Director of Strategic Partnerships

Title: Director of Strategic Partnerships
Reports to: VP of Strategic Partnerships
Status: Salaried, Exempt
Location: Seattle, WA or Remote Home Office
Foundation Overview:
The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For more than 28 years, Max has pioneered practical, scalable, high-quality solutions to bring life-extending treatments and patient-centered health care to more than 100,000 people living with cancer and critical illness in low- and middle-income countries. Max believes in a world where all people can access high-impact medicines, where geography is not destiny, and where everyone can strive for health with dignity and with hope. Learn more at www.themaxfoundation.org.
Role Summary:
The Director of Strategic Partnerships will lead the strategy and execution of The Max Foundation’s Major Gifts program. This individual will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-value individual donors and prospects to sustain and expand The Max Foundation’s mission of accelerating global health equity.
This is a relationship-driven role for an advancement professional who combines strategic vision with strong frontline fundraising expertise. Working closely with the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, the Director will develop and manage a robust pipeline of major gift prospects while building the systems, strategies, and culture necessary to significantly increase Major Gifts revenue and long-term donor engagement.
Responsibilities:
Major Gifts Strategy and Revenue Growth
Develop and execute a comprehensive Major Gifts strategy aligned with organizational priorities and revenue goals
Establish and manage annual and multi-year revenue targets and performance metrics.
Build and oversee a strong donor pipeline through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Implement disciplined portfolio and moves management practices to maximize donor engagement and giving outcomes
Develop strategies to increase donor retention, upgrade giving levels, and secure larger, multi-year commitments
Monitor pipeline health, forecast revenue, and report progress against fundraising goals
Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnerships
Serve as a strategic fundraising partner to the CEO, VP of Strategic Partnerships, Board members, and senior leadership
Partner cross-functionally across stakeholders to translate organizational impact into compelling philanthropic opportunities and donor communications
Prepare and support organizational leaders and Board members for donor meetings, cultivation activities, and solicitations
Foster a culture in which fundraising is viewed as a shared organizational responsibility
Collaborate across the Strategic Partnerships team to ensure coordinated donor engagement and stewardship
Board Engagement and Relationship Development
Partner with the VP and Board members to advance fundraising and strategic engagement priorities
Leverage Board networks to identify and cultivate relationships with prospective donors and strategic stakeholders
Prepare Board-facing fundraising updates, briefing materials, and information on engagement opportunities
Support Board members in serving as effective ambassadors through outreach, stewardship, and relationship management
Track and coordinate Board-driven opportunities and outcomes to strengthen fundraising and organizational visibility
External Relations and Representation
Represent The Max Foundation at key global health, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement events
Develop and strengthen relationships with philanthropic collaboratives, family foundations, and strategic partners
Help position the organization as a globally recognized leader in expanding equitable access to cancer treatment and care
Partner with Communications to identify opportunities for leadership visibility through speaking engagements, publications, and external forums
Leverage organizational impact, evidence, and success stories to strengthen partnerships, influence, and fundraising outcomes
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or relevant certification in a related field preferred
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, business development, strategic partnerships, or related fields, preferably within global health, international development, or other mission-driven organizations
Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, including experience cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropic partners; experience securing six-figure gifts required, with gifts of $500,000+ strongly preferred
Proven experience building, leading, or significantly expanding a Major Gifts program, including developing and managing donor pipelines from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship
Strong ability to partner with CEOs, Board members, senior leaders, and other influential stakeholders to advance fundraising and organizational objectives
Demonstrated success in investor relationship building, communication, presentation, and interpersonal engagement, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and inspire philanthropic investment
Strategic and analytical mindset with experience using data, donor insights, and CRM systems to manage portfolios, forecast revenue, prioritize opportunities, and inform decision-making
Demonstrated success managing complex projects and initiatives, exercising sound judgment, discretion, organization, and follow-through in a fast-paced environment
Experience working in global, multicultural environments across time zones; familiarity with global health, cancer, health equity, or international nonprofit sectors preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor management systems; additional language skills, experience with family offices or donor-advised funds, and experience mentoring fundraising professionals strongly preferred
Skills and Attributes:
Passionate about The Max Foundation’s mission and vision, and determined to lead and accomplish all goals related to current and future strategic plans

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
Yes