About Exponential Science
Exponential Science operates at the intersection of blockchain, AI, data intelligence, and emerging deep-tech domains. We build institutional-grade platforms that transform complex, high-volume data into trusted insights for regulators, enterprises, and global partners.
Our engineering organisation is foundational to our mission: delivering secure, scalable, and auditable technology that meets the highest standards of reliability, compliance, and performance.
Purpose of the role
To design and lead a partnerships and philanthropy strategy that unlocks multi-year funding and strategic collaborations for Exponential Science Foundation (ESF), with a focus on:
* Major philanthropic giving (foundations, family offices, HNWIs)
* Strategic partnerships with multilateral agencies, governments, and mission‑aligned corporates
* Building a high‑trust ecosystem around ESF’s programmes in AI, blockchain, and digital public goods
The Director will be responsible for taking ESF from “project‑by‑project fundraising” to a coherent, long‑term partnerships and funding platform that underpins our global initiatives (e.g. Government Blockchain Academy with UNDP and related spin‑outs).
Key responsibilities
1. Strategy & Leadership
* Develop and own ESF’s global partnerships & philanthropy strategy, aligned with the organisation’s 3–5 year vision.
* Define target segments (e.g. philanthropic foundations, family offices, development agencies, HNWIs, impact investors, strategic corporates) and a clear engagement roadmap for each.
* Work closely with the Executive Team and Board to prioritise funding opportunities and ensure partnerships directly support ESF’s flagship programmes and spin‑outs.
* Shape the overall value proposition and narrative for ESF as a vehicle for catalytic, systems‑level impact.
2. Pipeline development & fundraising
* Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of prospects across philanthropy, development funders and strategic partners.
* Lead end‑to‑end fundraising processes: research, introductions, cultivation, proposal development, negotiation and closing.
* Design and coordinate multi‑year funding proposals (e.g. for multi‑country programme rollouts, research streams, or institutional capacity‑building).
* Work with technical and programme leads to translate ESF’s work into compelling cases for support (concept notes, pitch decks, investment cases).
3. Strategic partnerships
* Identify, structure and steward strategic partnerships that go beyond funding – for example:
* UN agencies and multilaterals (e.g. UNDP, World Bank, regional development banks)
* Governments and public‑sector institutions
* Technology partners and mission‑aligned corporates
* Negotiate partnership frameworks (MoUs, master agreements, co‑funding arrangements) that support ESF’s programme pipeline and spin‑outs.
* Ensure partnerships are designed to be scalable and replicable across countries and regions.
4. Donor stewardship & relationship management
* Build long‑term, trust‑based relationships with key donors and partners, acting as a primary point of contact for senior stakeholders.
* Develop and oversee a stewardship framework, ensuring timely and high‑quality reporting, updates, and engagement opportunities.
* Work with communications and programme teams to showcase impact stories, learning and thought leadership for donors and partners.
5. Internal collaboration & enablement
* Collaborate with programme leads to identify fundable opportunities and package them coherently (e.g. thematic portfolios, country level programmes, research chairs).
* Support spin‑out teams (e.g. verifiable credentials platform, other ESF initiatives) in structuring strategic alliances and co‑funding models where appropriate.
* Help shape internal processes for opportunity tracking, CRM, reporting and coordination across ESF’s projects.
* Provide guidance and mentoring to staff involved in partnerships, fundraising or external engagement.
6. Governance, reporting & impact
* Set clear KPIs and targets for fundraising, partnership quality, donor diversification and retention.
* Report regularly to the Executive Director and Board on pipeline, secured funding, and strategic partnership progress.
* Ensure all philanthropic and partnership activities meet legal, ethical and compliance standards, including those of major multilaterals and donors.
* Work with ESF’s impact/monitoring functions to ensure impact frameworks and evidence support fundraising and stewardship.
Required Experience
Essential experience & track record
* Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in fundraising, business development or partnerships in one or more of:
* Philanthropic foundations and family offices
* Multilateral/development agencies, INGOs, think tanks, or global non‑profits
* Universities or research institutions (development offices, advancement)
* Demonstrable track record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure, multi‑year funding or partnerships.
* Experience managing complex stakeholder environments: boards, senior officials, donors, partners, and technical teams.
* Strong understanding of at least one of: digital public goods, emerging technologies (AI, blockchain), international development, or public‑sector transformation.
Skills & attributes
* Exceptional relationship‑builder and communicator, confident engaging at C‑suite, ministerial and board level.
* Strong strategic thinker, able to see the bigger picture and design partnership models that are both fundable and impactful.
* Excellent storytelling, proposal‑writing and presentation skills; able to translate technical ideas into compelling narratives.
* Comfortable operating in a start‑up / scale‑up / foundation environment: hands‑on, resourceful, and collaborative.
* High integrity and alignment with ESF’s mission on inclusive, responsible tech and development.
Desirable Experience
* Existing network of relevant contacts in philanthropy, family offices, development agencies or global tech corporates.
* Experience working with or within UN agencies, development banks or large foundations in a partnerships and fundraising capacity.
* Familiarity with blended finance, impact investing or innovative funding mechanisms.
Indicative success metrics
* Value of multi‑year funding secured in first 12–24 months.
* Number and quality of strategic partnerships established (e.g. with multilaterals, governments, corporates).
* Donor/partner retention and satisfaction.
* Diversification of ESF’s funding base (by type of donor, geography, instrument).
* Contribution to ESF’s programme growth, institutional resilience and global visibility.
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