[Hiring] Partnerships Director @Water Mission

Role Description

The Partnerships Director will intentionally build and grow long-term relationships with key partners and prospective partners throughout the Midwest, inviting them into meaningful financial partnerships with Water Mission. As a member of Water Mission’s Investor Partnerships (IP) team, this individual will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals and families with the capacity and desire to invest significantly in Water Mission’s mission.

The Partnerships Director will be responsible for developing and managing a healthy, diversified portfolio of partners and prospects with an annual fundraising goal of $2 million or more. Success requires both exceptional care for existing partners and a proactive commitment to identifying and developing new relationships that will strengthen the portfolio and provide sustainable, year-over-year growth.

Through intentional relationship-building, the Partnerships Director will seek to understand each partner’s passions, interests, and philanthropic objectives; connect those interests with opportunities to advance Water Mission’s mission; invite partners to make meaningful financial investments; and keep them thanked, connected, informed, and valued. The Partnerships Director will help partners see the impact of their generosity in bringing safe water and the hope of God’s love to people in need around the world.

This full-time position reports to the Director of Partnerships and will be based in the assigned Midwest territory, in the Dallas–Fort Worth or Denver areas, and Chicago may also be considered.

Qualifications

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s principles of biblical stewardship and commitment to its mission.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree and/or CFRE designation beneficial, but not required.

Requirements

• Ability to travel approximately 60–80 nights annually, including domestic and international travel as necessary.
• If remote, a minimum of three annual trips to Water Mission’s Charleston headquarters may also be required.
• Demonstrated track record of success in major gift fundraising, including personally identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant gifts and consistently achieving ambitious fundraising goals.
• Experience managing a $1 million+ annual portfolio is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop new relationships and build a pipeline of prospective major partners, in addition to stewarding and growing existing relationships.
• Experience managing a portfolio of donors, partners, or clients with clear goals, relationship strategies, consistent follow-through, and measurable results.
• Comfortable and confident initiating relationships, discussing philanthropy, presenting significant giving opportunities, and making direct financial asks.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to listen well, understand a partner’s interests and motivations, and connect those interests with meaningful opportunities for impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate Water Mission’s mission and impact clearly, warmly, and persuasively.
• Highly self-motivated and accountable, with the discipline to manage a portfolio, prioritize high-value activities, and consistently follow through on commitments.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across the organization.
• Ability to work in a highly fluid environment, respond to changing requests, and manage competing priorities.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when working with partners and confidential information.
• Experience with Virtuous or a comparable CRM is beneficial but not required.
• Flexibility to work periodic evenings and weekends as required for partner engagement, events, and ministry operations.
• Home internet bandwidth is sufficient to support video conferencing and other job-related responsibilities.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan options.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development.