Managing Director, Institutional Partnerships

PolicyLink is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-oriented Managing Director (MD) of Institutional Partnerships who will be responsible for leading and expanding PolicyLink’s efforts to secure external funding for policy research, advocacy, and programmatic work among institutional funders. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), this senior leadership position will advance an institutional giving strategy that will grow our foundation and corporate revenue, while expanding the partnerships required to achieve our programmatic goals.

The MD will provide vision and direction for the fundraising team, work closely with the research and program divisions and executive office, and ensure the successful acquisition and stewardship of financial resources that drive our mission forward.  This is a unique opportunity to co-lead the development team of a well-established organization taking on an ambitious campaign. This role requires a seasoned development professional with a deep understanding of the philanthropic funding landscape, excellent communication skills, and a passion for equity and public policy impact.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy to secure funding for PolicyLink’s programmatic areas from foundation grants and corporate partnerships.

• Collaborate with the CDO, senior leadership, and program teams to identify funding priorities and align development efforts with organizational goals.

• Drive the integration of fundraising strategies with programmatic goals to ensure that grant-funded projects are well-supported and impactful.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation:

• Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with key funding stakeholders, including foundations and corporate partners.

• Develop and oversee the submission of compelling grant proposals, sponsorship opportunities, and requests for funding, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities.

• Lead the development and execution of funding campaigns, ensuring financial goals are met or exceeded.

• Manage a portfolio of funding partners, providing timely stewardship and maintaining strong, long-term relationships.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build and manage a high-performing development team focused on securing funding among institutional partners.

• Serve as the main point of contact between development and each of PolicyLink’s programmatic departments to provide dedicated and customized support in developing the skills, materials, and strategies needed for program staff to effectively fundraise to sustainably fund and grow their program/department.

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities to development and program team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and accountability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., communications, operations, finance) to ensure successful grant execution and reporting.

External Relations and Representation:

• Represent PolicyLink in external forums, including meetings with funders, stakeholders, and other key partners.

• Serve as a thought leader and advocate for PolicyLink’s mission, speaking at conferences, public events, and media engagements.

• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the organization among key stakeholders, particularly in relation to its research and programmatic work.

Desired Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge 

• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape and trends in government and foundation funding, particularly in the policy and advocacy sectors.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and presentations.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on achieving long-term organizational goals.

• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a high-performing team.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.

• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

• Results-oriented with a high degree of initiative and creativity.

• Collaborative and adaptable, able to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Passion for public policy and social impact. Strong alignment with PolicyLink’s mission.

• Ability to travel both internationally and domestically as needed for conferences, business meetings, and trainings—up to 30%.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree in public policy, nonprofit management, business administration, or related field preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on securing program or sponsored project funding.

• Proven track record of successfully managing and securing foundation and corporate funding for policy, think tank, and/or advocacy-focused initiatives. 

• Successfully raised at least $20M annually and have comfort with soliciting 8-figure gifts.

• Experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder funding relationships and large-scale projects.

PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with the experience and skills of our employees. The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $215,000. 

Additionally, PolicyLink provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100%-employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans.

• 401(k) with employer and employer-matching contributions that vest immediately. New employees are eligible to participate within one month of their date of hire.

• Flexible Spending Account.

• Short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Group term life insurance plus guaranteed-issue voluntary life insurance.

• Unlimited vacation and sick leave and other generous leave benefits.

• Three required organization reset weeks plus 13 paid holidays.

We accept online applications only. Please note that the application includes two written prompts that are required. Candidates should provide thoughtful and complete responses to the prompts; incomplete answers will not be considered.

No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.