Head of Strategic Partnerships

November 8

🗽 New York – Remote

Although this job is listed in New York, this company may be open to hiring remote in other states.

💵 $120k - $165k / year

⏰ Full Time

🔴 Lead

💰 Account Manager

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SPUN | Society for the Protection of Underground Networks

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Fungal networks support much of life on Earth. SPUN is a science-based initiative founded to map fungal networks and advocate for their protection.

11 - 50 employees

📋 Description

• Proactively identify and qualify potential partners in conservation, restoration, agriculture, climate mitigation, biodiversity monitoring and reporting, technology, and related sectors. • Lead initial conversations and needs assessments to determine alignment and mutual value. • Design partnership frameworks that leverage SPUN's scientific capabilities (data, methodologies, research networks) to address partner priorities. • Draft, negotiate, and finalize partnership agreements, MOUs, and collaborative frameworks. • Independently represent SPUN in high-level partnership discussions with senior leaders from NGOs, corporations, technology companies, and international organizations. • Manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities from initial contact through formalization and implementation. • Track and communicate partnership outcomes, particularly regarding data integration and on-the-ground impact. • Work closely with the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer to align partnership strategy with organizational priorities. • Translate SPUN's scientific outputs into compelling value propositions for different partner types. • Identify opportunities to integrate mycorrhizal data and methodologies into existing frameworks (e.g., MRV systems, carbon accounting standards, conservation protocols, biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems, technology platforms). • Explore technology partnerships that could enhance data accessibility, analysis, or application. • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure partnership deliverables are feasible and well-executed. • Monitor partnership performance and adapt strategies based on outcomes. • Contribute to funding proposals where partnership expertise strengthens the narrative. • Support board engagement on partnership strategy and key opportunities. • Represent SPUN at conferences, convenings, and public forums.

🎯 Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience in partnership development, business development, or similar roles, preferably in environmental science, conservation, or climate sectors. • Scientific foundation : Minimum of Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field; demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts. • Proven track record of independently developing and formalizing meaningful partnerships or strategic agreements, ideally in environmental or scientific sectors. • Deep knowledge of at least two of the following: ecosystem services valuation, conservation finance, regenerative agriculture, climate policy frameworks, carbon markets/MRV, biodiversity monitoring and reporting frameworks, environmental data systems. • Exceptional communication skills : ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences from scientists to corporate executives to foundation officers to board members. • Contract and negotiation experience : comfortable drafting and negotiating partnership terms. • Senior-level presence : can credibly represent organizational strategy in high-level conversations without supervision. • Self-directed and entrepreneurial : thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment with evolving priorities. • Comfort with public speaking : able to represent SPUN at conferences, panels, and partner events.

🏖️ Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage : 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums covered for employees, plus dependent coverage support. • Wellness & Lifestyle Support : Annual health stipend, flexible spending account (for US-based employees), monthly work-from-home allowance, and wellness days built into your year. • Generous Time Off : Minimum of 25 vacation days per year (plus local holidays), unlimited paid time off as needed, sick leave, and wellness days to recharge. • Volunteer Days : Paid time each year to contribute your skills and energy to causes you care about. • Professional Growth : Annual professional development allowance to invest in your learning, skills, and career progression. • Workspace & Tools : Hardware allowance to get you set up and annual workspace allowance to create a productive environment wherever you are. • Celebrating You : Annual birthday meal stipend so you can celebrate on us. • Global Consistency, Local Care : Benefits tailored to local laws while ensuring everyone has access to the same high-quality standard of support across our organization.