CIFF seeks a Director of Partnerships to lead global philanthropic collaborations and resource mobilization. Hybrid role in London. Apply by November 19.
Location: Hybrid, London, England
Category: Full-time | Executive Leadership
Application Deadline: 19 November
🚀 Empowering Global Change Through Strategic Partnerships
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), one of the world’s leading philanthropic institutions dedicated to improving the lives of children, is seeking a visionary leader to join its CEO Office as the Director of Partnerships.
This pivotal role sits at the heart of CIFF’s mission — mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships that accelerate global change in health, education, and climate resilience. Unlike traditional fundraising roles, this position focuses on mobilizing capital for CIFF’s mission priorities, shaping long-term collaborations that transform systems and create sustainable impact for children worldwide.
🌱 About CIFF
Founded with the belief that every child deserves a fair start in life, CIFF operates as an endowed foundation, funding bold, evidence-based initiatives across multiple sectors. With a strong presence in global development, CIFF partners with governments, philanthropies, and financial institutions to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges — from climate change to child malnutrition.
Its work is rooted in rigorous data, measurable outcomes, and an unwavering commitment to equity and sustainability.
💡 The Role: Leading CIFF’s Global Partnership Strategy
The Director of Partnerships will be instrumental in designing and executing a foundation-wide strategy that mobilizes financial and political capital through partnerships with philanthropies, official development agencies, impact investors, and private financial institutions.
Working closely with the CEO, the role combines high-level strategy with hands-on leadership, focusing on:
- Developing and implementing CIFF’s global partnerships strategy.
- Mobilizing blended and outcome-based financing mechanisms (such as social impact bonds and development impact bonds).
- Negotiating large-scale partnerships with multilateral development banks (MDBs), family offices, and institutional funders.
- Strengthening advocacy to influence political will and sustainable financing for children’s welfare.
This is a leadership role that merges policy influence, financial innovation, and strategic collaboration — ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of philanthropy, finance, and global development.
🧭 Strategic Influence and CEO Advisory
The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing strategic insights into political landscapes, global financing trends, and emerging opportunities.
Responsibilities include:
- Delivering actionable recommendations that shape CIFF’s engagement strategy.
- Curating high-impact external opportunities for the CEO and Chairman to enhance CIFF’s global profile.
- Preparing compelling speeches, briefings, and thought leadership materials that strengthen CIFF’s position as a trusted philanthropic partner.
This close collaboration with leadership ensures that CIFF’s influence extends beyond grant-making — into the global corridors where real policy and funding decisions are made.
🤝 Leadership, Capacity Building & Collaboration
Internally, the Director will lead and mentor a distributed Partnerships team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Key leadership responsibilities include:
- Building the team’s capabilities in partnership negotiation and advocacy.
- Overseeing systems and processes (including CRM tools) that improve efficiency and relationship management.
- Driving alignment and performance through regular strategy check-ins and progress reviews.
This role is designed for a natural connector and mentor — someone who can unite diverse teams and partners under a shared mission of improving children’s futures.
🌐 Partnership Management & Resource Mobilization
The Director of Partnerships will manage a portfolio of high-value relationships across sectors — from governments and development banks to philanthropic networks and impact investors.
They will:
- Lead on partnership development across Asia, Africa, and the Gulf.
- Support CIFF’s grantees in strengthening their fundraising capabilities.
- Ensure that all partnerships align with CIFF’s broader mission and deliver measurable results.
This means going beyond financial transactions — cultivating long-term, systemic collaborations that address the root causes of inequality and environmental degradation.
🧠 Who Should Apply
CIFF is seeking an experienced and visionary leader who is both strategic and hands-on, with deep expertise in advocacy, partnership development, and capital mobilization.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Proven experience in strategic partnership management, innovative financing, or advocacy at senior levels.
- A strong understanding of blended finance, social impact bonds, or similar tools in development contexts.
- Success in negotiating partnerships with MDBs, DFIs, family offices, or philanthropic institutions.
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A global mindset and experience working across CIFF’s priority regions.
Backgrounds from organizations such as the Gates Foundation, UNICEF, Gavi, or private wealth banks advising on impact investing are particularly valued.
🎯 Required Skills & Attributes
- Excellent leadership and people management abilities.
- Strong analytical thinking and political awareness.
- High financial literacy and data-driven decision-making.
- A self-starter attitude with resilience and agility.
- Experience in delivering business process improvements.
The successful candidate will bring not only technical expertise but also inspiration, diplomacy, and a passion for systemic change.
💼 Benefits & Working Culture
CIFF operates a hybrid working model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service).
- A discretionary annual bonus.
- Training and wellbeing allowances.
- Life and medical insurance coverage.
The organization places strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, professional development, and work-life balance, making CIFF a truly rewarding place to work.
🕒 Application Details
Deadline: Wednesday, 19 November
Please note: CIFF may close the advert early if sufficient applications are received.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by submitting a resume and cover letter via the official CIFF careers portal.
🌍 Equal Opportunity Commitment
CIFF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The foundation values diversity and inclusion at every level, and employment decisions are made solely based on merit, qualifications, and performance.
The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees — regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or background — can thrive and contribute meaningfully to its global mission.
💬 Ready to Shape the Future?
If you’re a bold, strategic thinker with a passion for global partnerships and systemic change — this is your chance to influence the future of global philanthropy.
👉 Apply Now
Call to Action
Stay connected with more global opportunities in innovation, sustainability, and social impact:
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click here to join
Join our Telegram Channel: Click here to join
