Rwanda Partnerships Lead

TITLERwanda Partnerships Lead

REPORTS TOInternational Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships (based in Canada)

MATRIX REPORTING TOExecutive Director (based in Rwanda)

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Communications and PR Coordinator; Executive Director; Education Program Lead; Development Team members, Director of People and Culture/Rwanda Country Manager.

POSITION LOCATION: Kigali, Rwanda

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORYFull time (Part time arrangement negotiable).

Two year contract (renewable)

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Wellspring believes every child deserves an education that nurtures their full vibrant potential, and that children thrive when the whole school community rallies together to nurture and educate their children.

OUR DREAMA compassionate, creative, and courageous generation, shaping a vibrant and peaceful future.

OUR PATHWe equip school communities to nurture children’s character, intellect, and wellbeing — helping children in Rwanda and East Africa to thrive.

Wellspring is at an exciting and visionary stage in its journey. Established as a Canadian charitable organization and registered as an international NGO in Rwanda since 2008, Wellspring has over 20 years of credible experience supporting children’s education through the provision of training and coaching for teachers, leaders, parents, community members and teacher trainers across Rwanda. As an integrated global team with leadership now based in Rwanda, we are setting ourselves on course to establish Wellspring as a thriving and sought afterhub of educational expertise and professional development opportunities for educators in Rwanda and across East Africa, focussed on seeing children thrive with skills and knowledge for their wellbeing, character, resilience.

Our new strategic plan and vision sees us craft a much more vibrant brand,, broaden our community of partners, and increase revenue through more personal & relational fundraising, corporate giving, a strengthened grant program, establish global and local educational connections, rally communities together in support of children’s education. We are in exciting times, and this role is a key part of the team that will craft the way ahead.

JOB SUMMARY

The Rwanda Partnerships Lead is a dynamic, strategic and creative new role within Wellspring’s team in Rwanda and plays a pivotal role in Wellspring’s strategic priority of rallying wider community support for children’s education and wellbeing, and raising awareness of Wellspring among an expanded external audience in Rwanda and into East Africa. The Rwanda Partnerships Lead will manage Wellspring’s partnership development, fundraising, and external engagement across Rwanda and the East Africa region. This role serves as a key public-facing representative of Wellspring, working closely with the Executive Director to cultivate and manage relationships with strategic partners, corporates, foundations, donors, government stakeholders, churches, as well as educational partners, in collaboration with the Communications and PR Coordinator. Oversight, accountability and coaching will be provided by the International Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships in Canada.

The Rwanda Partnerships Lead will be comfortable and confident with a range of stakeholders, responsible for identifying, nurturing, and stewarding philanthropic opportunities in the region; supporting grant proposals and reporting; strengthening partnerships; and advancing corporate giving and institutional engagement. This role plays a critical part in Wellspring’s long-term sustainability.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

REGIONAL FUNDRAISING AND PHILANTHROPIC DEVELOPMENT

• Lead and grow Wellspring’s fundraising activities within Rwanda and East Africa, aligned with organizational strategy.

• Identify, scope, and cultivate philanthropic opportunities including individuals, corporates, foundations, trusts, and regional donors.

• Build and manage a regional donor and prospect pipeline, with clear cultivation and stewardship plans.

• Work closely with the Executive Director on high-level donor engagement and relationship management.

• Report to and collaborate with the International Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships to ensure regional fundraising integrates with global strategy and systems.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS & PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT

• Drive the development of corporate giving and partnerships within Rwanda and East Africa.

• Identify and engage potential corporate partners aligned with Wellspring’s mission and values.

• Develop tailored partnership concepts, proposals, and stewardship approaches in collaboration with Communications and Development teams.

• Manage and grow existing corporate relationships to ensure mutual value and long-term partnership.

GRANTS, INSTITUTIONS & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

• Research, cultivate, pursue and support grant opportunities from regional foundations, institutions, and international funders operating in East Africa.

• Collaborate closely as part of the global Development team on grant research, proposal development, and reporting.

• Support and strengthen relationships with government ministries, districts, and education authorities, including the development and management of MOUs.

• Represent Wellspring in relevant government, donor, and sector forums alongside the Executive Director.