HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS & ADVANCEMENTS

About Us
Across the continent, learning differences remain one of Africa’s most overlooked drivers of low literacy, school dropout, and unrealized workforce potential. Millions of children and adults with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and related learning differences go unidentified; teachers lack the evidence-based tools required for effective instruction; families face stigma; and education and workforce systems lose talent they cannot afford to waste.

Africa Dyslexia Organization promotes multi-sensory learning, talent development, and equal opportunities for individuals with dyslexia and related learning differences across Africa. We work to unlock their potential by providing multi-sensory approaches, supporting talent growth, and creating pathways to academic and professional success. Our solutions equip families and educators, influence policy, and guide workplaces to better support dyslexic individuals. ADO challenges stigma and advances inclusive environments where every learner has access to the support they need. We align our work with SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 10 to promote equitable education, decent work, and reduced inequality.

Job Description
The Head of Partnerships and Advancement will lead the Africa Dyslexia Organization’s efforts to build strategic partnerships, mobilize resources, and strengthen the organization’s global institutional positioning.

This role is central to ADO’s growth and sustainability. The successful candidate will identify and cultivate partnerships with foundations, development agencies, governments, universities, and corporate institutions while securing financial support for the organization’s programs and continental initiatives.

The position requires an individual who is entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly relationship-oriented, with experience navigating international development ecosystems and building partnerships that advance social impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Resource Mobilization

• Develop and implement ADO’s fundraising and resource mobilization strategy.
  
  
• Identify funding opportunities from philanthropic foundations, bilateral donors, development agencies, and corporate partners.
  
  
• Lead the development of grant proposals, concept notes, and institutional funding applications.
  
  
• Cultivate relationships with donors to secure both restricted program funding and flexible institutional support.
  
  
• Develop funding pipelines for research initiatives, teacher training programs, technology innovation, and continental convenings.
  
  

Strategic Partnerships Development

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with governments, universities, research institutions, and international organizations.
  
  
• Build collaborative relationships with education networks working on foundational learning, literacy development, and inclusive education.
  
  
• Support the development of partnerships for ADO’s major initiatives, including conferences, fellowships, research programs, and digital platforms.
  
  
• Represent ADO in partnership meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
  
  

Institutional Advancement and Visibility

• Strengthen ADO’s global positioning as a leading organization addressing dyslexia and learning differences in Africa.
  
  
• Support the development of institutional communications, thought leadership materials, and partnership briefs.
  
  
• Work closely with the Executive Director to cultivate relationships with high-level stakeholders across philanthropy, education, and policy sectors.
  
  
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term institutional growth.
  
  

Corporate and Sponsorship Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with corporate organizations to support ADO’s programs, research initiatives, and continental conferences.
  
  
• Lead sponsorship outreach for events such as the Africa Dyslexia Conference and other ADO convenings.
  
  
• Build long-term partnerships with companies interested in advancing inclusive education and social impact.
  
  

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Manage relationships with existing donors and institutional partners.
  
  
• Ensure timely donor reporting, updates, and stewardship communication.
  
  
• Maintain systems to track funding opportunities, proposals, and donor engagement.
  
  
• Work closely with program and finance teams to ensure compliance with donor requirements.

Expected Outcomes 

The Head of Partnerships and Advancement will be responsible for securing new resources and strengthening strategic partnerships that support the Africa Dyslexia Organization’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will be expected to deliver the following outcomes:

1. Funding Mobilization

Secure new financial resources that contribute directly to the organization’s sustainability, including:

• Institutional grants from philanthropic foundations and development agencies
  
  
• Program funding for ADO initiatives and research activities
  
  
• Core or unrestricted funding to strengthen the organization’s operational capacity
  
  
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorships supporting ADO programs and events
  
  

The role is expected to generate significant new funding commitments within the first year through successful grant applications, sponsorship agreements, and institutional partnerships.

2. Grant Development and Submissions

• Develop and submit multiple high-quality grant proposals and concept notes to foundations, development partners, and philanthropic institutions.
  
  
• Identify and pursue major funding opportunities aligned with ADO’s work in inclusive education, teacher capacity building, literacy development, and early identification of learning differences.

3. Strategic Partnership Expansion

• Establish new strategic partnerships with international organizations, universities, research institutions, and development actors.
  
  
• Facilitate collaborative opportunities that support ADO’s programs, research initiatives, and continental advocacy efforts.

4. Corporate and Institutional Sponsorships

• Secure corporate partnerships and sponsorships to support key initiatives such as the Africa Dyslexia Conference, research programs, fellowships, and teacher training initiatives.
  
  
• Build long-term partnerships with corporate actors interested in advancing inclusive education across Africa.

5. Funding Pipeline Development

• Establish and maintain a structured pipeline of prospective funders, foundations, and development partners.
  
  
• Ensure that ADO maintains a continuous pipeline of opportunities to support long-term growth and sustainability.

6. Strengthened Donor Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
  
  
• Ensure effective stewardship through regular communication, updates, and reporting.

7. Institutional Positioning

• Strengthen ADO’s visibility and credibility within global education and development ecosystems.
  
  
• Support participation in international networks, partnerships, and platforms that expand opportunities for collaboration and funding.

Key Result Expectation

The role is expected to contribute directly to increasing the organization’s annual funding base and diversifying its funding sources, ensuring the Africa Dyslexia Organization can expand its programs, partnerships, and continental impact.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in international development, public policy, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in fundraising, partnerships development, international development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated success securing grants or institutional funding.