Growth & Partnerships Specialist at Digital Frontiers

What We’re Looking For:

• Digital Frontiers is in search of a Growth & Partnerships Specialist to help us drive business growth through identifying and securing new opportunities in the donor-funded landscape and in our service offerings. The ideal candidate should be a go-getter, results-driven and resilient. They need to have strong proposal writing, grant management and donor relations skills and should have a sound understanding and passion for the development sector and SDG priorities.
• The Main Responsibilities of the Growth & Partnerships Specialist include (but are not limited to):

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Identify and engage donors aligned with the organisation's mission while generating leads and prospects for the grants and services opportunities,
• Identify potential tenders and business opportunities,
• Develop, own and manage bids for grant applications and services contracts,
• Plan, develop and implement strategies to increase business development opportunities,
• Build and foster relationships with internal stakeholders to adapt current portfolios to new opportunities in the development sector.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors,
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the organisation's roster of consultants and consulting partners,
• Create personalised engagement plans for donors and partners,
• Support and participate in networking initiatives.

Proposal Development, Contracting & RFP Response

• Lead the development, writing and submission of compelling proposals for donors and business clients, ensuring alignment with organisational services and strategic priorities,
• Proactively identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, RFPs, corporate sponsorships and impact investments,
• Develop accurate costings, negotiate contracts and ensure all proposals meet donor and procurement requirements,
• Work closely with internal teams to gather necessary information, align proposals with capabilities, and integrate impact data for donor reports.

Market Research & Reporting

• Develop market research reports on potential revenue streams and business threats in the development sector landscape,
• Report on progress related to client/ donor acquisitions, revene and sales pipeline.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Manage internal relationships effectively with coworkers,
• Foster a culture of collaboration and effective communication across teams,
• Bravely speak the truth and act with kindness towards resolution
• Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree,
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in business development, consulting, sales or fundraising,
• Demonstrate a strong ability to learn about the donor-funded landscape (including understanding of donor priorities, proposal requirements, reporting, commercial sales cycles, client needs and contract negotiation),
• Experience in the development sector is an advantage.

Specialist Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong proposal writing, grant management and donor relations skills,
• Exceptional networking, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills,
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment,
• Energy, drive and a passion for excellence,
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills,
• Results-oriented with strong analytical skills to identify trends and sales patterns,
• Friendly, personable & culturally aware with a people centric approach,
• Resilient in the face of refusal and continuous "go-getter" approach to client relations,
• Beneficial to understand the development sector and SDG priorities.

Competencies:

• Commercial growth
• Influence
• Building relationships
• Results focused
• Communicaton
• Drive and focus