Job description

Lead the Fundraising and Partnerships That Power Taproot’s Next Chapter

Taproot is seeking a bold, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to shape and fuel the partnerships, relationships, and fundraising that power our future. We have an ambitious vision and strategy, an incredible team, a once-in-a-generation moment for impact; and we are in growth-mode. This is a unique moment—and a pivotal role—in Taproot’s next chapter.

About Taproot

Taproot is a national nonprofit powering the next generation of pro bono service. For more than two decades, Taproot has helped nonprofits tackle their most critical challenges by connecting them with skilled professionals who bring deep expertise through pro bono support. Our model is built on trust and quality—delivering pro bono consulting that is outcomes-driven and tailored to what nonprofits truly need to thrive.

Today, Taproot is at an inflection point. As nonprofit leaders face growing complexity—from technological change to talent constraints to rising demand for services—we are evolving how pro bono service is designed, delivered, and scaled. Our new strategy reflects this moment. We are focused on delivering gold-standard pro bono service at scale, mobilizing the next-generation pro bono marketplace, and inspiring a national movement for skilled service. Together, these priorities position Taproot not only as a service provider, but as a field-builder shaping the future of how skills, service, and social impact come together.

The Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Advancement plays a critical role in fueling this next chapter—designing and leading the partnerships, philanthropic investments, and cross-sector relationships that make this vision possible. You can read about Taproot’s current partners here.

The Opportunity

This role is both strategic and hands-on—and requires someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial function and brings a true builder’s mindset. You will design and stand up a modern advancement function capable of supporting multi-million-dollar philanthropic growth, moving quickly from vision to execution while laying the foundation for long-term scale. You will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, manage a small team (beginning with one direct report), and shape the resources and relationships that accelerate Taproot’s impact.

This role is ideal for a leader who has built or significantly scaled an advancement function in a growth-stage organization and is excited to help shape the next phase of institutional maturity.

You will work closely with the CEO and serve as a member of Taproot’s Senior Leadership Team—the cross-organizational leadership and decision-making body that stewards Taproot’s strategy, culture, and organizational performance.

What You’ll Do

1. Drive Fundraising, Philanthropic Revenue, and Strategic Growth

Build and lead an integrated advancement function from the ground up—defining strategy, priorities, operating rhythms, and success metrics aligned to Taproot’s strategic pillars.
Develop and own a portfolio of institutional, corporate, and philanthropic partners tied to annual revenue targets.
Own and grow a significant philanthropic and partnership revenue portfolio, with responsibility for closing six- and seven-figure investments and grants.
Identify, cultivate, and steward high-value relationships.
Serve as Taproot’s “dot-connector”: proactively scan the market, identify and pursue value opportunities, and surface investable ideas that push Taproot into new terrain.
Design and execute fundraising and partnership strategies capable of generating seven-figure annual philanthropic revenue within a three-year horizon.
Develop partnership and investment models that unlock significant revenue growth (15-20%+ YOY) and impact.Ensure development of high-quality proposals, pitches, and reporting.

2. Lead and Represent with Influence

Represent Taproot externally across philanthropy, CSR/ESG, talent, and technology sectors.
Manage, coach, and grow a small SP&A team.
Operate as a highly collaborative and self-directed leader—setting strategy, managing toward outcomes, and driving momentum across teams.
Engage senior leaders across sectors to drive investment and collaboration.
Lead the cultivation and closure of complex, multi-year partnerships with senior leaders across sectors to drive investment and collaboration.

3. Strengthen Internal Alignment, Stewardship, and Systems

Build and maintain disciplined advancement infrastructure (CRM, pipeline forecasting, partnership governance).
Ensure consistent messaging and pitch materials across Taproot.
Collaborate deeply with Programs, Advisory, Marketing, and Finance.
Support colleagues who manage revenue relationships, driving clarity and alignment.
Leverage AI tools and modern processes to strengthen advancement efficiency.

Team & Reporting Structure

Reports to: CEO
Manages: 1 direct report (Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Advancement)
Works closely with: Senior Leadership Team, Programs, Advisory, Marketing, Finance, and key external partners.

Job requirements‍

Who You Are

A strategic, entrepreneurial builder who sees the big picture, takes initiative, and executes with focus.
Comfortable operating in ambiguity—able to create clarity, structure, and momentum.
A relationship architect skilled at cultivating trust and senior-level partnerships.
A cross-functional leader who drives alignment in matrixed environments.
An exceptional communicator and storyteller who inspires investment.
A disciplined operator with strong systems-thinking and follow-through.
A learner and guide who embraces technology and models adaptability.

Experience You Bring

10+ years in development, partnerships, external affairs, or strategic revenue leadership.
Proven track record of securing high six- and seven-figure philanthropic grants or corporate and institutional partnership investments on a recurring basis.
Proven track record securing significant philanthropic or partnership investments.
Experience leading strategy in distributed-revenue or matrixed environments.
Strong comfort with CRM systems, forecasting, and revenue operations.
Experience managing and developing staff.
A values-driven leadership style aligned with Taproot’s culture.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief, thoughtful cover letter addressed to Cat Ward, CEO. Our search partner, Carrington Talent Group, will be in touch with selected candidates.

Commitment to Equity

Taproot Foundation is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Taproot

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