ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY

Freedom House seeks a Business Development Manager (BDM) to support the strategic focus on Freedom House’s programming and improve the development of proposals for public sector donor-funded programs. The BDM will report to the Deputy Director for Business Development and work with the Business Development Team in the International Programs Division (IPD). The BDM will collaborate with regional programs, research, and operational teams on proposal development efforts tailored to Freedom House’s mission and expertise. This is an exciting opportunity, not only to contribute to business development, but also to facilitate the development and implementation of standard processes, best practices, and new strategies across the organization. The position is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid model.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Proposal Management & Development:

• Serve as proposal manager to lead teams through the full proposal development life cycle, including kickoff meetings, design sessions, color team reviews, submission, debriefs, and regular business development meetings.
• Ensure quality control and compliance with donor solicitation requirements.
• Provide feedback to writers on proposal drafts.
• Support the establishment of teaming agreements with potential subcontractors and partners.
• Contribute to the writing of technical narratives, such as executive summary, management approach, capability statement, and other proposal sections, as needed.

Capture:

• Serve as capture manager for select opportunities to lead teams in the competitive analysis and pre-positioning efforts of upcoming proposals.
• Track public donor strategic and programmatic priorities and monitor donor websites to identify new funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with staff across regional programs, research, and operational teams on planning and strategy for new funding opportunities.
• Develop capture plans and present plan for bid approval and strategic decision making.
• Prepare and facilitate remotely or in person any in-country assessments and reconnaissance missions for upcoming proposal opportunities.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with local and international organizations, and support teaming agreements with potential partners.

Market Analysis & Portfolio Manager:

• Participate in external marketing efforts, including review of marketing materials.
• Monitor USG sites for updates, especially for capture/proposal bid-specific updates. Conduct regular monitoring of USG agency funding opportunity sites, USG congressional budget justifications, and USAID forecasts to remain familiar with various donor trends and priorities.
• Implement short- and long-term regional/country strategies in collaboration with Business Development and Programs leadership.

Contribute to New Business Best Practices:

• Attend conferences, seminars and training to report back on trends and best practices to BD.
• Support development of new processes and systems to improve quality and efficiency of the proposal process.
• Support leadership to develop annual and longer-term business development strategies.
• Work with IPD to further standardize and implement the BD life cycle processes.
• Develop resources and oversee knowledge management for business development.
• Train staff in proposal writing and other select business development topics, as needed.

Staff Management:

• Coach, motivate and ensure professional growth and development of staff, including assigned direct report(s).
• Effectively manage culturally diverse staff and promote the organization’s commitment to diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.
• Provide timely and frequent performance feedback regarding staff.

Other Related Duties:

• Travel within U.S. and abroad as required.
• Other related duties as reasonably assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, international development, anthropology or related field.
• Master’s degree in political science, international relations, international development, anthropology or related field preferred.

Training or Certification:

• Knowledge of USAID and U.S. State Department award development processes, rules and regulations.

Experience:

• 5 years of related experience with 2-3 years of staff supervisory and mentorship experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing new business opportunities, preferably with an international development organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage winning proposals for USAID and US State Department and other major public sector donors.
• Knowledge of the business development life cycle, including opportunity identification, capture management, technical design, proposal writing, and costing.
• Experience collaborating with diverse teams.
• Experience contributing to organizational strategy and change processes.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Experience using standard technology platforms such as Share Point, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Miro, Air Table, etc.
• Excellent research, writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work.
• High level of attention to detail and ability to consistently produce timely and error-free work.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and experience with a variety of business applications and project management software, such as database management systems.
• Comfortable working and communicating in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; self-motivated, detail-oriented, self-directed and curious to learn more.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $80,000 to $95,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
• Generous Leave Programs:
  • Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
  • Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
  • 14 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
  • Parental leave: 20 days paid
  • Bereavement: 3 days paid
  • Jury duty: 30 days paid
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”
• Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
• Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group
• Free gym at the DC office
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.