Director, Partnership Engagement

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington-VA, or Brussels-Belgium

Develop and lead the partnership component of a new initiative that advances CI’s public policy objectives related to subsidy reform and transition. Specifically, lead the fundraising campaign of $20M-25M and partnership development for the Accelerating Rapid Transition of Subsidies and Incentives Initiative (ARTSI). The ARTSI Initiative is a new effort that will include pilot efforts to reform subsidies and the building and capitalization of a grants mechanism to support future reform efforts. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to build the momentum needed to transform our economic system to one that rewards nature conservation and restoration while benefiting people, economies, and the planet.  Over the next two years, this role will lead on fundraising and co-design processes to engage key stakeholders on this topic with an aim to develop this grants mechanism. This role will help develop the strategy and oversee convenings, dialogues, and core working groups to co-design and capitalize the grants mechanism. They will establish and continually advance relationships with influential public sector donors, organizations, and global thought leaders; advise senior management on engagement efforts and recommend strategy refinements as needed; and actively collaborate with CI staff in other divisions to identify and secure funding for this initiative.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In close collaboration with the Sr. Director for International Policy, SVP Policy and CI donor relation teams, develop and execute a strategy to identify donors for the ARTSI Grants Mechanism and lead a co-design process for the grants mechanism,
• Serve as CI’s lead for the ARTSI Core Design Team of the grants mechanism, including facilitating regular
• meetings of this group and ensuring regular communication and information flow.
• Coordinate with CI’s internal Grants Management Unit to produce operations model and processes for
• disbursements of funds.
• Regularly convene advisory panels and other internal and external stakeholders related to this initiative.   
• Liase with the ARTSI Technical director to ensure early successes from subsidy reform pilots are conveyed to
• potential donors to build confidence.  
• Oversee a staff position focused on monitoring and evaluation and other responsibilities.
• Work closely with CI staff to ensure cultivation opportunities are fully maximized and aligned with travel plans
• and key events
• Prepare detailed fundraising progress and monitoring reports and analyses to identify gaps and recommend
• refinements in the fundraising strategy as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Function as a project manager for complex projects with a long-term time frame.
• Accountable for a project budget.
• Direct oversight/accountability of external funds and partner agreements.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent national/international travel (20% or more) required
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, international affairs, or a related field.
• 7 or more years of direct experience in developing and managing non-profit fundraising or grant-making
• initiatives.
• Working knowledge of conservation-related issues or subsidy/incentives issues.
• 2 or more years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and securing seven-figure awards. Project design experience is desired.
• Excellent understanding of the overall policy engagement environment, including public and private funding
• processes.
• Demonstrated track record of effective partnership building. Proven ability to engage external partners and
• stakeholders in governments, bilateral and multilateral institutions, development organizations, and NGOs.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail. Ability to effectively communicate
• complex information to a diverse audience.
• Proven record of managing and motivating teams in a culturally diverse environment.
• Strong organization, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred

• Master’s degree 
• Working proficiency in Spanish or French.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025  (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.