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YLabs, a global leader in youth-centered design and research, is seeking a Growth & Partnerships Consultant to support its mission of transforming the lives of young people through inclusive, tech-enabled solutions. This is a full-time remote consultancy role with a 9-month contract term, reporting directly to the CEO.
About YLabs
Founded at the Harvard Innovation Lab in 2014, Youth Development Labs (YLabs) co-creates digital products and services with young people to improve health, economic opportunity, and climate resilience. With teams based in the U.S. and Rwanda, YLabs has implemented projects across 18 countries using interdisciplinary expertise in design, public health, behavioral science, digital innovation, and epidemiology.
Role Overview
The Growth & Partnerships Consultant will lead strategic fundraising and partnership efforts that align with YLabs’ core focus: youth-driven research, innovation, and design. The successful candidate will play a critical role in proposal development, donor engagement, and expansion of YLabs’ impact funding portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Strategy
- Collaborate with the Growth & Partnerships Coordinator and senior leadership to align on organizational goals and fundraising priorities.
- Review existing business development materials and develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
Donor Engagement & Relationship Management
- Review YLabs’ current strategic donor list and identify high-value funding opportunities.
- Cultivate relationships with new donors and partners, aiming for at least three new strategic partnerships.
- Engage current funders to secure renewal commitments and identify future collaboration.
Proposal Development & Grant Writing
- Lead the development of at least seven high-value proposals (minimum $1M each).
- Collaborate across research, design, and implementation teams to ensure proposal accuracy and alignment with YLabs’ impact framework.
Campaign Management & Systems Implementation
- Design and implement donor outreach campaigns, including those targeting high-net-worth individuals.
- Enhance YLabs’ visibility on fundraising platforms (e.g., GlobalGiving).
- Establish and maintain a comprehensive pipeline management system for all funding opportunities and donor communications.
Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
- Update and expand the Growth & Partnerships Playbook with boilerplates, data, and donor engagement strategies.
- Document best practices, lessons learned, and contribute to knowledge-sharing across teams.
- Prepare briefings and talking points for leadership and board engagement.
Performance Targets (Over 9 Months)
- Secure $750,000 in unrestricted funding to support core operations.
- Generate $7.5 million in program-specific grants.
- Submit at least seven proposals with values over $1M.
- Build connections with eight new funders.
- Establish sustainable systems and tools to support long-term growth.
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications
- 8–10 years of experience in business development, partnership management, and fundraising within global development or social impact sectors.
- Proven success in securing multi-million-dollar grants, especially from institutional donors (e.g., USG, foundations, corporate partners).
- Strong written communication and strategic planning skills.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and decolonized development practices.
- Familiarity with pipeline management tools and CRM systems.
- Ability to work across time zones and cultures in a remote, collaborative setting
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Sectoral experience in public health, adolescent health, SRHR, mental health, economic inclusion, or climate resilience.
- Multilingual capabilities (French, Spanish, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Portuguese).
- Strong global network of funders, NGOs, and research institutions.
Compensation
The pay range for this consultancy is $2,000 to $4,320 per month, depending on experience and regional location. As an independent contractor role, benefits are not included, but compensation is negotiable to account for self-administered taxes and coverage.
How to Apply
The application window is open from August 8 to August 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and all submissions during the posting period will be considered.
To apply:
- Submit your resume and a tailored cover letter via the YLabs careers portal here
- Final selection is contingent on background checks and professional references.
Equal Opportunity Statement
YLabs is committed to building diverse teams and fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace. Candidates from underrepresented groups and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. YLabs does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or age.
Join the Movement
This is an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven, youth-powered organization creating impact at scale. If you’re passionate about equity, innovation, and unlocking opportunity for the next generation, YLabs invites you to apply and help shape the future.
