Head of Partnerships and Advancement

The Head of Partnerships and Advancement will lead the Africa Dyslexia Organization’s efforts to build strategic partnerships, mobilize resources, and strengthen the organization’s global institutional positioning.

This role is central to ADO’s growth and sustainability. The successful candidate will identify and cultivate partnerships with foundations, development agencies, governments, universities, and corporate institutions while securing financial support for the organization’s programs and continental initiatives.

The position requires an individual who is entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly relationship-oriented, with experience navigating international development ecosystems and building partnerships that advance social impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Resource Mobilization

• Develop and implement ADO’s fundraising and resource mobilization strategy.
  

• Identify funding opportunities from philanthropic foundations, bilateral donors, development agencies, and corporate partners.
  

• Lead the development of grant proposals, concept notes, and institutional funding applications.
  

• Cultivate relationships with donors to secure both restricted program funding and flexible institutional support.
  

• Develop funding pipelines for research initiatives, teacher training programs, technology innovation, and continental convening.
  

Strategic Partnerships Development

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with governments, universities, research institutions, and international organizations.
  

• Build collaborative relationships with education networks working on foundational learning, literacy development, and inclusive education.
  

• Support the development of partnerships for ADO’s major initiatives, including conferences, fellowships, research programs, and digital platforms.
  

• Represent ADO in partnership meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
  

Institutional Advancement and Visibility

• Strengthen ADO’s global positioning as a leading organization addressing dyslexia and learning differences in Africa.
  

• Support the development of institutional communications, thought leadership materials, and partnership briefs.
  

• Work closely with the Executive Director to cultivate relationships with high-level stakeholders across philanthropy, education, and policy sectors.
  

• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term institutional growth.
  

Corporate and Sponsorship Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with corporate organizations to support ADO’s programs, research initiatives, and continental conferences.
  

• Lead sponsorship outreach for events such as the Africa Dyslexia Conference and other ADO convening.
  

• Build long-term partnerships with companies interested in advancing inclusive education and social impact.
  

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Manage relationships with existing donors and institutional partners.
  

• Ensure timely donor reporting, updates, and stewardship communication.
  

• Maintain systems to track funding opportunities, proposals, and donor engagement.
  

• Work closely with program and finance teams to ensure compliance with donor requirements.
  

Expected Outcomes

The Head of Partnerships and Advancement will be responsible for securing new resources and strengthening strategic partnerships that support the Africa Dyslexia Organization’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will be expected to deliver the following outcomes:

1. Funding Mobilization

Secure new financial resources that contribute directly to the organization’s sustainability, including: