Institutional Partnerships Senior Associate

About Acumen

Acumen is a pioneering global nonprofit venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of poverty. Founded in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz, Acumen raises charitable donations to invest in companies, leaders, and ideas that are changing the way the world tackles poverty. Acumen has worked across the globe in countries such as Pakistan, India, and the United States, impacting over 300 million lives through affordable and sustainable solutions.

Acumen aims to invest in businesses that provide critical goods and services at affordable prices to the poor. It empowers entrepreneurs who have the capability to transform their communities and change societal expectations about what it means to serve the needs of the poor. Acumen's work spans various sectors including energy, agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors.

Acumen is seeking an Institutional Partnerships Senior Associate to support the advancement of Acumen's Institutional Fundraising and partner engagement efforts. This role involves working with the Associate Director, Climate Partnerships, based in San Francisco. The Institutional Partnerships Senior Associate will focus on proposal development, partner communications, and internal coordination to align with Acumen's poverty and climate investment strategy. In this role, the candidate will interface with global teams and external partners, gaining exposure to climate finance, impact investing, and institutional fundraising.

The position requires three days per week to be in-office, providing a collaborative work environment conducive to innovative thinking and partner engagement. The candidate will contribute to crucial research, develop and refine proposals, and create impactful partner communication. The role will involve supporting the planning and execution of significant industry events and ensuring that Acumen meets its commitments through efficient grant management.

• Support cultivation and stewardship of private institutional partners aligned with Acumen's Poverty & Climate strategy.
• Lead and conduct research on prospective funders to expand the institutional funder pipeline.
• Manage and update the institutional partnerships pipeline for coherence across systems.
• Draft and edit concept notes, proposals, and materials for opportunities with institutional donors.
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting notes, and follow-up communications.
• Develop and update external-facing materials to support fundraising efforts.
• Support planning and content preparation for major industry events.
• Collaborate internally to share insights and lessons with partners and audiences.
• Ensure Acumen delivers against outputs and objectives committed with partners.

• Strong experience in building and managing relationships with stakeholders.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in relevant fields such as fundraising, climate finance, or social entrepreneurship.
• Excellent communication and writing skills with an ability to convey impact stories.
• Proficiency with CRM tools and database management.
• Self-directed with sound professional judgment.
• Authorized to work in the US and based in New York.

• Competitive salary with a performance-based bonus plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth and learning.
• Engage in meaningful work with a positive global impact.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.