Equality Insights Lab is a women-led research and learning organization working at the intersection of gender, equity, and global health. We are focused on advancing gender equality through inclusive evidence, strategic learning, and practical insights. We deliver high-impact programs and conduct cutting-edge evaluations with academic, civil society, and multilateral partners. We also specialize in adapting global tools and frameworks for local relevance, and in supporting organizations to embed learning and inclusion into their strategies.
To support our growth and sustainability, we are seeking a Fundraising and Business Development Lead to secure new funding from public and private sources, while also exploring innovative business development approaches that complement our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Donor Engagement
- Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with Equality Insights Lab’s mission and strengths
- Identify and prioritize prospective funders (bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, corporate) based on strategic fit
- Leverage personal and professional networks to engage donors
- Represent the organization in meetings and pitch opportunities
- Build and manage a dynamic pipeline of donor leads and funding opportunities
Proposal Development
- Lead the development of high-quality concept notes, expressions of interest, and full proposals
- Coordinate with internal and external team members (e.g., proposal writers, technical leads) as needed
- Ensure submissions are timely, tailored, and aligned with donor priorities
- Maintain proposal tracking and reporting tools
Relationship Management
- Cultivate new and existing donor relationships to support long-term funding
- Steward funders through the proposal, negotiation, and reporting phases
- Ensure timely follow-up, updates, and donor engagement touchpoints
Business Development
- Explore and assess opportunities for earned revenue that align with Equality Insights Lab’s mission and values.
- Identify potential markets, service offerings, and partnerships that could generate sustainable income.
- Develop business cases and pilot models to test revenue-generating approaches.
- Provide strategic recommendations on integrating fundraising and business development into our organizational strategy.
Internal Coordination
- Work closely with the Communications Lead to ensure visibility and credibility align with fundraising goals
- Provide input on fundraising messaging and materials (e.g., slide deck, web copy)
- Submit regular progress updates and a final fundraising report with recommendations for next steps
Candidate Profile
Required
- Proven track record of raising significant funding (>$1M annually) from a range of donors including foundations, institutional donors and corporate partners
- Strong existing relationships in philanthropy, global health, gender equality, or adjacent sectors
- Strong writing skills with experience in developing and writing successful funding proposals, concept notes, and business pitches
- Demonstrated experience exploring or launching new business models, or revenue streams.
- Ability to manage donor relationships and engage with corporate sponsors and institutional funders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences (donors, partners, clients).
- Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow-through
- Able to work independently, manage complexity, and deliver results under pressure
- Entrepreneurial and adaptive, with a start-up mentality and comfort working in fast-moving, resource-constrained environments.
Preferred
- Familiarity with gender, health equity, IPV prevention, or related issues
- Understanding of Canadian, US, UK, European, and/or UN donor ecosystems
- Fluency in additional languages for engaging with international donors
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit the following to info@equalityinsightslab.com with the subject line “Fundraising and Business Development Lead – [Your Name]”:
- Cover letter outlining your relevant experience, fundraising achievements, and why you are interested in this role.
- CV/Resume highlighting your fundraising track record and key relationships.
- Examples of past fundraising successes (e.g., brief descriptions of major grants or partnerships secured).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.