Vice President, Business Development and Partnerships

JOB SUMMARY

The Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships is a pivotal executive role responsible for orchestrating global business development efforts with the public and private sectors to achieve FHI360’s resource mobilization goals. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Group, this leader drives the organization’s business development and partnering strategy, ensuring alignment with FHI 360's overarching and strategic goals. The role directs and oversees teams responsible for market and competitor analyses, business opportunity identification and prioritization, proposal development, and corporate and foundations relations.  Working collaboratively to leverage cross-organizational expertise, she/he drives efforts to open new markets and drive growth of corporate and foundation funding partnerships, alongside continued success in well-established markets and segments.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Complexity & Problem Solving:

• Navigate complex challenges with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Analyze market dynamics, competitor strategies, and funder priorities to inform strategic decisions.
• Craft Innovative capture and market differentiation strategies for complex, multi-million-dollar proposal processes.
• Make critical go/no-go decisions on bid pursuits.
• Leverage a deep understanding of global development trends and funder landscapes to meet business development goals.

Discretion & Impact:

• Operate with significant autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Impact the organization’s future through decisions on resource allocation, proposal approvals, and strategic partnerships.
• Shape FHI 360’s ability to secure funding and influence policy and programming priorities.
• Make choices with long-term implications for the organization’s reputation, financial stability, and mission achievement.

Collaboration & Interaction:

• Collaborate at high levels within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Foster strong relationships with senior business leaders, both internally and externally.
• Ensure cohesive strategy execution across various levels and functions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration, aligning field and HQ business development teams with technical, programmatic, and research units.
• Cultivate a culture of teamwork, recognizing staff contributions, and driving shared understanding of business development progress.

Management & Supervision:

• Oversee a global team with broad scope, including four integral subunits: Bid Services, Bid Analytics, Strategy and Outreach, and Corporate/Foundation Relations. Directly supervise Directors and senior-level professionals in business development.
• Set growth targets, manage budgets, and ensure team capabilities align with FHI 360’s strategic ambitions.
• Play a critical role in staff development, mentoring team members, and enhancing their capacity to secure competitive funding.
• Embraces other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills:

• Profound knowledge of USAID solicitation lifecycles, procurement trends, and donor landscapes Expertise in business development, including strategic analysis, capture management, and proposal development for large, multi-partner, multi-million-dollar programs.
• In-depth understanding of US Government acquisition and assistance processes and familiarity with private philanthropy and diverse donor funding mechanisms.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) with strong interpersonal, motivational, and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in change management, strategic decision-making, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a highly matrixed organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in Business Administration, International Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 18 years of experience in international development, with at least 10 years focused on business development and proposal management for large-scale programs.
• At least 9 years of management and supervisory experience, leading sophisticated business development teams and securing USAID and other donor projects exceeding $50 million.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recognized authority in business development within the international development sector.
• Successful experience in building innovative partners