Director of Business Development

Freedom House • Washington, DC

31d • $110,000 • Remote

About The Position

Freedom House works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, antidemocratic forces are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. Freedom House strives to create a world where all people are free. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance. Established nearly 80 years ago to respond to the threats posed by fascism, we know there is no more powerful force for the development of human society than democracy. Working as an independent watchdog organization dedicated to defending and expanding freedom and democracy around the world, Freedom House is notable for its?nonpartisan character and commitment to maintaining support for its mission across political divides. We believe that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms of expression, association, and belief, as well as respect for the rights of women, minorities, and historically marginalized groups, are guaranteed. Freedom House conducts analysis and reporting on current threats and opportunities related to democracy and freedom. This reporting frames the policy debate in the United States and abroad on the progress and decline of freedom. Freedom House's flagship publication? Freedom in the World ?is the standard-setting comparative assessment of global political rights and civil liberties. Freedom House also produces other reports, including? Freedom on the Net ,? Nations in Transit ,? Freedom and the Media , the? China Media Bulletin , as well as periodic special reports. Freedom House advocates for leadership, particularly by the US Government, to vigorously oppose dictators and oppression, and strengthen democracy at home and around the world. We amplify the voices of those struggling for freedom in repressive societies and counter authoritarian efforts to weaken international scrutiny of their regimes. Freedom House's programs support human rights and democracy advocates in their efforts to promote open government, defend human rights, strengthen civil society, and facilitate the free flow of information and ideas.?We assist through grants and programs that provide emergency support, training, and support to courageous defenders around the world. ?In addition, Freedom House helps through advocacy and visible demonstrations of solidarity on behalf of counterparts abroad.? Freedom House has 13 field offices, two US offices (Washington, D.C. and New York City, N.Y.), and a global staff of nearly 200, including contractors. The organization's operating budget is roughly $35?million, with a blend of public (coming from United States Government sources such as USAID and the Department of State) and private (individuals, foundations, and corporations) support. POSITION SUMMARY Working closely with other Freedom House (FH) staff, the Director of Business Development leads the organization's public sector business development initiatives for FH's democracy and human rights activities around the globe. The position requires a candidate with deep knowledge of business development vis--vis the U.S. Government, particularly the U.S. State Department and USAID, and/or programmatic experience in the democracy, rights and governance (DRG) sector. The candidate must have a proven record of developing and implementing successful nonprofit business development strategies that encompass strong and productive relationships with key donors; collaborating and working across teams to design high quality funding proposals and budgets; and developing a robust pipeline of funding proposals and new awards. The Director will lead and shape the organization's nascent business development team, currently consisting of two additional staff. Applications received by August 27 will receive full consideration.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, or related field required; master's degree or equivalent in political science, international relations, or related field strongly preferred
• Other qualifications: At least 12 years' experience working in international development; USG experience required ; business development experience including proposal development and drafting experience required; DRG experience strongly preferred
• Expertise in USAID and U.S. State Department award development processes, negotiations, and rules and regulations; professional networks that include staff from USAID, State Department and other public sector donors, especially in DRG-related offices
• Demonstrated track record of winning large USAID and U.S. State Department awards, including Leader with Associates and/or Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity mechanisms; experience with other public sector donors a plus
• Experience reviewing and contributing to cost proposals, including preparing budgets, budget narratives, and other documents
• Understanding of donor and industry trends, as well as competitive landscape
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience ensuring DEI issues are considered in program design, key personnel recruitment, partnership development, etc.
• Outstanding English written communication and editing skills
• Experience facilitating training and group decision-making processes
• Experience leading and managing staff, including minimum of two years managing mid- to-senior level staff. Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff.
• Strong ability to lead by example, with integrity, purpose, and commitment to attainment of FH goals
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership. Based on knowledge and analysis of public sector funding opportunities and the competitive landscape, lead the design of a public sector business development strategy and targets in line with FH's mission, strategic framework, and areas of specialization. Provide guidance to programmatic staff on how to best position FH to win the select awards we pursue. Provide input on strategy to executive team through VP-level supervisor.
• Strategy implementation. Lead the implementation of the business development strategy and new opportunities policy by positioning FH for identified opportunities, establishing processes for proposal development, nurturing partnerships with other DRG implementing organizations, and leading colleagues to produce high quality, winning proposals.
• Program design. Lead the program design process for proposals, including facilitating proposal team kickoff meetings, reviewing program logic frameworks, and ensuring the incorporation of evidence, standardized FH approaches, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles in proposals.
• Proposal management and process development. Resource bids and manage the proposal process to ensure the submission of high quality technical and cost proposals. Develop and standardize business development processes in line with industry best practices.
• Proposal training and writing. Train staff on proposal writing, and review and provide input into proposals prior to submission to ensure consistently high quality. Assist with proposal writing, editing, and budget development as needed.
• Resource development . Oversee development of business development resources and marketing documents, including capability statements, one-pagers, and templates.
• Business development data analysis. Analyze proposal win/loss trends and apply what is learned to strengthen FH's business development approaches and proposals; track and analyze USG strategies and trends to identify how to best position FH's programmatic work.
• Staff management and collaboration. Manage two direct reports and work collaboratively with staff across FH to produce winning proposals. Participate in FH activities geared toward organizational success and strength, including cross-team collaboration activities, periodic strategic reviews, and DEI integration.
• Travel. Travel domestically and overseas on occasional ad hoc basis, as needed (significant overseas travel is not anticipated, and is paused during COVID).

Benefits

• Freedom House provides a strong benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision premiums, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees