Philanthropy Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Manager, Philanthropy & Partnerships to support the philanthropic initiatives of our CEO. This role will be responsible for designing, managing, and amplifying high-impact philanthropic projects that align with the CEO’s vision for social good. The ideal candidate will be passionate about sustainable development, experienced in social impact programming, and skilled in building partnerships across sectors. This is an individual contributor role with high visibility and influence, requiring excellent judgment, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategy & Program Management

• Design and manage philanthropic programs in line with the CEO’s social impact priorities, such as education, women’s empowerment, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
• Conduct due diligence, market research, and needs assessments to inform strategy and ensure alignment with regional and global trends.
• Lead the implementation and delivery of large-scale projects in the Middle East , ensuring efficiency, accountability, and measurable results.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance, impact, and effectiveness, ensuring learning and adaptation are embedded throughout the project lifecycle.

Partnership Development

• Cultivate and manage relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders including foundations, nonprofits, academic institutions , multilateral agencies, social enterprises, and government bodies.
• Identify co-funding and collaboration opportunities with aligned organizations to scale impact.
• Represent the CEO and the organization at relevant forums, events, and high-level partnership meetings.

Content, Thought Leadership & Communications

• Develop compelling content, case studies, and impact narratives for internal and external use, including digital platforms, events, and media.
• Support the planning and execution of philanthropy-focused convenings, roundtables, and knowledge-sharing forums.
• Track trends in strategic philanthropy, social investment, and regional development to ensure relevance and leadership positioning.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables for key philanthropic initiatives.
• Oversee grant making processes, including proposal review, reporting frameworks, and milestone tracking.
• Liaise closely with internal departments to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals, particularly in sustainability, CSR, and stakeholder engagement.

Minimum Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, or international development, including at least 5 years in the Middle East region .
• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and managing social impact programs across sectors such as education, community development, climate, or youth empowerment.
• Strong experience building partnerships with stakeholders across public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions .
• Proven expertise in project management and program implementation , with the ability to deliver results on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable insights and narratives.
• Proven track record of working independently in fast-paced environments, with a high degree of professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and discretion.