Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships
at Global Resilient Cities Network
🏢 About Global Resilient Cities Network
The Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) is a unique global organization born from The Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities initiative, now operating independently to support over 100 cities worldwide. Working here means contributing directly to urban resilience, climate adaptation, and equity, with a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation and systemic change.
About This Role
This role is central to R-Cities' growth and impact, as you will own the entire partnership lifecycle from identifying prospects to securing funding. You'll craft compelling narratives that translate complex urban resilience strategies into fundable propositions, directly enabling the network's work with cities. Your strategic insights and pipeline management will guide leadership decisions and ensure sustainable funding.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing partnership opportunities, drafting sections of a concept note for a foundation, and updating the pipeline tracker. You'd likely have calls with partner organizations or internal teams to align on proposal strategies, and spend time researching emerging trends in climate finance to inform new approaches. The day would end with reporting on progress to leadership, ensuring the team stays on track.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Global Resilient Cities Network Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to Global Resilient Cities Network
Highlight specific examples of funding proposals you've led from concept to submission, quantifying the amounts secured and the diversity of funders (e.g., foundations, corporate, government).
Demonstrate your understanding of the urban resilience and climate adaptation landscape by referencing recent trends or initiatives in your cover letter or resume.
Showcase your ability to synthesize complex information for different audiences—provide a writing sample that translates technical climate data into a compelling case for support.
Emphasize your experience with remote collaboration and using digital tools for pipeline management (e.g., Salesforce, Asana) in your application.
Tailor your application to R-Cities' mission and values; mention specific cities or programs they've supported that resonate with you, showing you've done your homework.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
• Your passion for urban resilience and how your career aligns with R-Cities' mission to help cities thrive. • Your proven track record in partnership development and securing funding from diverse sources, with concrete outcomes. • Your ability to craft compelling narratives that bridge technical content and funder interests, and your strategic approach to pipeline management. • Your experience working in global, multicultural environments and your comfort with remote work.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore R-Cities' current programs and initiatives, especially their focus areas like climate resilience, equity, and public health, and how they partner with cities.
- → Review their recent annual reports or news to understand their funding sources, key donors, and strategic priorities.
- → Look into the history of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative and how R-Cities continues that legacy, including their governance structure and global reach.
- → Familiarize yourself with the urban resilience funding landscape, including major philanthropic foundations and corporate partners in this space.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic cover letters that don't connect your experience to R-Cities' specific mission and projects—show you've researched their work.
- Don't overlook the importance of writing skills; ensure your application materials are impeccably written and demonstrate your ability to craft compelling narratives.
- Avoid focusing only on your past achievements without showing how you can contribute to R-Cities' future goals, especially in terms of pipeline growth and strategic partnerships.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Global Resilient Cities Network!