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5 hours ago
Invest in Open Infrastructure (IOI) is seeking an experienced Director of Business Development to lead its fundraising, business development, marketing and communications functions while contributing to client engagements.
The senior-level position will support IOI’s work to increase investment in and adoption of open infrastructure, helping strengthen equitable access to and participation in research.
The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director and work within IOI’s distributed, fully remote team.
Job Summary
- Employer: Invest in Open Infrastructure (IOI)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Business Development
- Salary: US$139,256 annually with benefits
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and implementation of IOI’s strategic plan.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with IOI’s mission, vision and goals.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities.
- Support market research and analysis to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Lead and mentor a blended team of staff and contractors, currently including a Development & Communications Coordinator and Horizon Europe Strategist.
- Set direction, manage deliverables, support professional growth and foster a collaborative working environment.
- Develop strategies to increase and diversify revenue.
- Identify sustainable funding opportunities.
- Cultivate relationships with mission-aligned organizations, corporations and foundations.
- Manage existing donor, client and funder relationships.
- Develop fundraising plans, proposals and grant applications.
- Explore new fundraising and revenue models.
- Track the funding pipeline and provide recommendations to senior leadership and the Board.
- Work jointly with the Executive Director to coordinate IOI’s marketing and communications strategy.
- Oversee communications activities, guide brand positioning and messaging, manage communications capacity and contribute directly to content production where necessary.
- Participate in teams delivering client engagements, contributing expertise in: Business development strategy, Fundraising strategy, Product-market fit, Sustainability strategy.
- Contribute to the scoping, costing and preparation of proposals for client engagements.
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, clients, partners and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate on partnerships and joint initiatives designed to expand IOI’s reach and impact.
Requirements
- At least eight years of experience developing and implementing long-term fundraising and partnership strategies.
- Leadership experience within a small, cross-functional and collaborative team.
- Experience managing teams of approximately 2-5 people.
- Knowledge of membership or subscription models, fee-for-service opportunities, grants and philanthropic support.
- Experience building relationships with mission-supporting ventures.
- Experience costing proposals and conducting market research and business analysis.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience preparing proposals, donor and client correspondence, presentations and research.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and maintain strong internal relationships.
- A high degree of autonomy, accountability, discretion and confidentiality.
- Interest in working within a dynamic, mission-driven and technology-focused organization.
Salary
US$139,256 annually with benefits
How to Apply
Apply by email: sophia@schcadvisors.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Director of Business Development role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers expect a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field, with an MBA or similar postgraduate qualification being highly advantageous. You typically need 7-10 years of progressive experience in sales, strategic partnerships, or business development, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. Professional certifications such as those from the Zimbabwe Institute of Management or international bodies like the Chartered Institute of Marketing can strengthen your candidacy.
What does a typical day look like for a Director of Business Development in Zimbabwe?
Your day usually involves strategic meetings with potential partners and clients, often requiring travel to Harare, Bulawayo, or regional markets. You will spend significant time analyzing market trends, preparing funding proposals, and mentoring your team to meet revenue targets. Evening networking events and stakeholder engagements are common, as relationship-building is central to business success in Zimbabwe.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for senior roles in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean employers value respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and personal accountability, even when infrastructure challenges like power outages occur. You are expected to demonstrate resilience and creative problem-solving given the economic environment, while maintaining professional relationships across diverse stakeholders. Loyalty and long-term commitment are often rewarded, though performance metrics are increasingly emphasized in the nonprofit and international organization sectors.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as a Director of Business Development?
With proven success, you can advance to Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, or regional leadership roles covering Southern Africa. Many professionals transition into advisory positions, consulting, or board memberships, particularly within the NGO and development finance space. Building a strong track record with international organizations like IOI can also open doors to global roles or entrepreneurship in the social enterprise sector.
What benefits are typically included in senior business development roles in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension or retirement contributions, and annual leave of 20-30 days depending on the employer. International organizations and well-funded NGOs often provide additional benefits such as housing allowances, school fee support for dependents, and professional development budgets. Always clarify whether benefits are denominated in USD or local currency, as this significantly impacts their real value.
How should I apply for a Director of Business Development position, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in applications?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting quantifiable achievements in revenue growth or partnership development, accompanied by a compelling cover letter addressing the specific organization. Employers prioritize demonstrated local market knowledge, existing networks, and fluency in English with additional local languages as an asset. Prepare for multiple interview rounds including case studies or strategic presentations, and ensure your referees can speak to your leadership impact and ethical conduct.
