Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Strategic Partnerships

at The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

🏢 About The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

SPUN is a pioneering startup NGO focused on mapping and protecting mycorrhizal fungal networks, which are crucial for climate regulation and ecosystem health. Unlike traditional conservation organizations, SPUN combines cutting-edge science with urgent environmental action, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of ecology, technology, and global climate solutions. This role is ideal for someone passionate about translating scientific discovery into tangible partnerships that protect Earth's underground ecosystems.

About This Role

As Head of Strategic Partnerships, you'll be responsible for identifying and securing partnerships across conservation, agriculture, climate tech, and biodiversity sectors to amplify SPUN's scientific impact. This role involves designing frameworks that leverage SPUN's fungal network mapping capabilities to address partner priorities, from carbon sequestration to ecosystem restoration. Your work will directly contribute to scaling SPUN's mission to protect these critical underground networks globally.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential partners in the restoration agriculture sector, drafting partnership frameworks that incorporate SPUN's fungal mapping data, and leading virtual meetings with conservation organizations to assess alignment. You'll collaborate with SPUN's scientific team to understand new research capabilities, then translate these into partnership opportunities that address climate mitigation and biodiversity goals.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years in partnership development with a proven track record in environmental science, conservation, or climate sectors, demonstrating ability to formalize complex collaborations
  • Holds a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field with strong ability to understand and communicate scientific concepts about fungal networks and ecosystem services
  • Possesses experience negotiating agreements and MOUs with diverse stakeholders including NGOs, corporations, and research institutions
  • Can proactively identify partners in specific sectors like restoration agriculture, biodiversity monitoring, and climate mitigation technology

📝 Tips for Applying to The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

1

Highlight specific experience developing partnerships related to fungal networks, soil ecology, or mycorrhizal science - even if tangential

2

Quantify your partnership achievements in environmental sectors (e.g., 'secured 3 conservation partnerships worth $X in funding')

3

Demonstrate understanding of SPUN's specific scientific focus by referencing their fungal network mapping approach in your materials

4

Show how you've translated complex scientific concepts for non-scientific partners in previous roles

5

Include examples of partnership frameworks you've designed that balanced scientific integrity with partner business needs

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience in environmental science partnership development and how it applies to fungal network conservation', 'Examples of designing partnership frameworks that bridge scientific research and practical application', "Understanding of SPUN's unique position at the intersection of mycology, climate science, and conservation technology", "How you would identify and approach potential partners in SPUN's target sectors (conservation, restoration agriculture, climate tech)"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SPUN's specific fungal network mapping technology and scientific publications
  • → Current partners and projects listed on SPUN's website and their annual reports
  • → The role of mycorrhizal networks in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation
  • → Key organizations in fungal ecology, soil health, and underground ecosystem conservation

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach identifying potential partners for fungal network mapping in the agriculture sector?
2 Describe a complex partnership agreement you negotiated in the environmental science space and the challenges you faced
3 How would you explain the importance of mycorrhizal networks to a potential corporate partner unfamiliar with the science?
4 What partnership frameworks have you designed that could be adapted for SPUN's scientific capabilities?
5 How would you measure the success of strategic partnerships for an NGO like SPUN?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic partnership experience without environmental/science sector specificity
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of mycorrhizal networks or SPUN's scientific focus
  • Overemphasis on corporate partnerships without showing experience with NGOs or research institutions
  • Not providing concrete examples of partnership frameworks or agreement negotiations

📅 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 The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)!

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