Business Development Officer, Technical Diversification

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Business Development Officer, Technical Diversification will lead the proposal process for business development opportunities at Internews across a diverse range of public sector donors including USAID, the US State Department, and foreign public sector agencies and others. They are expected to perform complicated tasks requiring prior experience, education, and/or training in business development functions. The Business Development Officer, Technical Diversification works within the Global Development team to increase funding in support of Internews’ mission by managing, writing and finalizing proposals and concept notes that are submitted to donors related to Health, Humanitarian, and Environment funding sources, as well as others upon request, including opportunities focused on gender, youth, economic development or others. They will track and review U.S. government and other public sector donor Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), Requests for Applications (RFAs), and/or Requests for Proposals (RFPs), to determine strategy for application and lead cross-functional teams to design and write proposals. Working under the leadership of the Director of Global Development, Technical Diversification, they will contribute to a strategic approach to business development at Internews to ensure the organization raises over $28 million annually from public sector donors, including USAID, the US State Department, and foreign public sector donors among others.

LOGISTICS

Internews has US offices in Arcata, CA and Washington, DC which support a hybrid workforce with staff working remotely, fully in-office, or partially remote. This is a remote-based role, and candidates based anywhere in the US or UK will be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

Core Business Development Functions

• Reviews U.S. government and other public sector Requests for Application (RFAs) and/or Requests for Proposals (RFPs), to determine strategy for application and lead cross-functional teams to design and write proposals.
• Develops timelines, writing guides, and compliance matrices for proposals and concept notes.
• Leads cross-functional teams to both design and write high-quality proposals and concept notes for targeted donors. Manages the kick-off and/or design meetings for assigned proposals.
• Takes the lead in generating final text for donor solicitations, working with program and technical staff members and others in the Global Development team to finalize proposals, through following structured review process in line with Internews’ policies and guidelines.
• Writes, reviews, and edits proposals and concept notes to donors, including development of the technical approach, conducting basic desk research, document formatting, and the development of situational analysis, capacity statements, past performance references, and formatting of CVs/resumes/short bio blurbs.
• Under supervision, supports strong partnerships with other local and international partners through timely communications with regard to particular opportunities. Manages partner expectations during the proposal process.
• Works with the Business Managers to ensure that the budget/cost submission is proceeding in line with the technical application and that the program design is consistent between the technical and the cost submission.
• As needed, supports other Global Development leads on particularly large proposal opportunities.
• As needed, represents Internews at donor and partner meetings or events.
• Participates in quarterly positioning meetings for each program management unit, and in weekly Global Development coordination meetings.
• Submits proposals through donor portals, following all applicable requirements.

Other Duties

• Serves as the main point of contact for Global Development with one or more program management units.
• Contributes to annual strategic planning for Global Development at Internews as requested.
• Contributes to monthly updates on Global Development activities as requested.
• In all duties, demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• At least five years of prior work experience, preferably in the non-profit, communications, or international development field. (Note: A Master’s degree in a relevant field can serve as a substitute for two years of work experience.)
• Relevant undergraduate University degree.
• Extensive and demonstrated prior experience with successful proposal writing with public sector donors, including USAID (at least two years required, more is preferred) including leading proposal opportunities from start to finish.
• Passion for the role of media and increased access to information in changing lives.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills.
• Superior writing skills with demonstrated ability to translate complicated technical into easy-to-read and compelling text. Ability to both edit others’ writing and accept feedback on written text with both grace and humor.
• Proven organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize within the context of a flexible and shifting workload.
• Ability to handle sensitive donor information with the utmost discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to maintain a sense of calm in the face of donor deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a working group/team to achieve a high-quality proposal.
• Must be able and willing to work well with a diverse range of colleagues to achieve ambitious fundraising targets. Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to both domestic and/or international destinations, possibly to difficult international environments. Travel is not expected to exceed 10% LoE for this position.
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word and internet research.

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Prior experience living and working overseas.
• Prior experience working in the media development field.
• Prior experience with SaleForce.
• Experience with Adobe InDesign or other desktop publishing programs a plus.
• Spanish, French, or Portuguese language skills a plus.