Job Description

Agency

Aga Khan Schools

Region

Multiple

The requirements

The successful candidate will be an accomplished and internationally experienced leader with a demonstrated track record of advancing institutional growth, building strategic partnerships, mobilising significant resources and strengthening organisational reputation within complex environments. They will combine strategic vision, entrepreneurial thinking and exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and deliver measurable results.

Essential Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in business, communications, education, philanthropy, international development, public policy or a related field.
• Significant senior leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, external relations or institutional development.
• Proven experience developing and implementing organisation-wide resource mobilisation and partnership strategies that deliver sustainable results.
• Demonstrated success securing major philanthropic, institutional and strategic partnership funding from donors, foundations, corporations, governments and development partners.
• Experience building and sustaining high-value partnerships across multiple stakeholder groups and sectors.
• Experience leading organisational change, building high-performing teams and operating effectively within complex matrix organisations.
• Outstanding communication, influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, supported by strong strategic, commercial and financial judgement.
• Experience using CRM platforms, fundraising technologies and data analytics to support engagement, resource mobilisation and performance management.
• Commitment to values-based leadership, pluralism and improving quality of life through educational excellence.

Desirable

• International experience across multiple countries and cultures.
• Experience within education, higher education or other mission-driven organisations.
• Established networks across philanthropy, government, corporate, education or international development sectors.
• Experience working with volunteer-led organisations, membership-based institutions or complex stakeholder communities.

Above all, the successful candidate will be an inspiring, collaborative and values-driven leader who can build enduring relationships, mobilise diverse stakeholders, secure significant philanthropic and strategic investment, and strengthen the long-term sustainability, influence and impact of Aga Khan Schools.

This position is open to international candidates.

Our Commitment
AKS and the Aga Khan Development Network are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity or disability.

Environment and climate are core strategic priorities and cross-cutting themes across AKDN. Working in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable communities, AKS is committed to environmental responsibility, reducing the impact of its operations and strengthening awareness and action through education.

AKS is firmly committed to safeguarding and to promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and staff. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, and all employees and volunteers are required to comply with the AKS Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

The position

The Director, Global Advancement & Partnerships leads Aga Khan Schools' global resource mobilisation, strategic partnerships and external engagement agenda, strengthening the organisation's relationships, influence and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the General Manager, the Director develops and implements an integrated Advancement & Partnerships Strategy that mobilises resources, expands partnerships and enhances the reputation and impact of Aga Khan Schools

The role provides leadership to a globally distributed team across four regions, strengthening organisational capability, aligning regional efforts with global priorities and building systems, frameworks and processes that support sustainable growth. A key initial priority will be establishing and embedding a global Advancement & Partnerships function and developing a strong pipeline of funding and partnership opportunities.

The Director oversees a diversified advancement programme generating more than USD 25 million annually through philanthropy, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, foundations, alumni and community engagement. As a member of the Global Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organisational strategy, institutional sustainability and the continued development of Aga Khan Schools as a globally recognised leader in values-based education.

Learn more about the position here: https://www.agakhanschools.org/Content/career/Director_Global_Advancement_Partnerships.pdf
Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the global Advancement & Partnerships function and advise the General Manager and Global Leadership Team on fundraising, partnerships, communications and external engagement.
• Develop and implement an integrated Advancement & Partnerships Strategy that strengthens organisational sustainability, expands strategic relationships and supports the long-term priorities of Aga Khan Schools.
• Lead a diversified global resource mobilisation programme, including philanthropy, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, foundations, alumni engagement and community support.
• Cultivate, steward and strengthen relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, governments and development partners to secure sustainable funding and strategic investment.
• Establish fundraising frameworks, performance measures and reporting systems that support organisational accountability and fundraising effectiveness across the AKS network.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, universities, foundations, corporations, development agencies and civil society organisations to advance educational excellence and organisational impact.
• Foster collaboration across the Aga Khan Development Network and represent AKS in strategic partnership discussions, stakeholder engagements and international forums.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen alumni, parent, volunteer and community engagement, promoting lifelong connection, advocacy and philanthropy across the global AKS community.
• Lead the global communications, marketing and brand agenda, ensuring consistent messaging while strengthening the visibility, reputation and influence of Aga Khan Schools.
• Establish effective operating models, systems and standards for advancement, partnerships, alumni engagement and communications, while leading and developing a globally distributed team.
• Contribute as a member of the Global Leadership Team to organisational strategy, institutional sustainability and the continued integration of Aga Khan Schools as a global education system