Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Global Partnerships & Engagement

at Alight

🏢 About Alight

Alight is a humanitarian organization with nearly 50 years of experience, working alongside people displaced by conflict and crisis across East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the US. Their human-centered approach prioritizes dignity, choice, and partnership, making them a unique and impactful place to work for those passionate about global change.

About This Role

As Director of Global Partnerships & Engagement, you will lead the Global Partnerships Team to generate $6M in private funding, while also managing your own portfolio with a personal target of $2M+. Your work directly supports critical initiatives like the Health Equity Collective, Future Ground, and Emergency Response, making a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with a major donor over coffee, reviewing partnership proposals with your team, and crafting a pitch for a new corporate sponsor. You'll also spend time preparing for an upcoming global event, analyzing fundraising metrics, and strategizing with colleagues to align donor interests with Alight's programs.

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🎯 Who Alight Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 10+ years of experience and a proven record of closing major gifts, multi-year grants, or significant partnerships, consistently raising $2M+ annually.
  • An expert relationship builder with existing connections to philanthropists, HNWIs, and family foundations, and comfortable representing the organization at major global events.
  • A strategic thinker who can refine fundraising strategies and craft compelling case materials that resonate with diverse donors and partners.
  • A collaborative leader who can inspire and manage a team, while also working independently to meet ambitious revenue targets.

📝 Tips for Applying to Alight

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific revenue figures and the types of donors (individuals, foundations, corporate) you've successfully cultivated.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention Alight's initiatives like Health Equity Collective and Future Ground, and connect your experience to their mission of dignity and choice.

3

Showcase your global event experience, including examples of how you've converted introductions at conferences or galas into tangible partnerships.

4

Research Alight's current partners and funding sources, and mention how you could leverage your network to complement theirs.

5

Quantify your achievements: instead of saying 'raised funds,' specify 'secured $2.5M in multi-year grants from family foundations.'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your passion for humanitarian work and alignment with Alight's human-centered approach.", 'Highlight your track record of raising $2M+ annually and your ability to manage a portfolio of major donors.', 'Demonstrate your strategic thinking in developing fundraising strategies and creating compelling case materials.', 'Mention your existing relationships with philanthropists and your experience attending global events to build partnerships.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Alight's website to understand their current programs, especially the Health Equity Collective and Future Ground, and their impact metrics.
  • → Review their annual reports or news to see recent partnerships and funding sources, and identify potential gaps or growth areas.
  • → Look up Alight's leadership team and their backgrounds to understand their values and priorities.
  • → Research the humanitarian funding landscape, including trends in private giving and major donors in the sector.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach generating $6M in private funding while also managing your own $2M+ portfolio?
2 Describe a time you successfully closed a major gift from a family foundation or HNWI. What was your strategy?
3 How do you balance leading a team and being an individual contributor?
4 What are some innovative ways to engage donors for emergency response vs. long-term initiatives?
5 How would you represent Alight at a major global event to maximize partnership opportunities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Alight's specific initiatives or mission.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of the personal revenue target; be clear about your ability to meet it.
  • Avoid focusing only on corporate partnerships; this role requires a mix of individual, foundation, and corporate giving.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Alight!

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