF, and what are the key stakeholders for this position?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing UNF, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does UNF support the professional growth and development of its employees, and what opportunities exist for growth in this role?
• What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how does UNF support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates understand the strategic context, stakeholder landscape, and growth opportunities for this role, as well as UNF's commitment to employee development and work-life balance.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that demonstrate your fit for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Research the United Nations Foundation and its strategic initiatives to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization's mission
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.