Senior Director, Education and Protection

The Senior Director has overall responsibility for the performance of the Education and Protection practice area. The Senior Director duties include articulating and executing a strategic vision in the designated field and linking it to new business and program implementation. The Senior Director will organize and supervise a team of in house technical specialists and Program Managers, with oversight of external technical experts and strategic partners as warranted. This position is responsible for growing the market share for work in the practice area, and for the successful implementation of projects in the USG area as well as that of foundations, corporate donors, and individual donors, and building a network that connects projects, staff and donors.

The Senior Director works collaboratively with the Business Development Unit (BDU) and the practice team to identify, track, and design proposals; and other proposal preparation activities including recruitment of key personnel, scoping trips, partnership development, and intelligence gathering.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The following percentage time allocations are notional, and will be tailored based on discussions with Senior VP for International Programs:

Technical Leadership (30%)

Responsible for the overall quality of technical leadership and services. Ensures the practice staff work closely with the Plan network of COs and ROs and projects within the USNO portfolio to capture technical achievements, lessons learned, and best practices to create growth and impact. Works collaboratively with IMC and the Senior Advisor for Policy and Program Outreach to create an outreach and information dissemination plan which builds Plan’s technical reputation and competitive position through staff participation in conferences, seminars, social media and the press.

Business Development and Growth (30%)

In collaboration with the BDU, foundations and corporates teams identifies and assesses technical capabilities and funders’ trends that inform annual new business plans and technical requirements for proposal support. Participates in setting bidding priorities. Leads the development of a multi-year, multi-client plan to expand Plan’s work in the practice’s technical areas, focusing on products and services that address local needs in consultation with country offices and regional offices and to respond to donor demands. Responsible for cultivating and maintaining a network of viable COP candidates for USG bids and projects.

Provides leadership in marketing the practice’s portfolio and supports marketing and sales plans undertaken by IMC and BDU. Participates in building recognition of Plan International USA’s brand and reputation as a thought leader by participating in public relations, advocacy, marketing, and social media events and campaigns and requiring the same of his/her team.

Provides leadership and coordinates Plan’s response to all technical elements of proposals – including technical design and reviews. Contributes significantly to funding opportunity identification, intelligence gathering, donor liaison, and partnership development.

Responsible for growing and maintaining strategic client relationships with donors and partners, and serving as a senior technical point of contact with donors and the Plan Federation.

Project Management (30%)

Coordinates with the COs and ROs and the Compliance, Operations & Awards team, and Director of Finance, IP to ensure effective and efficient project management including the financial, technical and management performance as measured through the project revenue, project impact, and feedback from the client. Encourages a work culture of excellence, integrity and accountability.

Talent Management (10%)

Exercises overall responsibility for the performance of all staff engaged in the practice. Ensures the effective utilization of the staff on project, proposal and thought leadership initiatives. Ensures the career development of staff. Holds team members accountable for setting performance and development goals and providing consistent feedback for their employees. Participates in talent management processes to identify, develop and retain high potential employees. Ensures staff has the required training and skills to successfully carry out their work.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Masters Degree in relevant discipline required

• 10+ years professional experience with demonstrated evidence of increased leadership and management responsibilities

• 3+ years overseas experience strongly preferred

• A rich technical and management background and experience in practice area or related field

• Advanced knowledge of international development and field-based programming

• Knowledge of and networking with the U.S. development community, both in the U.S. and in the field

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills, including working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures

• Skills in building consensus and integrated work teams

• Strong consultation and facilitation skills

• Strong project management skills

• Problem identification and resolution skills; ability to balance interests of varied stakeholders

• Ability to travel internationally

• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment

• Ability to set priorities and work with deadlines

• Fluency in a second language, such as French or Spanish a plus

Please apply through our website at https://www.planusa.org/careers.