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.

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

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:

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

• Institutional grants from philanthropic foundations and development agencies
  

• Program funding for ADO initiatives and research activities
  

• Core or unrestricted funding to strengthen the organization’s operational capacity
  

• Corporate partnerships and sponsorships supporting ADO programs and events
  

The role is expected to generate significant new funding commitments within the first year through successful grant applications, sponsorship agreements, and institutional partnerships.

• Develop and submit multiple high-quality grant proposals and concept notes to foundations, development partners, and philanthropic institutions.
  

• Identify and pursue major funding opportunities aligned with ADO’s work in inclusive education, teacher capacity building, literacy development, and early identification of learning differences.
  

• Establish new strategic partnerships with international organizations, universities, research institutions, and development actors.
  

• Facilitate collaborative opportunities that support ADO’s programs, research initiatives, and continental advocacy efforts.
  

• Secure corporate partnerships and sponsorships to support key initiatives such as the Africa Dyslexia Conference, research programs, fellowships, and teacher training initiatives.
  

• Build long-term partnerships with corporate actors interested in advancing inclusive education across Africa.
  

• Establish and maintain a structured pipeline of prospective funders, foundations, and development partners.
  

• Ensure that ADO maintains a continuous pipeline of opportunities to support long-term growth and sustainability.
  

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
  

• Ensure effective stewardship through regular communication, updates, and reporting.
  

• Strengthen ADO’s visibility and credibility within global education and development ecosystems.
  

• Support participation in international networks, partnerships, and platforms that expand opportunities for collaboration and funding.
  

The role is expected to contribute directly to increasing the organization’s annual funding base and diversifying its funding sources, ensuring the Africa Dyslexia Organization can expand its programs, partnerships, and continental impact.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in international development, public policy, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
  

• Minimum of 6–10 years of experience in fundraising, partnerships development, international development, or nonprofit leadership.
  

• Demonstrated success securing grants or institutional funding.
  

• Experience engaging with foundations, development agencies, governments, or corporate partners.
  

• Strong grant writing and proposal development skills.
  

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
  

• Experience working across multiple countries or within international nonprofit environments is an advantage.
  

• Strategic partnership development
  

• Resource mobilization and fundraising strategy
  

• Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy
  

• Grant writing and proposal development
  

• Institutional positioning and advocacy
  

• Cross-cultural collaboration
  

• Organizational growth and sustainability
  

ADO seeks an individual who is deeply committed to advancing inclusive education and addressing hidden barriers to learning across Africa.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong strategic thinking and initiative
  

• The ability to cultivate long-term partnerships across diverse sectors
  

• Excellent communication and representation skills
  

• A strong sense of mission and commitment to social impact
  

The Africa Dyslexia Organization is committed to safeguarding and protecting children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.

All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and professional conduct. The successful candidate will be required to adhere to ADO’s safeguarding policies, including child protection and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).

Background checks and reference verification may be conducted as part of the recruitment process.

The Africa Dyslexia Organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.