Growth & Partnerships Consultant

YLabs

Full-time

On-site

Remote

🚀 Growth Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Growth & Partnerships Consultant

🔹 Company: YLabs

🔹 Location: Kigali, Rwanda & Remote (Global South)

🔹 Job Type: Independent Contractor (Remote)

🔹 Date Posted: August 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (ideally based in the Global South)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

Leading business development efforts and driving project proposals
Identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships
Developing and executing targeted fundraising campaigns
Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver youth-driven innovation and impact
Operating remotely with flexibility to accommodate different time zones

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of self-motivation, adaptability, and strong communication skills to thrive in a remote work environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Leadership:

Collaborate with the Growth and Partnerships Coordinator and Senior Leadership Team to understand key organizational processes, impact areas, and strategic priorities
Review and assess existing fundraising resources, including proposals, budgets, capability statements, and donor engagement materials
Develop and finalize a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with YLabs' brand, mission, and organizational goals
Present strategic findings and recommendations directly to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management:

Review and strategically develop YLabs' 100 Strategic Donor List to identify high-potential funding opportunities
Initiate and manage outreach to potential funders, building relationships that support both unrestricted and project-specific funding needs
Identify and cultivate at least 3 new strategic partnerships with organizations that can enhance fundraising efforts
Engage with existing funders to discuss future opportunities, partnerships, and renewal commitments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills to effectively engage with donors and cultivate strategic partnerships.

Proposal Development & Grant Writing:

Write and submit high-value project proposals (minimum $1M per proposal) that demonstrate clear alignment with organizational goals and measurable impact metrics
Collaborate with the Impact team to incorporate SMART goals and robust impact measurement frameworks into all funding proposals
Develop compelling case statements and funding requests that articulate YLabs' unique value proposition in addressing youth-driven solutions
Work closely with program leadership across research, innovation, design, and implementation teams to ensure proposal accuracy and feasibility

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing and project management skills to develop and submit high-quality, impactful proposals.

Campaign Management & Execution:

Design and launch targeted fundraising campaigns aimed at high-net-worth individuals, incorporating personalized outreach and engagement strategies
Optimize YLabs' presence on funding platforms including the GlobalGiving network
Implement and maintain comprehensive tracking systems for all funding opportunities, proposals submitted, and donor interactions
Coordinate with Marketing and Communications teams to align annual communication priorities with fundraising objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management and campaign execution skills to effectively manage fundraising campaigns.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer:

Contribute to and enhance the existing Growth & Partnerships Playbook, ensuring team members have access to current best practices, key data, boilerplates, and fact sheets
Document lessons learned, successful strategies, and sector-wide best practices for organizational knowledge retention
Provide Board talking points and briefings to support leadership in donor meetings and strategic discussions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong documentation and knowledge management skills to ensure the organization's continued growth and success.

Performance Targets:

Secure $750,000 in unrestricted funding commitments to support YLabs' operational flexibility
Generate $7,500,000 in project-related grants to fund specific program initiatives
Submit a minimum of 7 high-value proposals (each requesting $1M)
Establish relationships with at least 8 new potential funders through targeted outreach
Create sustainable fundraising systems and processes that support long-term organizational growth

📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context

🔍 Company Context

Industry: YLabs operates in the Technology, Information and Media industry, focusing on global health, adolescent health, innovation, research, and international development.

Company Size: YLabs is a small organization with 11-50 employees, allowing for a more agile and collaborative work environment.

Founded: YLabs was founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab and has since grown to work in multiple regions across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central America.

Company Description:

YLabs designs technologies that amplify youth power, agency, and opportunity by addressing key challenges to young people's health and wellbeing, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.
The organization's multidisciplinary team combines expertise in youth-driven design, adolescent health, climate, livelihoods, digital product design, behavioral science, and epidemiology.
YLabs' work opens spaces where young people’s ideas can become a reality, empowering them to be the architects of the solutions to their most pressing challenges.

Company Specialties:

Global health
Adolescents and youth
Innovation
Research
International development
Public Health
Sexual and reproductive health
HIV/AIDS
Mental Health
Nonprofit
Business design
Adolescent health
Design
Social Impact
Digital innovation

Company Website: YLabs Global

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' focus on youth-driven design and impactful solutions sets it apart in the global health and development sectors.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced professional with at least 8-10 years of relevant experience, seeking to grow their career in business development and fundraising within the nonprofit sector.

Reporting Structure: The Growth & Partnerships Consultant will report directly to the CEO and collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team and Growth and Partnerships Coordinator.

Work Arrangement: This is a fully remote, independent contractor position, requiring flexibility to accommodate different time zones and work arrangements.

Growth Opportunities:

This role offers the opportunity to grow within YLabs, as the organization continues to expand its impact and influence in the global health and development sectors.
Candidates with strong performance in this role may have the opportunity to transition into a full-time position or take on additional responsibilities within the organization.

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' commitment to operationalizing equity in its work and decolonizing global health provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: YLabs operates a remote-first work environment, with team members working from various locations across the globe.

Office Location(s): YLabs has offices in Kigali, Rwanda, and San Francisco, California, USA.

