Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth

The Decline of Connection Is the Defining Challenge of Our Time

The erosion of social connection and trust is now the leading driver of our nation’s crises, from worsening health outcomes to declining democracy to an economy that excludes too many.

• 37% of Americans feel socially isolated.
• Nearly one in three report lacking social and emotional support, a key predictor of poor health and early mortality.
• Over 30% of Americans say they do not trust their neighbors, a collapse of the most basic civic bond.

Despite billions spent each year, philanthropy too often funds symptoms instead of the root cause: disconnection and distrust.

The U.S. Chamber of Connection is changing that. In partnership with forward-looking foundations and companies, we are launching a national movement to make connection itself a recognized philanthropic cause area, no longer treated as a byproduct, but as a prerequisite for health, democracy, and inclusive prosperity.

At the U.S. Chamber of Connection, we’re working to reverse this trend.

Our founder, Aaron Hurst, redefined corporate volunteering 25 years ago by launching the Taproot Foundation and catalyzing the $15B pro bono service movement. Now, we’re doing it again. This time focused on elevating connection as a philanthropic focus area and building a national movement to make it real.

About the Role

We’re hiring a Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth to lead the development and execution of our fundraising strategy, bringing in the institutional, corporate, and individual partners who will fuel this movement.

This is a senior, entrepreneurial role for someone who thrives at building six-figure relationships, partnering with high-energy founders and boards, and shaping philanthropic strategies that deliver both results and meaning.

You will be responsible for raising $1.5–$2M in 2026, while building the pipeline to double that in 2027 and beyond. Your first-year portfolio will emphasize foundations (50%), organizational memberships (25%), and individual memberships (25%).

You’ll work directly with our founder, our part-time fundraising operations support, and a board of leaders with deep institutional networks. You’ll own the fundraising function, while Aaron and the board drive lead generation, inspiration, and access. Together, you’ll turn interest into investment.

What Your Will Do

• Lead Institutional Fundraising: Secure major foundation and corporate philanthropic commitments aligned with our mission.
• Build & Scale Membership Models: Develop and grow our organizational and individual membership programs, ensuring sustainability and recurring revenue.
• Steward & Close Partnerships: Manage the pipeline from introduction through cultivation, proposal, and close—consistently landing six-figure gifts.
• Partner with Board & Founder: Leverage high-level networks, co-create strategy, and maximize the founder’s and board’s ability to inspire and open doors.
• Design for Scale: Establish the systems, processes, and playbooks needed to double annual fundraising within two years.
• Shape a Philanthropic Field: Position connection as a top-tier philanthropic investment area through storytelling, relationships, and influence.

Your Impact

• Funding the Movement: Deliver the resources that power our national model, ensuring the Chamber is on track to scale across cities.
• Expanding Membership: Launch and grow membership as a visible, credible revenue stream for individuals and organizations.
• Elevating Connection in Philanthropy: Help make “connection” a recognized and resourced focus area for foundations, companies, and civic leaders.
• Strengthening Civic Trust: Directly support the growth of programs that reverse disconnection and rebuild trust in American communities.

Who You Are

• 7–10 years of experience building six-figure philanthropic and corporate partnerships
• Skilled at partnering with boards of directors and leveraging networks to unlock major gifts
• Experienced across foundation, corporate, and individual giving, with a record of securing significant commitments
• Comfortable with collaborative fundraising models and movement-oriented approaches
• Thrives in start-up environments: adaptable, resourceful, and energized by building from scratch
• Proven ability to support a high-energy founder, creating structure, clarity, and follow-through around vision and lead generation
• A personal commitment to service, connection, and community-building

Details

• Location: New York City, Washington, DC, or San Francisco
• Type: Full-time, contract-to-hire
• Compensation: $125K–$150K annually, with growth as the organization grows; benefits upon conversion to full-time employment after initial contract

To Apply

Application deadline: November 1st.

Please upload a single PDF cover letter explaining why this role excites you and how your background aligns. (We will already have access to your LinkedIn profile, so no need to submit a resume.) Applications without a customized cover letter will not be considered.

We expect strong interest and, as a small team, may not be able to respond to every applicant. Thank you for your understanding and for your commitment to building a more connected world.

Whether or not this is the role for you, we invite you to explore the broader movement we’re building. Many of our applicants go on to become members of the U.S. Chamber of Connection and complete certification as Certified Connection Builders, equipping them to lead connection efforts in their communities and workplaces.