Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Advancement

Summary

Join Taproot Foundation as their first-ever Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Advancement to lead their next chapter in expanding pro bono services. This role is more than fundraising; it involves designing and executing a modern advancement strategy that integrates philanthropy, partnerships, and innovative funding models. You will build relationships, strategies, and narratives to attract support, working with foundations, corporations, and changemakers. The position requires driving revenue growth, leading a small team, and collaborating across departments. Success in this role demands strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Taproot's values. This is a chance to shape the future of pro bono service and make a significant impact on the social sector.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in development, strategic partnerships, external affairs, or a similar externally facing leadership role
• Proven success securing significant support from foundations, corporations, and/or government entities
• Experience leading strategy in matrixed or collaborative environments with shared revenue responsibilities
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences and move people to action
• Strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit—you see the big picture and know how to execute
• Proven ability to lead through influence—building alignment and trust across teams and stakeholders
• Ease and enthusiasm for adopting tech tools that drive efficiency, quality, and impact—as well as a commitment to helping others do the same
• Comfort with CRMs, forecasting tools, and data to guide decisions and demonstrate progress
• A team-first approach and a deep belief in Taproot’s values: Pragmatic Optimism, Impact Orientation, Playful Professionalism, and Progress

Responsibilities

• Drive Revenue and Strategic Growth
• Build and lead a cross-enterprise advancement function that integrates fundraising and partnerships
• Identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of foundation, corporate, and individual supporters—aligned to a clear annual revenue target
• Develop and execute partnership strategies that unlock new resources, grow Taproot’s visibility, and deepen field impact
• Own select funder and partner relationships while coordinating with other Taproot leaders who maintain primary relationships with key clients and funders
• Design new investment and collaboration models, from co-branded initiatives to campaign-based strategies
• Ensure the development of high-quality proposals and reporting, aligning funder priorities with Taproot’s strategy and goals
• Lead and Represent with Influence
• Serve as a key external representative for Taproot—engaging institutional funders, corporate executives, and cross-sector allies
• Manage and grow a small, high-performing team (starting with one direct report), with the opportunity to scale
• Lead with a builder’s mindset—shaping new systems, strategies, and relationships to drive growth
• Contribute as a senior leader to Taproot’s strategy, culture, and organizational development
• Build Alignment and Strengthen Systems
• Collaborate across teams to set shared revenue strategy, reduce duplication, and identify new opportunities
• Lead the development of high-quality, audience-specific pitch materials and fundraising collateral—including our core pitch deck
• Align messaging across fundraising, business development, and external partnerships
• Support and coach staff in representing Taproot effectively—building shared language and confidence
• Improve internal infrastructure—partnering with Finance, Programs, and Marketing to strengthen forecasting, pipeline tracking, and stewardship
• Leverage AI and digital tools to improve advancement efficiency and communication