Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Advancement

Ready to build the next era of social impact?

Taproot is looking for a bold, strategic leader to shape the future of pro bono service—and bring others along for the journey.

At Taproot, we believe every nonprofit should have access to the support they need to grow, adapt, and lead. That’s why we connect mission-driven organizations with skilled professionals who can help them tackle real challenges and seize big opportunities. Through our programs, partnerships, and platform, we’re building a more accessible, equitable, and effective pro bono marketplace—one that ensures talent is never a barrier to impact.

We believe some of the most powerful solutions happen when unlikely allies come together with purpose.

If you’re energized by growing investment, unlocking new funding models, and building cross-sector collaboration—and if you’re ready to help shape a modern development function that blends philanthropy and partnerships—Taproot might be the place for you.

The Opportunity

Are you a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who thrives at the intersection of mission, relationships, and revenue? Do you believe in the power of partnerships to drive systems change?

Taproot is at a powerful inflection point. We’re living through a once-in-a-generation moment—where nonprofits urgently need support to navigate massive change, and professionals are seeking new ways to grow, contribute, and connect. Pro bono is uniquely positioned to meet both needs.

We’re expanding what pro bono can be and who it can reach—mobilizing business expertise in more agile, impactful, and widely accessible ways. With the right partners, we can scale this movement to strengthen the social sector and reimagine how talent is developed and deployed for public good. That’s where you come in.

We’re hiring our first-ever Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Advancement to lead Taproot’s next chapter. This is more than a fundraising role—it’s a chance to design and execute a modern, integrated advancement strategy that combines philanthropy, partnerships, and bold new funding models. You’ll build the relationships, strategies, and narratives that bring others along with us.

Taproot’s earned revenue foundation is strong. Now, we’re activating a complementary philanthropic and partnership strategy that fuels our programs, scales our platform, and amplifies our voice in the field. You’ll lead that charge—partnering with foundations, corporations, and changemakers to invest in what’s next.

You’ll report to the CEO, work closely with the senior leadership team, and collaborate with colleagues who manage their own funding relationships. This is a hands-on role with a revenue target—and a strategic one that helps connect the dots, uncover white space, and fund the future.

If you’re excited to build something meaningful—and to translate bold vision into lasting support—we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

 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

Disclaimer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Furthermore, this job description is not an employment contract.

What You Bring

• 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

About Taproot

Taproot Foundation is a national nonprofit powering the next generation of pro bono service. For over two decades, we’ve helped nonprofits access high-quality, high-trust support from skilled pro bono consultants—so they can meet urgent challenges, grow their impact, and lead with confidence. Now, we’re scaling our platform, expanding our influence, investing in partnerships, and building a more accessible, effective pro bono marketplace.

To Apply

If you’re excited to help shape Taproot’s next chapter—and to play a leading role in building the next generation of the pro bono movement—we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief, thoughtful cover letter addressed to Cat Ward, CEO. Our search partner, Carrington Talent Group, will be in touch with selected candidates within two weeks of submission.

Taproot is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do—from the work we lead to the culture we’re building. We believe that diverse teams and inclusive partnerships are essential to driving innovation, equity, and meaningful impact in the social sector. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.