Senior Manager, Business Development

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Freedom House seeks a Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM) to work with headquarters and field-based staff to design and develop high-quality programs and contribute to the development of Freedom House’s program strategy, staff development, and supervision. The SBDM will provide mid-level management and perform multiple high-level roles as needed for business development, including acting on behalf of the Deputy Director. This is an exciting opportunity not only to contribute to business development but also to lead the development and implementation of standard processes, best practices, and new strategies across the organization. The position is based in Washington, DC.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:

Strategic Leadership

• Working closely with the Deputy Director, develop and periodically update a comprehensive strategy and operational plan for business development.
• Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and leading documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Support the Deputy Director to foster an environment of cross-functional collaboration within the BD team and wider organization.
• Facilitate close and efficient coordination between the BD team, regions, programs, and headquarters departments on common fundraising, operational and funding issues.
• Support the Deputy Director to cultivate a safe and protective working environment for all staff.
• Support leadership to develop annual and longer-term business development strategies.

Market Analysis & Portfolio Management

• Working closely with the Deputy Director, serve as point of contact and speak with authority on Freedom House’s activities, including with donors, at policy forums, and other external events.
• Monitor and evaluate USG and other donor listservs and procurement websites as well as the use of BD planning tools such as AirTable, USG congressional budget justifications, and USAID forecasts to develop and implement short- and long-term regional/country strategies in collaboration with Business Development and Programs leadership.
• Participate in external engagement and marketing efforts such as conferences, seminars and trainings to bring back trends and best practices for the department, including the production of marketing materials.

Capture

• Serve as capture manager for select opportunities to lead teams in the competitive analysis and pre-positioning efforts of upcoming proposals.
• Track public donor strategic and programmatic priorities and monitor donor websites to identify new funding opportunities
• Collaborate with staff across Research/Analysis, Advocacy/Communications, and International Programs teams on planning and strategy for new funding opportunities.
• Develop capture plans and presents plans for go/no-go bid pursuit decisions.
• Conduct in-country assessments and reconnaissance missions for upcoming proposal opportunities.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with local and international partner organizations, support teaming arrangements with potential partners.

Proposal Management & Development

• Act as proposal manager to lead teams through the full proposal development cycle, including kickoff meetings, design sessions, color team reviews, submission, debriefs, and regular business development meetings.
• Support BD and technical staff assigned to BD roles in BD policies, procedures, and strategy.
• Support the establishment of teaming arrangements with potential subcontractors and partners.
• Ensure quality control and compliance with donor solicitation requirements.
• Provide feedback to writers on proposal drafts.
• Contribute writing to technical narratives, such as executive summary, management approach, capability statement, and other proposal sections.
• Contribute to New Business Best Practices and Operations ~ 15%
• Develop new processes and systems to improve quality and efficiency of proposal process.
• Drive initiatives and goals on ad hoc basis.
• Maintain database of new business opportunities and produce reports for leadership.
• Work with the international programs division to further standardize the proposal development process.
• Develop resources to strengthen proposals and oversee knowledge management for business development.
• Train staff in proposal writing and other select business development topics.

Staff Management

• Recruit, select, train, and supervise staff to implement programs, build and lead a cohesive and effective regional team.
• Coach, motivate and ensure professional growth and development of staff.
• Effectively manage culturally diverse staff and promote the organization’s commitment to diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.
• Provide timely and frequent performance feedback.

Other Related Duties

• Travel within U.S. and abroad as required.
• Other related duties as reasonably assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Advanced degree in political science, international relations, international development, anthropology, or related field

Experience:

• 10 or more years of directly related business development experience, preferably with an international development organization.
• Experience in one or more of the following technical areas: human rights, democracy and governance.
• 3-5 years of staff supervisory and mentorship experience.
• Experience and knowledge preparing competitive bids for U.S. foreign assistance funding (e.g., USAID, U.S. Department of State), including knowledge of key regulatory requirements.
• Documented track record of writing, designing and winning multi-million dollar USAID grants and contracts in one or more of Freedom House’s key technical areas.
• Ability to always maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work.
• Experience collaborating with diverse teams.
• Experience contributing to organizational strategy and change processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of new business generation (strategy and pre-positioning) methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of proposal development and management methodologies.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of USAID and U.S. State Department award development processes and rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate sound skills in ethical discernment, analysis, and action.
• Exhibit high work standards, adherence to procedures, attention to detail, and responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Demonstrate strong desire for excellence, and desire to inspire others to attain professional excellence.
• Work as an effective team member and successfully balance individual and team responsibilities.
• Outstanding research, writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work.
• Willingness to travel within the US and internationally.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
• Freedom House provides a competitive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement account with generous matching, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision programs, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range is between $105,000 – $115,000/year, depending on experience.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Working Conditions:

• General working office environment or telework.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Work Environment and Physical Demands: Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.