Senior Strategic Philanthropy Manager, Science and Innovation

About the Department

The External Relations Department drives DNDi’s visibility, influence, and financial sustainability. Its Communications, Private Sector Fundraising & Partnerships, and Institutional & Public Fundraising teams ensure that DNDi is visible, supported by committed stakeholders, and successful in securing the resources needed to deliver on its mission.

About the Office

This position is remote and is located in the United Kingdom (UK)

Overview

DNDi develops and delivers affordable treatments for neglected diseases through science, open innovation and partnerships. This role leads a portfolio of major philanthropic partnerships and new funding opportunities, with a particular focus on science, global health and innovation. Working closely with the Head of Private Sector Fundraising, the postholder will also provide senior fundraising capacity across the wider portfolio, taking ownership of agreed priorities and projects as needs evolve.

The postholder will develop long-term relationship strategies, secure and renew significant funding, and translate DNDi’s scientific work and distinctive value into compelling propositions. The role combines strategic judgement with hands-on delivery and identification of opportunities to deepen partnerships beyond individual grants.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own day-to-day management of assigned major philanthropic partnerships, developing relationship plans, income objectives and engagement strategies that support renewal, growth and long-term institutional relationships, including opportunities for broader strategic collaboration where relevant. Build a strong understanding of each foundation’s priorities, decision-making and wider relationships; use this insight to advise colleagues and identify relevant funding and partnership opportunities.
• Write or oversee the development of proposals, concept notes, presentations, briefings and donor reports, working with scientific, access, policy and finance colleagues to ensure accuracy, relevance and quality and translating complex scientific and R&D priorities into compelling donor propositions.
• Plan and lead donor engagement, prepare meeting objectives and materials, brief participating colleagues and senior leaders, including representing the Head of Private Sector Fundraising in agreed meetings where appropriate, and ensure timely follow-up.
• Coordinate technical inputs, budgets, approvals and negotiations across DNDi; maintain clear responsibilities and ensure commitments and donor requirements are met.
• Cultivate a small, focused pipeline of new philanthropic opportunities aligned with DNDi’s priorities, drawing on prospect research and colleagues’ expertise and networks and assess their strategic fit and funding potential.
• Commission and manage consultants, setting clear briefs, deliverables, budgets and timelines and ensuring the quality and usefulness of their work.
• Maintain accurate Salesforce records, income forecasts and risk assessments; contribute to portfolio reviews, annual planning and fundraising strategy. and provide clear recommendations on priorities, next steps and resource needs.
• Represent DNDi credibly with major partners and external peers
• Share intelligence, mentor and provide targeted senior support to colleagues and contribute to projects that strengthen the team’s effectiveness.

Reporting line & Interactions

Senior Strategic Philanthropy Manager, Science and Innovation reports to Head of Private Sector Fundraising

Interactions

• Works closely with the global fundraising team, R&D, Access, Policy, Finance, Legal, Communications and regional colleagues.
• Act as technical representative in negotiations or donor interactions. Maintain active relationships with external peers and stakeholders in the same technical domain.

Experience and Education

• Advanced degree in global health, a relevant scientific discipline or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience, including 5 years of relevant experience managing major philanthropic foundation partnerships.

Skills and competencies

Critical Skills

• A track record of securing, renewing or growing substantial philanthropic funding and managing complex partnerships involving senior and specialist stakeholders.
• The ability to understand complex scientific and global health work quickly, identify DNDi’s distinctive contribution and engage credibly with technical colleagues and funders.
• Strong oral communication, with the ability to translate complex ideas for various stakeholders and excellent writing, synthesis and presentation skills, with the willingness and ability to personally produce high-quality proposals, decks and meeting materials as needed.
• Sound strategic judgement, maturity and confidence in managing major partner relationships and advising senior colleagues.
• Experience managing consultants, coordinating complex projects and working effectively across functions, cultures and a matrix organisation.
• Strong digital skills, including familiarity with CRM systems.

Desirable

• Experience developing partnership strategies and extending relationships beyond grant transactions, including institutional engagement and collaboration across organisations.
• Insight into the wider global health and scientific philanthropy landscape, including how major funders set priorities and work with other partners.
• Experience working with major global health or scientific philanthropies such as the Gates Foundation, Wellcome or Novo Nordisk Foundation is highly desirable.

Other requirements

• Proven ability to work effectively in a global remote team environment and matrix structure.

• Commitment to DNDi’s mission and an inclusive working environment is essential.

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in local languages desirable
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Other information

Status: Full time – 2 year fixed term role

To apply

• Deadline for application: accepting applications until 29 November, 2026
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants

DEI Statement

DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organisation. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristic.

Originally posted on Himalayas