Head of Strategic Partnerships

About SPUN

SPUN is a startup NGO with a mission to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. These fungi draw down approximately 13 billion tons of CO2 annually through extensive underground networks. Since our founding in 2021, we've built a global data platform to make these invisible networks measurable. Through our Underground Explorers program and network of over 400 Science Associates across more than 80 countries - with the majority in the Global South - we generate high-resolution biodiversity maps and ML-powered tools that integrate mycorrhizal data into climate, conservation, restoration, and land management decisions.

Our work spans from laboratory research, data science, and robotics to locally-led field applications, informing everything from carbon accounting methodologies to protected area design and restoration protocols. With strong backing from leading foundations and growing momentum in international policy circles, we're at an inflection point where strategic partnerships will be critical to driving the adoption of mycorrhizal data into climate strategies, conservation agendas, and restoration efforts worldwide.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic partnership leader to identify, cultivate, and formalize relationships that accelerate the integration of mycorrhizal science into real-world environmental practice. This is a senior role requiring someone who can independently represent SPUN's vision and value proposition to potential partners across conservation organizations, restoration practitioners, agricultural initiatives, carbon market developers, biodiversity monitoring programs, climate-focused institutions, and technology companies.

The ideal candidate will serve as both architect and ambassador - designing partnership frameworks that create mutual value to build SPUN as an essential partner for organizations working at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable land use.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development & Execution

• Proactively identify and qualify potential partners in conservation, restoration, agriculture, climate mitigation, biodiversity monitoring and reporting, technology, and related sectors
• Lead initial conversations and needs assessments to determine alignment and mutual value
• Design partnership frameworks that leverage SPUN's scientific capabilities (data, methodologies, research networks) to address partner priorities
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize partnership agreements, MOUs, and collaborative frameworks
• Independently represent SPUN in high-level partnership discussions with senior leaders from NGOs, corporations, technology companies, and international organizations
• Manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities from initial contact through formalization and implementation
• Track and communicate partnership outcomes, particularly regarding data integration and on-the-ground impact

Strategic Integration

• Work closely with the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer to align partnership strategy with organizational priorities
• Translate SPUN's scientific outputs into compelling value propositions for different partner types
• Identify opportunities to integrate mycorrhizal data and methodologies into existing frameworks (e.g., MRV systems, carbon accounting standards, conservation protocols, biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems, technology platforms)
• Explore technology partnerships that could enhance data accessibility, analysis, or application
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure partnership deliverables are feasible and well-executed
• Monitor partnership performance and adapt strategies based on outcomes

Organizational Representation & Development

• Contribute to funding proposals where partnership expertise strengthens the narrative
• Support board engagement on partnership strategy and key opportunities
• Represent SPUN at conferences, convenings, and public forums
• Help position SPUN for larger-scale funding opportunities that require demonstrated partnership capacity
• Identify partnership structures that align with organizational sustainability goals

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in partnership development, business development, or similar roles, preferably in environmental science, conservation, or climate sectors
• Scientific foundation:
  Minimum of Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field; demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts
• Proven track record of independently developing and formalizing meaningful partnerships or strategic agreements, ideally in environmental or scientific sectors
• Deep knowledge of at least two of the following: ecosystem services valuation, conservation finance, regenerative agriculture, climate policy frameworks, carbon markets/MRV, biodiversity monitoring and reporting frameworks, environmental data systems
• Exceptional communication skills: ability to tailor…