Partnerships & Philanthropy Director

About Exponential Science

Exponential Science operates at the intersection of blockchain, AI, data intelligence, and emerging deep-tech domains
. We build institutional-grade platforms that transform complex, high-volume data into trusted insights for regulators, enterprises, and global partners.

Our engineering organisation is foundational to our mission: delivering secure, scalable, and auditable technology that meets the highest standards of reliability, compliance, and performance.

To design and lead a partnerships and philanthropy strategy that unlocks multi-year funding and strategic collaborations for Exponential Science Foundation (ESF), with a focus on:

• Major philanthropic giving (foundations, family offices, HNWIs)
• Strategic partnerships with multilateral agencies, governments, and mission‑aligned corporates
• Building a high‑trust ecosystem around ESF’s programmes in AI, blockchain, and digital public goods

The Director will be responsible for taking ESF from “project‑by‑project fundraising” to a coherent, long‑term partnerships and funding platform that underpins our global initiatives (e.g. Government Blockchain Academy with UNDP and related spin‑outs).

• Develop and own ESF’s global partnerships & philanthropy strategy, aligned with the organisation’s 3–5 year vision.
• Define target segments (e.g. philanthropic foundations, family offices, development agencies, HNWIs, impact investors, strategic corporates) and a clear engagement roadmap for each.
• Work closely with the Executive Team and Board to prioritise funding opportunities and ensure partnerships directly support ESF’s flagship programmes and spin‑outs.
• Shape the overall value proposition and narrative for ESF as a vehicle for catalytic, systems‑level impact.

• Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of prospects across philanthropy, development funders and strategic partners.
• Lead end‑to‑end fundraising processes: research, introductions, cultivation, proposal development, negotiation and closing.
• Design and coordinate multi‑year funding proposals (e.g. for multi‑country programme rollouts, research streams, or institutional capacity‑building).
• Work with technical and programme leads to translate ESF’s work into compelling cases for support (concept notes, pitch decks, investment cases).

• Identify, structure and steward strategic partnerships that go beyond funding – for example:
• UN agencies and multilaterals (e.g. UNDP, World Bank, regional development banks)
• Governments and public‑sector institutions
• Technology partners and mission‑aligned corporates
• Negotiate partnership frameworks (MoUs, master agreements, co‑funding arrangements) that support ESF’s programme pipeline and spin‑outs.
• Ensure partnerships are designed to be scalable and replicable across countries and regions.

• Build long‑term, trust‑based relationships with key donors and partners, acting as a primary point of contact for senior stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee a stewardship framework, ensuring timely and high‑quality reporting, updates, and engagement opportunities.
• Work with communications and programme teams to showcase impact stories, learning and thought leadership for donors and partners.

• Collaborate with programme leads to identify fundable opportunities and package them coherently (e.g. thematic portfolios, country level programmes, research chairs).
• Support spin‑out teams (e.g. verifiable credentials platform, other ESF initiatives) in structuring strategic alliances and co‑funding models where appropriate.
• Help shape internal processes for opportunity tracking, CRM, reporting and coordination across ESF’s projects.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to staff involved in partnerships, fundraising or external engagement.

• Set clear KPIs and targets for fundraising, partnership quality, donor diversification and retention.
• Report regularly to the Executive Director and Board on pipeline, secured funding, and strategic partnership progress.
• Ensure…