Partnerships Manager

Job description / Role

We are hiring a Community and Partnership Development specialist to build the network of companies and key organisations supporting us to achieve our revenue and programme objectives. The primary focus will be to diversify and broaden our partnership base, with particular emphasis on the Private Sector in the GCC. This individual will be responsible for developing, creating and maintaining a comprehensive and consistent strategy to Partnership Development.

The ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated passion for the Pearl Initiative’s mission and the strong communication skills to effectively promote the Pearl Initiative’s impact through creative, programme focused messaging. S/he must also demonstrate a successful record of engaging new partners resulting in financial successes. To work well in the Pearl Initiative’s culture, the person in this role must be a collaborative team player who proactively builds relationships with colleagues and other key stakeholders. The top candidate will also possess an entrepreneurial mindset and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and high-growth environment. Does this sound like you? If so, apply now!

Role Responsibilities

Partnership Cultivation
• Work with the Executive Director to generate corporate funding through partnerships and sponsorship.
• Develop a network of relationships with senior executives in companies and key organisations across the GCC.
• Develop, create and maintain Pearl Initiative’s networks and communities.
• Develop the Pearl Initiative strategy for community and partnership development
• Develop and manage the criteria, target list and action plan to reach out to and follow up on all potential partner companies and sponsorship approaches.
• Actively reach out to potential partner companies to introduce Pearl Initiative, set up and attend meetings and ensure timely follow up.
• Attend all PI events and regional events to actively network.

Existing partner engagement
• Responsible for creating and maintaining the existing partner engagement timeline
• Work alongside the Executive Director to ensure engagement is consistent and successful.
• Ensure continued engagement with current partner companies and sponsors
• Proposals and collateral development
• Actively research and apply to grants and initiatives that are in line with the Pearl Initiative’s objectives.
• Work with the Pearl Initiative team to develop funding proposals and tailored collateral to achieve fundraising objectives.

Systems
• Oversee the establishment of the processes and systems to manage the development and fundraising initiatives for individual, foundation, corporate and government grants for the Pearl Initiative.
• Ensure database is continually expanded and updated.
• Develop regular internal partnership development reports.

Requirements

• A passion for Pearl Initiative’s mission.
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate, and manage new partner relationships preferably with experience working with a non-profit organisation.
• Successful track record of partnership development and/or business development in the Private Sector within the GCC.
• Demonstrated ability to engage senior staff and steward relationships with institutional donors to achieve fundraising objectives.
• Experience building organisational capacity (systems, processes, technology).
• A University degree.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is a must and Arabic is desirable.
• 3-7 years’ work experience in a commercial environment.
• GCC experience essential.
• Strong communication and networking skills.
• Ability to articulate clearly, logically and credibly with all constituents, including senior level executives.
• Keen to work in a high-performance environment, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• A flexible, supportive and positive team player.
• Experience using InDesign/Illustrator would be beneficial.

About the Company

The Pearl Initiative is the leading independent, non-profit organisation working to improve corporate accountability and transparency in the Gulf Region. The activities of the Pearl Initiative are supported by a wide range of Partner companies from across the Gulf Region.

The organisation is committed to engaging with regional businesses and student communities about the business case for implementation of the highest standards in corporate accountability, transparency and governance. The organisation offers programmes and publishes regional research reports and case studies to foster greater insight and appreciation of the business case, priorities and trends on these topics.

The Pearl Initiative brings together business, government and civil society decision makers to share best business practices and help maximise the economic opportunities available to companies within the region. The Pearl Initiative also helps Gulf-based university students to identify and embrace strong ethics as they embark on their future careers.