External Affairs, Partnerships and Business Development Lead

ABOUT NETFREEDOM PIONEERS

Founded in 2012, NFP is a 501(c)(3) technology nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, harnessing the potential of technology across a diverse portfolio of programs, including cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, women’s rights, individual freedom, and education. The organization employs exceptional in-house engineers to build revolutionary technologies that connect people under autocratic regimes with the outside world. Over more than a decade, NFP has gained extensive experience launching multi-platform software and applications to deliver timely, effective solutions in critical situations. In 2023, NFP received NED’s Democracy Award–Trailblazer for leveraging technology to counter digital authoritarians and circumvent censorship in the world’s most repressive countries.

Role Description

NFP is seeking a dynamic and versatile External Affairs, Partnerships, and Business Development Lead to support and expand our growing portfolio of international programs and partnerships. This role blends public affairs, business development, and stakeholder management, with responsibilities shifting based on organizational priorities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and relationship builder who is comfortable operating in new and changing environments. This individual will be a key contributor to NFP’s mission through external engagement, funding development, and partner collaboration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

External Affairs (40%)

• Manage relationships and communications with donors, partners, and other stakeholders, including international NGOs and U.S. Government entities
• Develop and implement external affairs strategies that effectively communicate the impact of NFP’s projects to the general public and target audiences, including drafting and contributing to reports, one-pagers, memos, and other external communications material 
• Track and respond to media inquiries, serve as spokesperson to the media, and support the development and pitching of thought leadership pieces
• Engage with policymakers, government stakeholders, and key institutions on issues related to NFP’s programs, mission, and funding priorities 
• Represent NFP in external forums, coalitions, and multi-stakeholder spaces
• Draft and distribute digital content for NFP’s social media and website 

Business Development (40%) 

• Identify and pursue new funding and partnership opportunities with domestic and international foundations, governments, NGOs, and bilateral/multilateral organizations.
• Lead proposal development with the program team, including creation of concept notes, statements of interest, and grant applications
• Track progress of submitted grant applications by communicating with funder teams while staying abreast of any developments 
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective funders and partners
• Work with program teams and NFP leadership to develop effective business development strategies, considering NFP’s mission and capabilities 

Donor and Partner Management (20%) 

• Manage relationships with key donors, partners, and collaborators
• Ensure high-quality communication, timely reporting, and responsible stewardship of existing partnerships
• Monitor and analyze policy developments and geopolitical events related to Internet freedom, technology, and digital rights that impact NFP’s work and that of its partners 
• Attend regular in-person meetings with donors and NFP’s partners 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• 3-7 years relevant professional experience in non-profit/NGO program management, public affairs, business development, government relations, or related roles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting external-facing materials
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing organizational needs
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and private sector partners
• Interest in technology, Internet freedom, access to information, and/or digital authoritarianism

Preferred 

• Experience working on issues related to new and emerging technology, Internet freedom, or digital rights
• Familiarity with relevant funding landscapes (e.g., U.S. Government, foundations, bilateral/multilateral organizations)
• Proven ability to secure medium to large grants (public or private funding) 
• Familiarity with the legislative or executive branch functioning in the U.S. Government

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 20% of the time, depending on the working location. Frequent travel to Washington, DC, is expected. Other domestic and international travel as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume/CV, cover letter (optional), and 2-3 relevant writing samples via email to contact@netfreedompioneers.org. Please include your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line (“[Name] – External Affairs, Partnerships and Business Development Lead”).

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NetFreedom Pioneers is committed to inclusivity and equity. We welcome talented humans with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and encourage diversity and consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. Our commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, and termination.