Head of Strategic Partnerships

Core responsibilities:

• Proactively identify and qualify potential partners in conservation, restoration, agriculture, climate mitigation, biodiversity monitoring and reporting, technology, and related sectors
• Lead initial conversations and needs assessments to determine alignment and mutual value
• Design partnership frameworks that leverage SPUN's scientific capabilities to address partner priorities
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize partnership agreements, MOUs, and collaborative frameworks

This role establishes SPUN as the essential partner for organizations seeking to integrate underground ecosystem considerations into their work, building a partnership portfolio where SPUN data demonstrably transforms on-the-ground practice and creates replicable models that can scale impact.

Required qualifications:

• 7+ years of professional experience in partnership development, business development, or similar roles, preferably in environmental science, conservation, or climate sectors
• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field with demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts
• Proven track record of independently developing and formalizing meaningful partnerships or strategic agreements, ideally in environmental or scientific sectors
• Deep knowledge of at least two of: ecosystem services valuation, conservation finance, regenerative agriculture, climate policy frameworks, carbon markets/MRV, biodiversity monitoring and reporting frameworks, environmental data systems

Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums covered for employees, plus dependent coverage support.

Wellness & Lifestyle Support: Annual health stipend, flexible spending account (for US-based employees), monthly work-from-home allowance, and wellness days built into your year.

Generous Time Off: Minimum of 25 vacation days per year (plus local holidays), unlimited paid time off as needed, sick leave, and wellness days to recharge.

Professional Growth: Annual professional development allowance to invest in your learning, skills, and career progression.

Salary range: USD $120,000 – $165,000, depending on experience and location, with performance-based bonuses available for exceptional partnership outcomes.

SPUN is a startup NGO with a mission to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. They've built a global data platform to make these invisible networks measurable and generate high-resolution biodiversity maps and ML-powered tools that integrate mycorrhizal data into climate, conservation, restoration, and land management decisions.