Head of Grants and Strategic Partnerships at BURN

About the role

Burn is looking for a Head of Grants and Strategic Partnerships who will play a pivotal role in driving BURN's mission by managing the full grant cycle, cultivating strategic partnerships, and securing funding to support our clean cooking initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Management:

• Manage the complete grant cycle, including solicitation, pre-award, award, monitoring, compliance, reporting, and close-out.
• Research and develop a portfolio of donors to diversify funding sources.
• Identify new funding opportunities, plan, write, prepare, and present grant proposals, including budgets and timelines.
• Complete follow-through and stewardship for multiple grants/gifts, ensuring donor expectations are met.
• Manage the proposal development and submission process, crafting compelling and strategic grant proposals that align with BURN's mission and donor objectives.
• Provide prospective funders with necessary supporting documents.
• Execute tailored solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship plans for each grant to meet revenue goals.

Partnership Development:

• Spearhead the development of strategic global partnerships within the clean cooking sector.
• Provide close relationship management support, including regular check-ins with high-level stakeholders across diverse organizations.
• Identify and develop new strategic partnerships aligned with BURN's company strategy.
• Represent BURN at conferences and events in Kenya and abroad, pitching to external parties.

Pitch Material Design & Development:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to design and develop effective project and partnership proposals.
• Maintain and update pitch materials, which are crucial for securing multi-million-dollar partnerships and projects.

Strategic Projects/Initiatives:

• Assist the Commercial team in planning, implementing, and tracking strategic projects and initiatives across various geographical markets.
• Act as an organizer and liaison between BURN's senior management, commercial, carbon, and special project/grants teams.

Information Gathering:

• Gather critical market information on the clean cooking sector, carbon offsetting market, distribution partners, competitor activity, and aid and development industries.

Reporting/Forecasting:

• Produce regular analytical reports and ad-hoc research papers on key partnerships, business development updates, market landscape, and monthly forecasting and reporting for distribution activities.

Team Management:

• Manage the grants team, providing guidance and support in achieving departmental objectives.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in grant management, partnership development, and business development.
• Proven track record of successfully securing grants and cultivating strategic partnerships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of the clean cooking sector and related markets is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Proficiency in grant management software and databases.
• Willingness to travel as needed.