Chief of Staff @ Exponential Science | Founder @UnitiQ: Talent Acquisition & HR | Global HR & People Strategy Leader | StartUp & ScaleUp People 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. 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. 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. Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Business Development Industries Non‑profit Organizations #J-18808-Ljbffr