Geographic Context:

Kigali, Rwanda: YLabs' Kigali office is located in the heart of Africa's tech hub, offering a vibrant and multicultural work environment.
San Francisco, California, USA: YLabs' San Francisco office is situated in the heart of the Bay Area's tech industry, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Work Schedule: YLabs operates on a flexible, results-driven work schedule, with core hours from 9 AM to 5 PM (Rwanda Time) and 8 AM to 4 PM (Pacific Time).

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' remote-first work environment fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, where team members can thrive regardless of their location.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis by YLabs' Hiring Committee.
Selected candidates will be invited for an initial phone or video screening, followed by a series of interviews with key stakeholders.
The final round may include a case study or presentation to assess the candidate's strategic thinking and communication skills.

Key Assessment Areas:

Candidates' understanding of YLabs' mission, values, and work
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Communication and interpersonal skills
Cultural fit and alignment with YLabs' values

Application Tips:

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
Demonstrate your understanding of YLabs' mission and the impact of this role on the organization's growth.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to showcase your interest in the role and YLabs' work.

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Fundraising, Partnership Management, Proposal Writing, Strategic Planning, Impact Measurement, Campaign Management, Networking, Mentoring, Leadership, Equity, Adaptability, Creativity

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' hiring process is designed to be transparent, fair, and inclusive, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.

🛠 Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
Project management tools (Asana, Trello, or similar)
Fundraising and donor management software (Bloomerang, Salesforce, or similar)
Proposal writing and design tools (Canva, Adobe Suite, or similar)
Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet, or similar)

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' team uses a variety of tools and technologies to support remote collaboration and productivity. Candidates should be comfortable learning and utilizing new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

Youth-driven: YLabs prioritizes young people's voices and perspectives in all aspects of its work.
Inclusive: YLabs fosters an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Collaborative: YLabs encourages open communication, active listening, and teamwork to drive collective impact.
Adaptable: YLabs embraces change and continuous learning to remain responsive to the evolving needs of young people and the global health landscape.
Equitable: YLabs is committed to operationalizing equity in its work and decolonizing global health.

Work Style:

YLabs values team members who are natural connectors, energized by building new working relationships and partnerships.
The organization seeks candidates who are willing to dive into proposal writing teams and act independently when drafting proposals.
YLabs prioritizes candidates who are committed to operationalizing equity in its work and decolonizing global health.
The organization values thoughtful leaders who make decisions with trust and transparency, and are collaborative and consultative in their work style.
YLabs seeks candidates who are data-driven, with a high degree of integrity, valor, and care in their decision-making.
The organization values entrepreneurial, flexible, and enthusiastic team members who are excited to help grow a dynamic, creative organization.
YLabs prioritizes candidates who are committed to building trusting, convivial working relationships that support wellness, psychological safety, creativity, and collective joy.
The organization values adaptable and optimistic team members who can thrive in changing circumstances and challenges.

Self-Assessment Questions:

How do your personal values align with YLabs' commitment to youth-driven design and impactful solutions?
How do you approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including young people, donors, and partners?
How do you balance personal work style preferences with the need to adapt to changing circumstances and team dynamics?

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in the competitive global health and development sectors.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

Managing multiple time zones and coordinating with team members across different regions can be challenging, requiring strong communication and project management skills.
Fundraising in the global health and development sectors can be competitive, with numerous organizations vying for limited resources. This role requires a strategic and persistent approach to securing funding.
Working remotely can present unique challenges, such as maintaining productivity and work-life balance. Candidates should be self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively in a remote work environment.
YLabs' commitment to operationalizing equity in its work and decolonizing global health may require candidates to engage in challenging conversations and navigate complex power dynamics.

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' commitment to addressing these challenges head-on and fostering a supportive work environment is essential for the organization's continued success and impact.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

This role is similar to a Business Development Manager or Senior Development Officer in a nonprofit organization, focusing on strategic partnerships, fundraising, and proposal writing.
Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong commitment to youth-driven design and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing young people in the global health and development sectors.
Candidates with experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in global health or international development, may find this role particularly appealing due to its focus on impactful, youth-driven solutions.

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' unique approach to global health and development sets this role apart from similar positions in the sector, offering candidates the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives worldwide.

📝 Sample Projects

Developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support YLabs' operational flexibility and growth
Securing unrestricted funding commitments to support YLabs' core programs and initiatives
Generating project-related grants to fund specific program initiatives, such as youth-driven research, design, and innovation projects
Identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with organizations that can enhance YLabs' fundraising efforts and impact

ASSUMPTION: YLabs' commitment to youth-driven design and impactful solutions ensures that projects undertaken in this role will have a tangible and lasting impact on young people's lives worldwide.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

Can you describe the most significant challenges facing young people in the global health and development sectors today, and how YLabs' work addresses these issues?
How does YLabs measure the impact of its programs and initiatives, and how does this role contribute to that process?
What opportunities exist for growth and professional development within YLabs, and how does the organization support its team members' career advancement?
How does YLabs approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including young people, donors, and partners?
What steps does YLabs take to ensure the organization's commitment to operationalizing equity in its work and decolonizing global health is reflected in its day-to-day operations and decision-making processes?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's genuine interest in the role and YLabs' mission, and can help them better understand the organization's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

Submit your application through the following link: YLabs Careers
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to showcase your interest in the role and YLabs' work.
Follow up with the hiring team after the application deadline to confirm receipt of your application and inquire about next steps in the hiring process.

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

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