Job Description

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Volunteer Role*
Remote/Homebased*

Organisational Overview

Project Yananai is a nonprofit organisation, with Christian values, committed to empowering individuals in underserved communities through adult education, sustainable skills development, and humanitarian aid. Operating in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Project Yananai is scaling its global impact via a robust Strategic Growth and Impact Plan, supported by a highly collaborative Global Executive Leadership Team and National Management Teams.

Role Purpose

The Director of Corporate Partnerships is accountable for the strategic development, management, and growth of Project Yananai's global portfolio of corporate partnerships. The post holder will identify, secure, and steward high-value, multi-dimensional partnerships that drive financial, technical, and in-kind support for the organisation and its National Management Teams. A core focus will be securing technical resourcing and capacity-building support from corporate partners to enhance operational delivery and programmatic impact across all countries of operation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development

Lead the creation and execution of a global corporate partnerships strategy, aligned with Project Yananai's mission, values, and strategic objectives. Identify, research, and prioritise prospective corporate partners across sectors and geographies with shared values and complementary expertise. Design compelling partnership propositions and value cases that drive mutual benefit and long-term engagement.

Securing Technical Resourcing & Capacity Support

Develop partnership models that include technical resourcing, skills transfer, and capacity-building elements for National Management Teams. Negotiate partnership agreements that secure pro bono support, secondments, advisory services, and technology/knowledge transfer for Project Yananai's operations and programmes. Work collaboratively with National Management Teams to assess, articulate, and fulfil their technical and operational needs through tailored corporate support.

Relationship Management & Stewardship

Serve as the primary relationship manager for key corporate partners, ensuring high levels of satisfaction, engagement, and sustained support. Oversee the delivery of partnership commitments, including project implementation, technical support, reporting, and recognition. Develop and implement stewardship plans, including regular communications, impact reports, and strategic partner engagement events.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Work closely with the Chair of Trustees, Global Executive Leadership Team, and National Management Teams to align partnership activities with organisational priorities and local contexts. Collaborate with programme, communications, and fundraising teams to integrate corporate partnership opportunities into wider organisational initiatives and campaigns. Act as a champion for corporate partnerships, building internal understanding and capacity for partnership working across all levels of Project Yananai.

Governance, Reporting & Learning

Establish and monitor KPIs for corporate partnership performance, growth, and impact. Prepare regular reports and presentations for the Chair of Trustees, Board, and other stakeholders on partnership outcomes, pipeline, and strategic recommendations. Ensure all partnerships comply with organisational policies, ethical guidelines, and relevant laws and regulations. Lead on learning and continuous improvement, sharing best practices and innovations in corporate engagement across the organisation.

Representation & Advocacy

Represent Project Yananai at international forums, conferences, and meetings with corporates, sector bodies, and other key stakeholders. Advocate for the role of private sector engagement in sustainable development and humanitarian impact.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, International Relations, or related field strongly preferred. Minimum 10 years' experience in corporate partnerships, business development, or strategic relationship management, with at least 5 years in a senior/executive role. Demonstrated success in securing and managing high-value, multi-faceted partnerships with multinational corporates or foundations, ideally in an international context. Proven expertise in negotiating complex partnership agreements, particularly those involving technical support, capacity building, or shared value creation.

Skills & Competencies

Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills. Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen, with the ability to align corporate interests with nonprofit impact. Excellent communication, presentation, and proposal-writing abilities. Highly collaborative, with proven ability to work effectively across functions, cultures, and geographies. Innovative and solutions-oriented, with a track record of developing new partnership models. High integrity, professionalism, and alignment with Project Yananai's mission and values.

Desirable Attributes

Experience working with or for corporates in sectors relevant to Project Yananai's mission (e.g., education, technology, sustainability, humanitarian response). Knowledge of the development landscape in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Experience in capacity building, technical assistance, or pro bono programme management.

Key Relationships

Chief Executive Officer Global Executive Leadership Team (Peer Collaboration) National Management Teams (India, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe) Corporate partners and sector stakeholders

Empower communities. Transform lives. Make a positive and sustainable difference!

Project Yananai is a charity registered in England and Wales number 1209060 and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

Store discount
Application question(s):

How many years experience do you have working in a senior or executive-level role in corporate partnerships? How many high-value (>USD 500,000) corporate partnerships have you personally secured in the past 5 years? Do you have any experience delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in a commercial/professional or non-profit/voluntary capacity? This is a voluntary role. Do you have availability (6-10hrs/week) to attend to matters and carry out or delegate responsibilites for effective role execution?
Work Location: Remote