POSITION SUMMARY: 

Winrock is searching for an exceptional proposal manager/lead looking for their next role as a Sr. Manager / Associate Director and part of a highly visible portfolio.  

The Sr. Manager / Associate Director of New Business, Agriculture, Resilience & Water (ARW) position is a highly visible, core member of the ARW management team, managing new business activities and strategy for ARW. We are looking for someone passionate about solving global food and water security challenges, possessing strong international development new business expertise.  

The ideal candidate is driven and highly organized, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. They will have a proven track record of successful new business wins with US Government agencies USAID & USDA), foundations, the private sector, and other bilateral or multilateral donors.  

This role sits on the ARW Management Team, reporting directly to the group Associate Vice President, and will own and facilitate the overall new business function for ARW, including new business strategy, diversification, pipeline development and management, team skills development, mentorship, training, execution of lead proposal and writing roles, and support for innovative project design and effective cost/partnering strategies. The role will lead by example, fostering an environment that is collaborative, conducive to growth, respect, and equity. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Lead new business for the ARW portfolio to achieve annual new business targets and long-term growth. This will involve the following: 

• Provide strategic direction to portfolio development, including development and implementation of strategic multi-year growth plans to expand ARW’s portfolio 

• Identify new business opportunities and markets aligned with Winrock’s mission and strategic priorities. 

• Manage new business pipeline tracking, forecasting, and analysis to support senior management needs and improve return on investment. 

• Work with ARW technical staff, field offices, partners, and other Winrock teams to conceptualize and design sound technical approaches for new program/funding opportunities. 

• Lead the development and submission of high-quality, competitive proposals to USAID and other donors. 

• Coordinate and collaborate with technical teams, partners, and stakeholders to design innovative project concepts and interventions. 

• Develop budgets, work plans, and management structures for proposals. 

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and Winrock’s internal processes. 

• Develop institutional relations with potential programmatic partners and coordinate teaming agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other institutional agreements with partners. 

• Work with External Affairs to develop relationships with the private sector as related to ARW focus areas, including high profile public private partnerships that augment funding or add value to existing and new projects. 

• Represent Winrock before governments, private sector, and other stakeholders regarding programming and priorities for ARW. 

• Participate in cross-divisional program/project planning, implementation and proposal development. 

• Lead and manage a small, high-performing new business team, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and support to drive growth and success. 

• Support and mentor ARW staff in business development and proposal writing. 

• Document and share best practices and lessons learned in business development and proposal management. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, business, English or related field 

• Experience: 

• Senior Manager: At least 8 years of international development with at least 6 years specifically in new business development. Experience with USAID proposals required. 

• Associate Director: At least 9 years of international development, 12+ years preferred, with at least 8+ in new business development. Experience with USAID proposals required. 

POSITION SPECIFIC SKILLS: 

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a robust pipeline of opportunities 

• Success in winning USG and non-USG new business opportunities, specifically with USAID or USDA preferred  

• Familiarity with the agriculture, water or resilience sector required 

• Ability to grow and cultivate new business skills within the ARW team 

• Experience leading, writing, and managing new business proposals.  

• Comfort in leading new business strategy development and diversification, pipeline tracking, forecasting, and analysis, supporting capture and innovative technical design, and building effective cost strategies 

• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, experience building effective partnerships, and the ability to work with and get the best out of diverse personalities. 

• Exceptional attention to detail and well-developed organizational skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. French or Spanish language capabilities preferred. 

• International field experience in Africa, Asia or Latin America preferred.   

Senior Manager:  

• Proven success in managing proposals, with experience in cooperative agreements and contracts preferred. 

• Demonstrated leadership in proposal development for multiple USAID and USDA proposals valued at $15 million or more. 

• Experience serving in key roles on complex, high-value proposals.  

Associate Director: In addition to the above,  

• Experience in building and managing a new business portfolio and pipeline, with a minimum value of $100 million+ strongly preferred. 

• International experience is highly desirable. 

Computer Skills:  

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) 

Travel:  

• Ability to travel internationally as needed with anticipated travel around 15-30%.