Vice President of Growth and Strategy

About the Organization

The future of water is often framed in the negative: scarcity, waste, and worry. At Imagine H2O, we imagine something different: that the problems surrounding our planet’s most precious resource can be solved by humanity’s most precious resources: ingenuity, commitment, and action.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with one mission: support entrepreneurs building transformative solutions for the future of water. Our accelerator and water innovation programs provide early-stage startups with the resources, insight, and visibility they need to launch and scale their water solutions. By partnering with industry experts, policy experts, and a global network of customers and investors, we have become a proven path to market for emerging water technology businesses.

Since 2009, Imagine H2O has supported over 200 startups that have deployed solutions in more than 50 countries and have raised more than $1 billion in investments. In 2019, the organization launched Imagine H2O Asia, a Singapore-based accelerator program that bridges global innovation to cities and communities across Southeast Asia. The organization also hosts the Urban Water Challenge, a global deployment program for entrepreneurs reimagining a water-resilient future. Through its pilot funding program and technical assistance facility, the organization has awarded over $2 million to pilot projects in 20 countries. We are supported by leading philanthropies, corporate sponsors, and public sector partners, including the Coca-Cola Foundation, Oceankind, National Philanthropic Trust, Xylem, Veolia, Kurita, Enterprise Singapore, Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank.

We approach water issues with optimism, curiosity, and entrepreneurial grit because, as solution seekers and builders, we’ve seen what’s possible. When we back the best entrepreneurs in water, we go all in—from idea to implementation. We’re creating a more connected, effective water sector that attracts more dreamers, doers, and dollars.

For more information, please visit here.

About the Position

We are seeking a Vice President (VP) of Growth and Strategy. This exciting new role will play a crucial part in developing, designing, and executing growth and major fundraising strategies, alongside our Leadership Team. The VP will collaborate with existing donors and stakeholders to co-design and evolve our programs while identifying growth opportunities with new partners. This person will manage cross-functional teams and initiatives within the organization. The VP will also play an important leadership role in the launch and growth of our Water Innovation Pilot Fund, which provides grants and loans to water solutions connected to climate change, health, equity, and circularity. The VP will report directly to our President and collaborate with the Managing Director of Imagine H2O Asia, based in Singapore.

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, entrepreneurial, and highly motivated professional with a proven track record of identifying and executing upon partnership strategies and relationship building.

About You

You are a self-starter, thrive in environments where every day presents a new and unique challenge, and are intellectually curious. You work effectively both in teams and independently. You can manage internal and external teams, and you are passionate about having a large impact with a mission-driven organization.

We are open to candidates with a range of past professional experiences. Within our organization, we employ a broad variety of professionals with backgrounds in (but not limited to) management consulting, finance, private industry, philanthropy, nonprofits, and governmental organizations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The VP will perform the following duties and others, as assigned:

Strategy & Execution

• In partnership with the President and the Managing Director of Imagine H2O Asia, determine Imagine H2O’s overall strategic direction.
• Direct and design ambitious growth strategies and fundraising programs with specific, measurable goals and objectives.
• Help lead the Water Innovation Pilot Fund’s growth as well as the operation of its project funding strategy.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward prospective donors including foundations, government agencies, bilateral/multilateral donors, corporate partners, and individuals. This includes identifying potential domestic and international strategic partnerships with the organizations listed above.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, with an emphasis on identifying multi-year donor commitments.
• Manage and oversee grant writing and proposal development processes with support from program teams and management.
• Establish fundraising targets and monitor and evaluate fundraising performance.

Donor Relations

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing funders and other strategic partners.
• Track deadlines, deliverables, and other action items such as maintaining accurate grants management records for existing funders.
• Communicate directly with existing funders in close coordination with program teams.

Communications, Events, & Team Management

• Serve as a credible and compelling spokesperson for the organization’s mission and growth priorities.
• Represent the organization at international events and funding partner meetings.
• Manage and coordinate across cross-functional teams to support donor management.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Ten plus years of experience in fundraising, partnership development and management, management consulting, business development, or applicable applied expertise, with progressive levels of responsibility and career growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental studies, or a related field.
• A proven track record of successfully developing and implementing fundraising strategies to achieve revenue targets.
• Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills.
• The ability to work effectively with partners and colleagues in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Experience with database software, CRM, and/or other related tools.
• Network in and/or exposure to working with corporate philanthropy, foundations, INGOs, and/or government agencies.
• Knowledge about the working and operating environments for grantmaking and grant management is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in water, climate, or sustainability-related fields preferred.

Compensation and Location

Imagine H2O offers a salary of $150,000- $170,000 with the potential for an annual bonus, commensurate with experience. Full benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as paid holidays, 401k match, and vacation and sick leave.

The position is fully remote. Proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area is a plus but not required. Proximity to other Imagine H2O team members in Bozeman, New York, Phoenix, or Reno/Tahoe is secondarily preferred, but not required.

To Apply

CEA Recruiting is assisting Imagine H2O with this search. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements through CEA’s job portal. Please direct all applications and inquiries to Micah Day (micah@ceaconsulting.com) This position will remain open until filled.

Imagine H2O is an equal opportunity employer.

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, visit www.cearecruiting.com.