Director of Private-Sector Partnerships
Project Drawdown seeks a high-level, proven leader as our new Director of Private-Sector Partnerships. The Director of Private-Sector Partnerships will be instrumental in advancing our mission by identifying, building, and stewarding strategic partnerships with private-sector leaders, including business executives, philanthropists, and impact investors. Through these partnerships, Project Drawdown seeks to co-create high-quality, high-integrity projects that help advance science-based climate solutions in the world.
This is an ideal position for a mission-driven, dynamic leader and coalition builder. The Director of Private-Sector Partnerships will have an opportunity to make a real difference in the world, advancing effective climate solutions through innovative partnerships between Project Drawdown and visionary private-sector leaders.
About Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions.
We are a trusted, science-based, and independent guide for effective climate action across the globe.
Our work is built on three pillars:
SCIENCE. First, we conduct cutting-edge research to identify the best possible climate solutions – and to design the most effective strategies to bring them to scale. Then, we share our findings with the world through highly effective science communication, marketing campaigns, and media partnerships.
STAKEHOLDERS. Next, we use our science to inform and inspire stakeholders – including philanthropists, investors, business leaders, policymakers, and community change-makers – to take bold leadership positions and bring effective climate action to the world.
STORIES. Finally, we use the power of storytelling to help shift the narrative on climate change – from problem to solution and from “doom and gloom” toward “opportunity and possibility.” Along the way, we elevate new voices and showcase new climate heroes changing the world.
We strongly believe that good science is needed to guide effective climate action. We also believe that science must be shared in actionable and compelling ways – through stakeholder engagement and powerful storytelling. Our job is to make this happen.
About the Role
The Director of Private-Sector Partnerships is a new position at Project Drawdown. It builds upon our expertise in discovering science-based climate solutions, engaging key stakeholders, and telling powerful stories of climate action.
This role has the following responsibilities:
Strategic Partnerships Development
Lead the creation and execution of comprehensive partnership strategies in collaboration with the leadership team and the Board of Directors, identifying key opportunities and developing engagement pathways that maximize mission alignment and funding support.
Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with corporate leaders, impact investors, major climate donors, and philanthropic organizations aligned with Project Drawdown’s strategy.
Focus on truly ambitious climate work with private-sector partners – including projects that represent cutting-edge approaches to dramatically reduce emissions with speed, scale, and transparency. Avoid greenwashing and delay tactics.
Conceptualize and lead the development of innovative, bespoke partnerships focused on specific climate solutions, such as the role of food systems in driving climate change; leveraging big data for climate solutions; the intersection of biodiversity, human well-being, and climate change; or the links between climate solutions and human health.
Conduct research to continuously build a network of potential partners who are leaders in climate change solutions, keeping up to date with private-sector trends and partnership opportunities.
Pursue opportunities for employee engagement, executive education, and other outreach and educational opportunities with private sector partners. Leverage Project Drawdown’s expertise in employee engagement, our Job Function Action Guides, and our storytelling and engagement initiatives.
Relationship Management
Build and maintain high-impact relationships with stakeholders, including philanthropic donors, impact investors, and corporate leaders.
Serve as the primary point of contact for key partners, delivering regular updates, managing expectations, and aligning partnership goals with Project Drawdown’s objectives.
Actively engage partners in meaningful ways, including personalized outreach, in-person meetings, and attending relevant industry events to deepen collaboration.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership
Be part of our “One Drawdown” culture, working effectively across the entire organization.
Collaborate closely with internal teams to align partnership goals with organizational objectives and communicate impact effectively to stakeholders.
Partner with internal teams to design and implement initiatives that leverage partner resources and expertise, are aligned with Project Drawdown’s strategy, and create measurable impact.
Provide strategic insight to the leadership team on potential partnerships, highlighting opportunities and risks while advising on strategic decision-making.
Thought Leadership, Outreach, and Broader Engagement
Represent Project Drawdown at key events, conferences, and forums to strengthen brand visibility, expand network connections, and promote Project Drawdown’s mission in the climate solutions space.
Develop and deliver presentations, reports, and other communication materials tailored to prospective and current partners, showcasing impact, program success, and ongoing opportunities for collaboration.
Foster a culture of innovation and partnership within the organization by bringing insights from partner engagement into Project Drawdown’s strategic planning and program development.
