Director - Strategic Partnerships & Global Engagement

SMB Services is looking for a Director of Strategic Partnerships & Global Engagement for our client Empower Sports Academy.

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Executive Director

Job Summary

The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement will be a key leadership figure at Empower Sports Academy, responsible for driving fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic initiatives that ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the academy. This role requires a visionary leader, an exceptional communicator, and a strategic thinker who can develop high-impact fundraising campaigns, build institutional partnerships, and expand the global reach of Empower.

This individual will oversee philanthropic development, corporate sponsorships, grant acquisition, and strategic growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with the academy’s mission to empower young female athletes and shape future global sports leaders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth

● Develop and execute short term and long-term strategic plans to drive the fundraising activities, and financial sustainability.

● Identify key opportunities, risks, and areas for expansion, leveraging market insights and global sports development trends.

● Work closely with the executive team and founders to align fundraising goals with programmatic needs, capital projects, and operational priorities.

● Monitor and analyze donor trends, funding landscapes, and nonprofit development strategies to optimize fundraising efforts.

2. Fundraising & Donor Engagement

● Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and philanthropic partnerships.

● Build and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth donors, institutional funders, and global sports organizations to secure long-term financial support.

● Lead capital campaigns, fundraising galas, and donor engagement events to generate financial commitments.

● Oversee the development of grant proposals and funding applications, ensuring alignment with Empower’s mission and long-term objectives.

● Maintain and strengthen donor stewardship programs, ensuring transparency, engagement, and recognition of contributions.

3. Partnerships & Institutional Advancement

● Forge strategic partnerships with corporations, sports federations, universities, and government agencies to expand Empower’s reach and resources.

● Establish relationships with global sports institutions, international funding bodies, and nonprofit networks to position Empower as a premier sports academy.

● Represent Empower at high-profile conferences, networking events, and donor meetings, acting as a key ambassador for the academy.

4. Communications & Brand Positioning

● Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop compelling storytelling campaigns, impact reports, and donor engagement materials.

● Oversee the creation of annual reports, sponsorship decks, and fundraising materials to effectively communicate Empower’s impact.

● Ensure strong brand alignment and messaging across all development and fundraising efforts to enhance visibility and donor engagement.

5. Team Leadership & Development

● Build and lead a high-performing development team, including fundraising officers, grant writers, and donor relations specialists.

● Provide mentorship, coaching, and training to staff to enhance fundraising capacity and donor management expertise.

● Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence in fundraising and strategic development operations.

Qualifications & Experience

● Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Fundraising, or a related field.

● 7+ years of leadership experience in strategic positions.

● Proven track record in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants at significant levels.

● Expertise in capital campaigns, donor cultivation, and philanthropic development strategies.

● Strong ability to develop and execute high-impact fundraising campaigns and events

● Exceptional relationship-building skills with donors, sponsors, and institutional partners preferred

● Experience in strategic planning, scaling, and financial sustainability planning.

● Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.

● Passion for women’s empowerment, sports development, and global education initiatives.

Preferred Skills

● Experience working with international donors, philanthropic foundations, and multinational corporations.

● Knowledge of sports funding, education-based fundraising, or youth development programs.

● Understanding of nonprofit governance, financial management, and legal compliance.

● Ability to leverage digital fundraising tools, CRM platforms, and data analytics to optimize donor engagement.

Compensation & Benefits

● Performance Bonus

● Milestone Bonus (linked to funds raised)

● One U.S. trip every two years (sponsored by the Employer)

Benefits:

● Retirement Plan

● Health Insurance

● Paid Time Off

● Parental Leave

● Referral Program

Why Join Empower Sports Academy?

● Champion a groundbreaking movement that empowers young female athletes in Pakistan - one of the world’s most populous nations - by integrating world-class sports and academic excellence.

● Play a pivotal leadership role in shaping a premier nonprofit academy with global aspirations,

● Work alongside top-tier sports professionals, policymakers, and international organizations dedicated to transforming the landscape of women’s sports.

● Leave a lasting legacy by securing funding that fuels world-class coaching, education, and athletic development for underprivileged female athletes, shaping them into leaders and champions.

About Empower Sports Academy

Empower Sports Academy is an emerging nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of women's sports and education in Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous nation. Our vision is to establish a world-class girls' sports boarding school, providing elite athletic training, top-tier academics, and leadership development to empower young female athletes. Designed to be a center of excellence, Empower aims to develop future Olympians, scholars, and change makers who will elevate Pakistan’s presence on the global stage. The academy plans to integrate cutting-edge sports science, mentorship, and academic rigor to ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel both on and off the field. Through strategic partnerships, global outreach, and a long-term vision, Empower seeks to redefine opportunities for women in sports, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Rs750,000.00 - Rs1,000,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person