Job Summary
citiesRISE is seeking to engage a senior-level professional to design and implement a strategic philanthropic and partnership development approach that strengthens existing donor relationships and shapes long-term organizational fundraising efforts.This engagement is anticipated to span a one year period, with the opportunity for extension based on performance and organizational priorities.

We are looking for a highly skilled individual with a demonstrated track record in funder engagement and multi-sectoral partnership building. The individual will work closely with citiesRISE leadership and other key stakeholders to build the infrastructure, relationships, and strategy needed to scale the organization’s fundraising capacity and ensuring financial continuity.

Scope of Work

The selected individual will work in close collaboration with citiesRISE leadership to

Philanthropy Partnership Strategy: Develop a structured approach to identify and cultivate strategic philanthropy partnerships, including family philanthropists aligned with the organization's mission and priorities.
Existing Donor Engagement: Assess and prioritize current donor engagement efforts, providing strategic guidance to strengthen relationships and increase conversion.
Shape Future Strategic Initiatives: Collaborate with leadership to inform and develop strategic initiatives that position the organization for long-term impact and growth.
Design and implement a 60-90-120 day strategic fundraising plan to secure immediate incoming funds, addressing critical organizational funding gaps and ensuring financial continuity.
Identify and qualify a foundational portfolio of funders: Find and engage institutional donors, philanthropies, and high-net-worth individuals capable of contributing toward a $10 million fundraising target over the next two years.
Determine and secure anchor funding partnerships in the organization’s three priority geographies—India, Kenya, and the United States—ensuring region-specific alignment, long-term support, and strategic co-investment opportunities.

Requirements

Professional experience originating, building and cultivating partnerships and securing both immediate funds and long term strategy development for fundraising and donor management for nonprofit, corporate, foundation, NGO, government entities or similar organizations.
Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
Experience in fundraising for related fields such as global mental health, urban development, collective action, systems change, youth engagement, youth leadership, health system strengthening, technology innovation, post-conflict settings, poverty and vulnerability.
Demonstrated experience in strategy development, high-level relationship management, and fundraising for global initiatives.
Track record of cultivating major philanthropic, public, and private sector partnerships
Strong communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills with experience navigating multicultural and multi-stakeholder environments.
Proven experience to work independently while managing multi-lateral, inter-cultural donor programs and navigating complex sets of interests. Strong ethical standards.
Experience representing organizations in high-level convenings and forums.

Proposal Requirements

Please submit the following materials:

A cover letter outlining your approach to the scope of work and relevant experience and past engagements
Daily Consultant Rate
A CV or organizational profile

If selected to move forward in the process, we may request up to three references from past clients or funders. Not required to submit with the proposal.

Job Type: Contract

Schedule: