Director Global Advancement & Partnerships
Aga Khan Schools
Location: Canada, Switzerland, USA
The Director, Global Advancement & Partnerships leads Aga Khan Schools' global resource mobilisation, strategic partnerships and external engagement agenda, strengthening the organisation's relationships, influence and long-term sustainability. Working closely with the General Manager, the Director develops and implements an integrated Advancement & Partnerships Strategy that mobilises resources, expands partnerships and enhances the reputation and impact of Aga Khan Schools.
The role provides leadership to a globally distributed team across four regions, strengthening organisational capability, aligning regional efforts with global priorities and building systems, frameworks and processes that support sustainable growth. A key initial priority will be establishing and embedding a global Advancement & Partnerships function and developing a strong pipeline of funding and partnership opportunities.
The Director oversees a diversified advancement programme generating more than USD 25 million annually through philanthropy, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, foundations, alumni and community engagement. As a member of the Global Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organisational strategy, institutional sustainability and the continued development of Aga Khan Schools as a globally recognised leader in values-based education.
Learn more about the position here: https://www.agakhanschools.org/Content/career/Director_Global_Advancement_Partnerships.pdf
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the global Advancement & Partnerships function and advise the General Manager and Global Leadership Team on fundraising, partnerships, communications and external engagement.
- Develop and implement an integrated Advancement & Partnerships Strategy that strengthens organisational sustainability, expands strategic relationships and supports the long-term priorities of Aga Khan Schools.
- Lead a diversified global resource mobilisation programme, including philanthropy, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, foundations, alumni engagement and community support.
- Cultivate, steward and strengthen relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, governments and development partners to secure sustainable funding and strategic investment.
- Establish fundraising frameworks, performance measures and reporting systems that support organisational accountability and fundraising effectiveness across the AKS network.
- Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, universities, foundations, corporations, development agencies and civil society organisations to advance educational excellence and organisational impact.
- Foster collaboration across the Aga Khan Development Network and represent AKS in strategic partnership discussions, stakeholder engagements and international forums.
- Develop and implement strategies that strengthen alumni, parent, volunteer and community engagement, promoting lifelong connection, advocacy and philanthropy across the global AKS community.
- Lead the global communications, marketing and brand agenda, ensuring consistent messaging while strengthening the visibility, reputation and influence of Aga Khan Schools.
- Establish effective operating models, systems and standards for advancement, partnerships, alumni engagement and communications, while leading and developing a globally distributed team.
- Contribute as a member of the Global Leadership Team to organisational strategy, institutional sustainability and the continued integration of Aga Khan Schools as a global education system
The successful candidate will be an accomplished and internationally experienced leader with a demonstrated track record of advancing institutional growth, building strategic partnerships, mobilising significant resources and strengthening organisational reputation within complex environments. They will combine strategic vision, entrepreneurial thinking and exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and deliver measurable results.
Essential Requirements
- Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in business, communications, education, philanthropy, international development, public policy or a related field.
- Significant senior leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, external relations or institutional development.
- Proven experience developing and implementing organisation-wide resource mobilisation and partnership strategies that deliver sustainable results.
- Demonstrated success securing major philanthropic, institutional and strategic partnership funding from donors, foundations, corporations, governments and development partners.
- Experience building and sustaining high-value partnerships across multiple stakeholder groups and sectors.
- Experience leading organisational change, building high-performing teams and operating effectively within complex matrix organisations.
- Outstanding communication, influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, supported by strong strategic, commercial and financial judgement.
- Experience using CRM platforms, fundraising technologies and data analytics to support engagement, resource mobilisation and performance management.
- Commitment to values-based leadership, pluralism and improving quality of life through educational excellence.
Desirable
- International experience across multiple countries and cultures.
- Experience within education, higher education or other mission-driven organisations.
- Established networks across philanthropy, government, corporate, education or international development sectors.
- Experience working with volunteer-led organisations, membership-based institutions or complex stakeholder communities.
Above all, the successful candidate will be an inspiring, collaborative and values-driven leader who can build enduring relationships, mobilise diverse stakeholders, secure significant philanthropic and strategic investment, and strengthen the long-term sustainability, influence and impact of Aga Khan Schools.
This position is open to international candidates.
Please apply via the AKDN Career Centre via www.the.akdn/careers/2289417
Closing date 27 September 2026
