SVP, Strategic Philanthropy

XPRIZE Overview 

XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As a 501(c)3, our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all.  Since our founding in 1994, we’ve awarded over $300M in prize purses, inspired thousands of global innovators, and collaborated with the most forward-thinking changemakers of our time. We operate across 7 areas of impact, including:

• Climate & Energy 
• Biodiversity & Conservation 
• Food, Water & Waste 
• Quantum & Deep Tech 
• Space & Exploration 
• Learning, Innovation & Society 
• Health 

Join XPRIZE to help empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs and architect a more equitable and abundant future for all.

Position Description

XPRIZE Foundation is seeking an experienced SVP of Strategic Philanthropy to expand strategic efforts to identify and secure robust funding for our mission. This includes fundraising via key audiences including, but not limited to, individuals, foundations, and corporations whose missions/giving priorities align with our seven “grand challenge” areas. The SVP will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to lead our Advancement team as we scale XPRIZE and solve more global challenges. Internally, the SVP will work closely with our leadership team, prize designers, operations staff, business affairs and finance to align value propositions, stakeholder motivations, prize budgets and sponsorship agreements.

This senior leader will be an integral part of our Expanded Management (XM) team and will be responsible to drive accountability within the Advancement team while also ensuring proper coordination and integration across the foundation. Externally, the SVP will serve as a key representative for XPRIZE across a broad spectrum of stakeholders including donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers among others. The SVP will be an outstanding builder and leader of teams, will be an accomplished multi-channel fundraiser and will thrive in an entrepreneurial, innovative environment.  

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and ensure the proper execution of XPRIZE’s advancement strategy, implementing innovative fundraising models to drive increased growth and operational success.
• Collaborate with our executive team/domain leads and staff to understand and represent funding priorities; align those priorities with appropriate channel and audience-based fundraising strategies to ensure success.
• Develop and execute on mechanisms to leverage and expand XPRIZE’s existing network to facilitate increased funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the XPRIZE Impact and Partnerships team to identify and amplify opportunities for both impact and alumni-based initiatives that drive additional fundraising.
• Partner with XPRIZE’s Marketing team to develop key messaging and positioning strategies to optimize fundraising.
• Engage stakeholders early on in the development of new prize concepts to identify funding opportunities.
• Maintain relationships with key audiences including individuals, foundations and corporations to ensure that XPRIZE delivers measurable, mutual long-term value.

Qualifications 

• 15+ years of experience in advancement with proven experience of hitting multi-million dollar annual fundraising targets required. Fundraising experience from multiple industries/verticals highly desired.
• 8 years of executive, leadership and supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred. May substitute significant experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with non-profit organizations is preferred, but not required.
• Relevant experience in one or more XPRIZE domain subject matter is a plus.
• Possesses existing relationships with prospective funders, corporate decision makers and/or industry leaders as well as strong relationship building skills.
• Ability to lead senior-level meetings, webinars, workshops, etc. 
• Experience closing deals of $30M+ preferred.
• Experienced people leader and influencer.
• Strong business writing and professional verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive and think creatively and calmly in highly fluid situations and under intense schedules and deadlines.
• Experience negotiating contracts for complex deal structures with aggressive timelines.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% both domestically and internationally.

Competencies required for this role

• Highly collaborative individual who can work well with and lead others within a matrixed organization
• Creativity in developing partner relationships / structures
• Ability to represent Prize value propositions and impact in our domains
• Ability to manage a team toward a vision, purpose and goals
• Action Oriented
• Manages Ambiguity
• Collaborates internally and externally
• Communicates Effectively and professionally
• Manages Complexity
• Directs Work
• Global Perspective
• Nimble Learning
• Plans and Aligns
• Drives Results
• Situational Adaptability
• Builds Effective Teams
• Drives Vision and Purpose

The anticipated base salary for this position is up to $250,000 and may also qualify for an annual incentive. This role is eligible for our extensive benefits package and generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience for the role, level of education attained, and certifications and/or other licenses held. XPRIZE is a remote-first environment.

The XPRIZE FOUNDATION is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. 

Please note: Though submitting a resume to the XPRIZE FOUNDATION implies that you are interested in a position(s), it does not imply that you are an applicant. You are not considered an applicant until you have been contacted directly by a Talent Acquisitions representative requesting that you begin the designated application process, which may involve phone and/or in-person interview(s), job-related testing, and background checks.

Last updated on Oct 8, 2024