Job Vacancy – Director of Development & Global Parternships

Our client, Natural State, is a non-profit organization focused on large-scale environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation, using technology, impact monitoring, and innovative finance mechanisms to drive nature-based solutions worldwide. Natural State is seeking a highly driven and experienced professional to fill the following remote position.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

Reporting to the Vice President, the incumbent will lead the design and execution of Natural State’s global fundraising and partnership strategy. The role will drive the development of a diversified pipeline of major institutional funding while cultivating strategic relationships with foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, philanthropic networks, and principal donors to advance the organization’s mission.

The position will directly contribute to the organization’s annual fundraising target, with a primary focus on securing new institutional grant funding, while strengthening long-term global partnerships that support conservation and climate initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and executing Natural State’s global fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities, including Research & Monitoring, Nature Finance, and Leadership & Learning.

• Identifying, qualifying, and cultivating a diversified pipeline of major funding opportunities, targeting both restricted program grants and unrestricted revenue for core operations.

• Leveraging the Global Ambassadors Circle (GAC) to expand strategic networks and generate qualified donor leads.

• Cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with major institutional funders and principal donors.

• Leading the development of high-quality concept notes, grant proposals, and budgets in collaboration with program leads.

• Monitoring global funding trends, donor priorities, and philanthropic landscapes to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities.

• Collaborating with the Director of Communications and Partnerships to strengthen fundraising narratives and align partnership-driven revenue opportunities.

• Establishing systems to track the donor pipeline, manage proposal timelines, and support effective donor stewardship.

• Establishing and maintaining effective systems to track donor pipelines, manage proposal deadlines, and ensure strategic stewardship of funder relationships.

• Monitoring and reporting on fundraising performance against the $10M annual target, providing clear analysis and forecasts to organizational leadership.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in international fundraising or development, with a demonstrated track record of securing and managing six- and seven-figure institutional grants.

• Proven experience designing and executing strategic fundraising pipelines that successfully build diversified funding portfolios and increase revenue.

• Demonstrated ability to leverage advisory boards, ambassador circles, or senior networks to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.

• Strong understanding of the global conservation, climate, or international development funding

landscape, with familiarity across multiple donor regions such as North America, Europe, and Africa.

• Demonstrated experience in building, mentoring, or managing high-performing teams.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and prioritization abilities.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling funding proposals and partnership narratives.

• High-level interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leaders, board members, and major donors.

• Strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across program, communications, and finance teams in a globally distributed environment.

• Mission-driven mindset with a strong interest in conservation, environmental sustainability, or international development.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience living or working across multiple geographic regions.

• Direct fundraising experience in at least two major donor markets, such as US foundations and European multilateral agencies.

• Existing professional networks within the conservation, climate, or environmental philanthropy sectors.

Interested candidates are requested to forward their updated CVs to recruit@virtualhr.co.ke, stating the subject heading Director of Development and Global Partnerships by Tuesday, 24th March 2026.

Please indicate your expected remuneration and provide contacts and addresses for three referees.

Note:

• Natural State is an equal opportunity employer. The Organization celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.