Director, Partnerships, Team Freedom, Pro Athletes Ending Slavery, North America

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our global team of over 1,200 professionals are at work in 33 offices. Together, we are catalyzing a global revolution that will rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

Motivated by God’s call to seek justice for the oppressed, we believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We are a global community that cares for one another. We value joy and celebration, and we strive to provide professional excellence to all those we serve.

There is a hero in all of us. Heroes achieve success through hard work and effort and meet challenges head-on with courage. We want to engender trust, demonstrate impact and foster hope. At IJM, we are both a workplace and a community of spiritual formation that does the work of justice together with a professional and bridge building approach. IJM fosters an organizational culture where everyone is encouraged to engage and advocate for a culture that embraces belongingness and honors one another’s uniqueness.

The Need

After almost 25 years of continued growth and operational success in pioneering the work of protecting those who are experiencing poverty from violence, IJM has become a $100+ million organization. As IJM continues this trajectory of growth and scaling of its impact, with the Vision to protect 500 million people by the year 2030, Team Freedom (professional athletes engagement) is hiring a Director of Partnerships. This leader will inspire professional athletes, their families and foundations to become champions in the fight against slavery and violence as part of Team Freedom “Pro Athletes Ending Slavery” in both the United States and Canada.

Team Freedom lays the foundation for a best-in-class charitable and philanthropy experience for professional athletes and their families. Team Freedom and IJM’s influencer partner platforms play a key role in scaling the work and ultimately enabling IJM’s frontline teams to rescue millions from slavery and violence around the globe.

The ideal candidate will be driven to maximize athlete platforms by building nuanced relationships that drive forward IJM’s global brand awareness. As part of Team Freedom, you will help identify and develop professional athletes to champion the fight against slavery and violence while finding joy in collaboration with colleagues and partners to fuel the mission and end slavery in our lifetime.

Compensation range: $105,000-120,000/year.

The position can be based remotely in the US, Washington DC or the greater Toronto, ON area and reports to the Head of Team Freedom, North America. Recruitment Contact: Kirsten Caudill.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate and solicit new major pro athlete & cultural influencer donors from within IJM’s pro athlete & cultural influencer donor base and convert new major donors giving 10k or more annually;
• Contribute to exponential growth in major donor revenue across Team Freedom and consulting with the Partnerships, Strategic Partnerships (major donors) and other North America teams.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of 100+ potential pro athlete & cultural influencer major donors/Team Freedom champions and convert 30% potentials to active donors/champions;
• Under a regional strategy, with directed KPIS, develop partnership options that align with IJM’s global brand and maximize awareness and revenue for the mission; and
• Strategize with marketing teams to proactively develop best resources needed to leverage partner relationships.

Requirements

• The position will require up to 25-30% travel – primarily domestic travel throughout the region, with regular visits to IJM’s Washington, DC headquarters and some international travel;
• 15 years of proven experience delivering results in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment;
• 10 years of high-end sales or net new major donor fundraising experience;
• 7 years of direct experience collaborating with professional athletes and their families and leading partnership relationships;
• Bachelor’s degree in related field (communication, marketing, sports management, etc.);
• Effectiveness as an influencer and collaborator on cross-functional teams;
• Experience speaking to high net-worth people with considerable influence in sports/culture effectively, intelligently and passionately;
• Knowledgeable in utilizing media, public relations, marketing and live event/conference platforms; and
• Adept understanding of how to utilize platforms (digital, web, print, event, etc.) to increase engagement.

Critical Qualities

• Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed;
• Winsome;
• Driven;
• Tenacious problem solver;
• Compelling conversationalist and intelligent listener;
• Exceptionally high level of honesty and integrity;
• High standard of personal discipline;
• Sustained positive attitude; and
• Comfortable relating to an audience of diverse people and personalities.

What does IJM have to offer?

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits;
• Monthly commuter and parking benefits;
• 403B benefit;
• Paid leave starting at 23 days;
• 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior);
• Relocation reimbursement;
• Daily, quarterly and annual community spiritual formation; and
• Robust staff care resources.

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one document.

• What is a statement of faith? A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.