About Scratch 

Scratch is the world’s largest creative coding platform for children, with over 150 million users in more than 200 countries and territories. Young people use Scratch to animate stories, design games, and build interactive projects—learning to code while expressing their ideas and collaborating with others. 

As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2027, Scratch is entering a new era. We are launching Scratch 4.0, integrating creative AI, and building a new and sustainable operating model for the organization that will include a mix of philanthropic and earned revenue. At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming education, Scratch is defining what creative, human-centered learning can look like. Scratch is more than a platform. It’s a global movement. And now, we’re seeking a leader to help amplify that story.

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The Opportunity 

We are not looking for a typical head of fundraising. We are looking for a strategic leader who brings both vision and versatility, someone who deeply understands the transformative power of creative learning, and who can execute in a lean, fast-paced, and mission-driven environment. The Head of Philanthropic Partnerships is a senior leadership role designed for someone who wants to shape the future, not just of Scratch, but of learning in the age of AI. 

This role is ideal for a strategic, externally facing leader who can build philanthropic partnerships while helping to position Scratch as a central voice in national and global conversations about AI, education, and creativity. We are seeking someone who can develop successful relationships with foundations and represent Scratch’s vision in high-level philanthropic and public arenas. This is a rare opportunity to help steward a high-impact nonprofit through its most ambitious chapter yet. 

This position reports directly to the President & CEO and serves as a member of the organization’s leadership team.

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Key Responsibilities 

● Foundation & Funder Engagement: Generate 4-6 million dollars annually by cultivating and growing a strong portfolio of foundation and institutional funders. Build long-term relationships with program officers and senior decision-makers aligned with Scratch’s mission and vision.

● Thought Leadership & Representation: Represent Scratch in national conversations about learning, technology, diversity, and AI. Work closely with the CEO and Chief of Staff to develop and amplify Scratch’s thought leadership strategy. 

● Strategic Narrative & Positioning: Help craft compelling messages and cases for support that reflect Scratch’s unique value and potential. Translate technical and programmatic work into narratives that resonate with philanthropic audiences. 

● Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as a trusted partner to the CEO, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership. Forge a strong working partnership with the Head of Business Development to ensure alignment and amplification of revenue strategies. 

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Qualifications & Attributes 

We recognize that great candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds. We’re most interested in people who bring the following: 

● Proven experience engaging national funders in thoughtful conversations about the future of education and the role that technologies can and will play in fostering children’s creativity, supporting low-barrier, high-ceiling learning experiences and preparing them with the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. 

● 15+ years of experience in philanthropic fundraising, or a related field, including senior-level experience cultivating institutional funders, engaging in high-level strategic conversations, and thoughtful approaches to donor stewardship. 

● Exceptional attention to detail and discipline in donor stewardship, including tracking funder interactions, managing reporting timelines, and ensuring follow-through on commitments. Brings a strategic lens to relationship management—connecting funder interests to Scratch’s evolving work—and leverages data, CRM systems, and internal coordination to build trust, transparency, and long-term engagement with philanthropic partners. 

● Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, credibly, quickly, and compellingly across diverse audiences. 

● Comfort in the spotlight; this role requires confidence and credibility in high-level philanthropic and public settings. 

● Strong strategic instincts, with the ability to translate organizational goals into funding opportunities and messaging frameworks.

● Interest and experience in technology,and education policy, along with a deep understanding of and belief in what Scratch offers the world. 

● Collaborative leadership style, with a demonstrated ability to partner across functions and levels. 

● Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree preferred.

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This position pays between $225,000 - $250,000 and is a hybrid position that is based in New York City. 

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The Scratch Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Scratch welcomes people of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We especially encourage historically marginalized identities to apply.