Director of Strategic Partnerships

Business Title: Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

Location: Remote, located within US

Reporting to: CEO

Job Type: Full-time Position (Exempt)

Did you know that corneal blindness is the third leading cause of international blindness, yet it doesn’t get the global recognition it deserves? We see the problem, and we’re committed to bringing awareness to the issue. We are KeraLink International (KLI), and we believe every eye matters. In the company’s 62 years, we have successfully completed our initial mission of eliminating corneal blindness in the U.S., and we're taking our mission international for those suffering corneal blindness in low- and middle-income countries. Our first stop outside the U.S. is India.

Though we have a rich legacy, we are in the process of rebranding and expanding our services, so the ideal candidate should be accustomed to and excited to work in a start-up environment.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to play an instrumental role in discovering, developing, and deploying revolutionary yet sustainable and affordable technologies and procedures for the prevention, early detection, and novel treatment of corneal injury, disease, and blindness. Continue reading to learn more about the role and responsibilities and how you can help an often forgotten condition at KeraLink International.

Purpose:

This position plays a pivotal role in our organization's strategic development and growth by overseeing the creation, implementation, and management of programs, as well as fostering and managing partnerships. Seeking a dynamic individual with a strong background in program management, partnership development, and strategic planning.

Experience working at a 501(c)(3) organization is imperative for this role, as the incumbent must possess a deep understanding of the charitable landscape to cultivate impactful programs and partnerships and adeptly gauge their effectiveness.

Demonstrated experience in startup environments. An individual capable of not only devising strategic initiatives but also implementing them with precision.

Expertise in forging partnerships within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stands as a pivotal criterion.

The ability to craft impactful narratives that resonate with KeraLink’s vision, highlight the organization's mission and objectives, and strategically identify and collaborate with

partners or programs to realize these narratives. Work closely with the marketing team to integrate these “use cases” into comprehensive storytelling initiatives, ensure that each narrative reflects the desired outcome, and contribute to the organization’s overarching goals and programmatic success.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Program Development:

• Lead the development of innovative programs aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify programmatic needs and opportunities.

• Design comprehensive program frameworks, including goals, objectives, timelines, and evaluation metrics.

• Oversee the execution of programs, ensuring alignment with established objectives and budgetary constraints.

• Continuously assess program effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Partnership Management:

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, and key stakeholders.

• Negotiate partnership agreements and contracts, ensuring mutual benefit and alignment with organizational objectives.

• Collaborate with partners to develop joint initiatives, campaigns, and projects.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for partner organizations, fostering positive and productive relationships.

• Monitor partnership performance and identify opportunities for expansion or refinement.

Strategic Planning:

• Contribute to the development of the organization's strategic plan, particularly as it relates to programmatic growth and partnership development.

• Provide strategic guidance and insight to senior leadership based on industry trends, stakeholder feedback, and organizational goals.

• Participate in long-term planning exercises, helping to shape the organization's direction and priorities.

Communication and Reporting:

• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders, providing updates on programmatic activities, partnership initiatives, and strategic developments.

• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, board members, and funders, highlighting program outcomes, KPIs, partnership successes, and future plans.

• Represent the organization at conferences, events, and meetings, showcasing our programs and partnerships to external audiences.

Key Qualifications, Requirements and Attributes:

You must have at least 10 years of experience in program management, partnership development, or related areas.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred but not required.

• Additional certifications or training in program management, partnership development, or related areas are advantageous.

• Proven experience in program management, partnership development, or related areas.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience working in the nonprofit sector or with mission-driven organizations is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies is a plus.

• A self-starter able to work independently and on their own initiative.

• Ambitious, innovative, and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Flexibility to shift working hours to accommodate teams abroad. Some domestic/international travel.

• Driven to deliver outstanding results and committed to KeraLink’s mission and vision.

• Management experience is preferred.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.

Expectations/Outcomes:

Program Success:

• Demonstrate measurable progress towards program goals and objectives outlined in program frameworks.

• Increase program participation and engagement levels among target audiences year over year.

• Enhance program effectiveness through regular evaluation and refinement based on data-driven insights.

Partnership Growth:

• Expand the organization's network of strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders and organizations.

• Develop mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to the organization's mission and goals.

• Increase collaboration and joint initiatives with partner organizations, leading to enhanced impact and reach.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance

• Health Savings Account with Company Match

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Short-term and Long-term Disability

• Paid Time Off

• 403b Retirement Plan with Company Match