Co-Develop is a global philanthropy accelerating the adoption of digital public infrastructure (DPI) to drive inclusive growth and improve lives at scale. We are seeking a Head of External Engagement to lead our partnerships, communications and narrative, and external engagement strategy at a pivotal moment for the global DPI movement. We are looking for an innovative and execution-oriented leader with deep passion to have impact at a global scale, building on the amazing progress that the entire DPI ecosystem has made in the past few years.

Role Overview:

The Head of External Engagement will shape how Co-Develop engages the global ecosystem – governments, civil society, multilateral development banks, private sector actors, and coalitions – to influence the adoption and financing of inclusive and safe DPI. This role combines strategic partnerships (~60%) with communications and narrative (~40%) to amplify Co-Develop’s impact. The role will be expected to lead on strategy and contribute to the execution of high-value initiatives. This position reports to the CEO, and will oversee the small, fast-paced Events, Partnerships, Insights, and Communications (EPIC) team.

Team Overview:

The Head of External Engagement will lead an agile EPIC team that is dedicated to maintaining and cultivating Co-Develop’s brand promise, extending the reach of our portfolio of grantees, and enabling the DPI ecosystem toward greater sustainability, cohesion, and impact. The EPIC team will be responsible for showcasing the achievements of Co-Develop and the DPI ecosystem, increasing synergies across our programmatic work to prevent silos, and creating a unifying narrative across the geographic and topical areas we touch. The team will also lead the delivery of the DPI Summit and work with the investments team to tailor messaging and host events that meet priorities of specific regions and topic areas. As with all of Co-Develop’s work, EPIC’s work will rely on stewarding and amplifying a large ecosystem of strategic partners and credible stakeholder voices.

Work Hours & Travel:

This role requires frequent collaboration with colleagues based in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the United States. To ensure effective communication across time zones, the position involves some work during nontraditional hours. The organization supports flexible scheduling to accommodate these cross-regional meetings. This position also requires travel within the United States and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Partnerships

● Lead Co-Develop’s global partnerships strategy, communications, and external narrative

● Shape engagement with global institutions, including multilateral development banks and other institutions who can influence DPI implementation

● Support engagement with global initiatives such as the 50-in-5 campaign

● Collaborate with regional teams to influence key regional bodies and governments

● Refine guidelines for Co-Develop’s partnerships with private sector firms working in the DPI space

Communications and Narrative

● Develop a communications strategy and work with staff across the organization to operationalize it

● Leverage Co-Develop’s research agenda to amplify influence and expand the base of champions for DPI

● Tailor Co-Develop’s global narrative to suit key advocacy objectives, including reshaping how international institutions finance the development of DPI

● Lead the coordination of communications outputs produced by Co-Develop and make final editorial decisions about content

Events

● Lead the vision, positioning, and strategic direction of the Global DPI Summit, and coordinate co-host engagement

● Represent Co-Develop externally at conferences and public speaking engagements

● Lead branding and partnership strategy on events, including sponsorship of events by partners that include the private sector

● Create a decision framework for Co-Develop’s role in hosting or attending events

Qualifications

● 10-20 years of experience across the private sector, multilateral institutions, and/or government – ideally focused on international development, and ideally with experience across two or more types of institutions

● Proven track record of developing and executing strategy with global organizations

● Strong coalition-building and partnership development experience across a diverse set of stakeholders

● Experience shaping narratives, communications, and external positioning

● Demonstrated leadership and team management experience

● Understanding of digital public infrastructure and experience in philanthropy are both a plus

Location:

This is a remote-work position based in the United States or Europe, with a preference for location near a major airport to facilitate work-related travel. Please note, while this position is not restricted to a specific country, applicants must have existing work authorization (not restricted to their current employer) in the country from which they intend to work. Co-Develop is not able to sponsor work visas at this time. Interviewed candidates will be asked to show proof of citizenship and/or work authorization.

Compensation:

The starting range for this position is $110,000 to $220,000, with salary commensurate with experience. Co-Develop offers a robust benefits package that includes 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance; home office stipend; professional development stipend; and other benefits.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter in pdf format through this form. Please title your files “Last name_First Name_Resume” and “Last name_First Name_Cover Letter”. Please send your submissions by June 15, 2026.

Co-Develop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Co-Develop

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Head of External Engagement