Director of Strategic Partnerships

MATHCOUNTS, the nation’s premier nonprofit dedicated to middle school mathematics, is seeking a Director of Strategic Partnerships to help us deliver on our vital mission of inspiring excellence, confidence and curiosity in US middle school students through fun and challenging math programs. Our team is growing—you can be a part of our expansion as we serve even more students!

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is a skilled fundraiser and communicator who will carry out a variety of duties to help us make the case for funding MATHCOUNTS to current and prospective corporate sponsors and major donors. A background in STEM is not required, but a desire to improve attitudes about math for middle school students is essential.

Responsibilities include:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships has 2 primary goals: (1) to maintain or expand annual funding from 10-15 existing sponsors, and (2) to diversify funding streams by cultivating new partnerships and creating new funding opportunities that resonate with prospective sponsors. Activities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct online research and network with connections to learn more about existing and potential sponsors.
• Develop strategies to align MATHCOUNTS needs with sponsor priorities and achieve win-win partnerships. Stay informed of sponsor needs to adapt strategies, as needed.
• Write/create and submit fundraising-related communications, including grant applications, sponsorship contracts, letters of interest/intent, proposals, impact reports and slide decks.
• Present at meetings and events (both virtual and in-person) with sponsorship decision-makers and other key stakeholders.
• Work with communications team to carry out year-round plan to recognize all existing sponsors on various print and digital platforms.
• Proofread and edit fundraising-related communications completed by others on staff, including the annual report and monthly sponsor updates.

Local travel may be required to meet with sponsor contacts. Travel outside the DC-MD-VA area may be required (up to 4 times during the year) for events or major meetings, including the 5-day National Competition event, which takes place each May.

Candidate must possess:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7+ years of relevant experience and a demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals.
• Familiarity with community investment/CSR practices and fundraising experience in various industries.
• The right mix of creativity and pragmatism to develop fundraising approaches that are imaginative but feasible.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and work with a diverse group of sponsor contacts, volunteers, vendors and staff.
• Ability to learn quickly and incorporate feedback readily.
• Ability to analyze data and make judgement calls about the best approach to take in a situation.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to write high-quality messages quickly without needing to rely on AI tools.
• Experience with public speaking and networking with various audiences.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills with the motivation, independence and confidence to balance multiple partnerships simultaneously and achieve results.
• Eagerness to learn and high comfort level using technology such as Microsoft Office.
• The desire to be part of a cohesive team that continuously strives for excellence.

Ideal candidate will possess:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Planner, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign.
• Experience with math, education or STEM extracurricular programs.
• Experience in a fast-paced, small non-profit setting with “departments of one.”