Measure and Evaluate Partnerships
Establish key performance indicators to track the success of partnership initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of partnerships on achieving organizational goals.
Regularly report on partnership progress and outcomes to key stakeholders.
Maintain thorough documentation of partnership agreements, funding allocations, and deliverables to ensure accountability and transparency.
Oversee the development of impact reports and partnership summaries, demonstrating tangible contributions of each partnership toward Project Drawdown’s goals.
Secure Funding and Resources
Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans, in partnership with the leadership team and Board of Directors, to secure funding and resources from private-sector partners.
Explore and develop new funding streams by identifying areas where partner interests align with Project Drawdown’s programs, mission, and long-term objectives.
Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, and other materials to effectively communicate our organization's impact and partnership opportunities.
Negotiate partnership agreements, including gift agreements, grants, and sponsorships, to ensure alignment with organizational goals and maximize impact.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and manage team members, providing guidance, setting performance goals, and supporting professional development.
Oversee the team's work in identifying, developing, and maintaining partnerships, ensuring alignment with Project Drawdown’s mission and objectives.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging innovation, accountability, and a high standard of excellence in all partnership-related activities.
Other duties as assigned.
The Director of Private-Sector Partnerships must work with independence and self-direction, yet thrive in collaboration. They will report to the Managing Director, be a member of the Leadership Team, and have an initial team of three.
Project Drawdown welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in stopping climate change quickly, safely, and equitably. We are a 100% remote organization based in the United States.
Qualifications
We are looking for a seasoned leader who has demonstrated experience in building private-sector partnerships, structures, and new funding opportunities for mission-driven nonprofits or academic organizations.
Ideal candidates will meet the following qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field(s)
Proven track record – of at least 5–10 years – developing and managing private-sector partnerships for non-profit or academic organizations, preferably in environmental or sustainability fields
Demonstrated ability to fundraise at a significant (>$1 million/year) level, working with major funders.
Excellent writing and presentation skills
Ability to represent the organization at high-level venues as a respected “thought leader” in private sector climate leadership
Demonstrated gravitas, with the ability to earn the respect of, and build relationships with, high-level leaders in business, philanthropy, and investing
Demonstrated ability – with at least 3–5 years experience – to lead and grow an effective team.
Candidates should also have the following qualities:
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, remote environment
Meticulous attention to detail, particularly with business partnerships, contracts, reports, etc.
Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and make decisions
Flexibility, creativity, and can-do attitude
Absolute integrity and transparency
Understanding of and appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles
Experience fostering a welcoming team environment.
In addition, candidates are required to be:
Comfortable with teleconferencing, project management tools, collaborative work environments, remote work, and virtual collaboration
Available to participate in online meetings and video conferences on weekdays 9:00 am–5:00 pm Central Time
Experienced with Mac-based computing environment
Able to use Google Suite, Asana, Slack, and presentation software (Keynote preferred) for delivering individual work products and collaborative projects
Available for domestic and international travel.
Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and BIPOC candidates are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet all of the qualifications listed in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, while finding the best candidates for the job. These candidates may be ones who come from less traditional backgrounds, and that’s okay. So, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet all of the qualifications described.
Position Details and How to Apply
This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits – based on a nominal 40-hour work week. The salary range for this position is $150,000-180,000/year. We work hard to ensure our salaries are competitive with leading nonprofits in major cities across America. In addition, Project Drawdown provides exceptional benefits, including generous time off, health insurance, and a matching 401(k).
As with all positions at Project Drawdown, this role will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States with a reliable, high-speed internet connection and proximity to an airport. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders) who reside anywhere in the U.S. may apply. Employees are expected to attend a yearly in-person team meeting. Other travel will be required.
To be considered for this position, submit your application at https://form.jotform.com/243476610009150, including:
A cover letter describing your experience and fit for this role
Recent resume detailing your educational and professional background.
Candidates may also include a work sample (e.g., op-eds, proposals, pitch deck) if they wish.
Applications will be accepted until January 27, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Interviews are expected to begin in late February. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to provide at least two professional references.
Project Drawdown is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Project Drawdown does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law, and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We strongly encourage all qualified persons currently authorized to work in the United States to apply for this position. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and the organization’s needs.