Director, International Strategic Initiatives

Joint Commission

About The Position

The Director of International Strategic Initiatives will lead efforts to secure strategic and financial resources and partnerships to mobilize resources to enable our global business operations. Key operational responsibilities in this role will be to position Patient Safety Pathways, a Joint Commission International program launched in 2025 as a unique solution for strengthening patient safety systems, identify and pursue funding opportunities, cultivate relationships with donors and partners, and ensure sustainable support from foundations, corporations, governments, and individual donors. This role will also contribute to JCI’s broader business strategy by providing strategic input on expansion of overall product offerings and optimizing international operations. Key areas of focus may include, but are not limited to, resource utilization, pricing strategies, and insights on operational models to enhance efficiency and strengthen integration across JCI’s international portfolio. This expanded scope ensures the Director supports both the sustainability of the Pathways program and the long-term growth of JCI’s global initiatives. The position will report to the Vice President and Global Chief Patient Safety Officer and will have key relationships with the executive directors of international accreditation, global consulting, as well as the managing directors of Joint Commission International leaders.

Requirements

Advanced level university degree in development studies, international relations, economics, health, diplomacy, business, communications, partnerships, business administration, social sciences, or related fields.
A minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in building external relations, strategic engagement, resource mobilization, fundraising, or partnership management within the non-profit or development sector.
Deep knowledge and strong understanding of the global health architecture and donor landscapes, and extensive relationships with key actors (bilateral, multilateral, foundations, private sector).
Experience working within a multilateral institution, development bank, UN agency, or bilateral development assistance mechanism.
Experience leading high-level stakeholder engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, development banks, UN agencies, and global health finance mechanisms.
Proven ability to influence and shape coalition-building and strategic partnerships.
Proven track record of successful proposal development and donor engagement.
Excellent communication, writing negotiation, and presentation skills, with fluency in written and spoken English.
Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment with cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail.
Strong consultative and advisory skills, with the ability to influence decision-making and support leadership on strategic projects.
Adaptability and flexibility to contribute to evolving organizational priorities and special projects as needed.
Strategic thinking and results orientation.
Excellent relationship management and networking skills.
Creativity and innovation in fundraising approaches.
Financial literacy and budgeting skills.
Strong analytical and research abilities.
High level of integrity and accountability.

Responsibilities

Contribute to defining and promoting JCI Pathways’ evolving role, including the production of related position papers and thought leadership, as well as the design and delivery of targeted advocacy that articulates the program’s unique value proposition.
Coordinate the identification, prioritization, cultivation, development, and management of high-impact, strategic relationships, partnerships and alliances with global platforms/initiatives, governments, development agencies, foundations, philanthropies, corporations, and civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, academia, multilateral organizations, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to create synergies and contribute to a common patient safety and quality agenda and narrative.
Develop and manage stakeholder engagement plans to position JCI Patient Safety Pathways on the global health agenda and develop strategic, institutional partnerships with key stakeholders, including through the elaboration of formal frameworks for collaboration.
Coordinate the missions aimed at developing contributor relationships and mobilizing resources. This includes the planning of executive calendars, alignment of key messages, concept notes and briefing notes to engage with a wide range of partners and donors, as well as talking points and supporting documents for senior management.
Explore opportunities for joint initiatives and resource-sharing collaborations.
Lead the development of a comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy and a “Business Case” for JCI Pathways, and other JCI programming aligned with JCI’s mission and strategic goals. This responsibility includes leading structured resource mobilization efforts as well as the identification, prioritization, building relationships and pursuit of funding opportunities from government, philanthropic, multilateral, institutional funders, corporate sectors and individual donors.
Identify and analyze funding trends and donor priorities to guide fundraising efforts.
Work with internal teams to identify resource needs and develop compelling cases for support.
Support senior management to set annual resource mobilization targets and milestones and monitor progress toward achieving them.
Develop concept notes, funding proposals and associated budgeting, fund-generation and resource mobilization workplan and follow-up the implementation of the plan, including designing and writing materials for communications with different prospective donors and agencies, coordinating across other functions as required.
Maintain an updated database of funding opportunities and donor contacts.
Contribute to the development and processing of agreements in connection with funding opportunities and ensure effective and timely communication, updates and drafting and follow-up in terms of submission of reports to the donors and grant renewal proposals.
Support the drafting and monitoring of donor reports and grant compliance, and preparation and coordination of quality and timely submission of financial and narrative reports.
Undertake all other relevant activities as and when assigned.
Offer strategic input and insights to leadership on initiatives that strengthen JCI’s international operations and business model.
Support projects aimed at evaluating or expanding product and service offerings to meet evolving global market needs.
Provide guidance on resource utilization and pricing considerations to inform decision-making and ensure sustainability.
Contribute to discussions and analyses that enhance operational efficiency and integration across JCI’s international programs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on special projects that align with JCI's global strategy and long-term growth objectives.