Partnership Director

About Innosphere Innosphere is a nonprofit innovation organization accelerating the growth of advanced industries across Colorado and Wyoming. With nearly three decades of ecosystem leadership, Innosphere supports startups, industry partners, and regional initiatives through incubation, venture capital, and innovation campuses. Innosphere is also the lead organization for the

NSF ASCEND

Engine (Advanced Sensing and Computation for Environmental Decision-Making)—a multi-state initiative focused on solving critical challenges in wildfire, air quality, water, and land use through technology, research, and workforce development. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are seeking a Partnership Director to help expand our funding base and build high-impact partnerships across the ecosystem. Position Overview This is a 6-month contract role focused on driving fundraising and strategic partnerships that support Innosphere's portfolio, including the

NSF ASCEND

Engine. The ideal candidate is both strategic and execution-oriented—someone who can identify high-value opportunities, engage funders and partners, and move opportunities toward proposals, agreements, and funding outcomes. Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising & Capital Development Identify, qualify, and pursue funding opportunities across: Philanthropy and corporate foundations Corporate partnerships Select federal and quasi-public opportunities Build and manage a robust funding pipeline with clear stages and progression Lead development and submission of proposals, concept notes, and partnership materials Strategic Partnerships Develop and advance partnerships with corporations, foundations, and institutional partners Align partnership opportunities with key initiatives, including the

NSF ASCEND

Engine Support development of co-investment opportunities and long-term funding relationships Pipeline Management & Execution Actively engage prospective funders and partners through outreach, meetings, and follow-up Track and manage all opportunities in CRM systems Advance opportunities from early-stage conversations to submitted proposals and formal agreements Campaign Development & Positioning Contribute to the development of a compelling case for investment across Innosphere's initiatives Collaborate with leadership and communications to develop materials that support fundraising and partnership efforts Key Deliverables & Success Metrics Success in this role will be measured by both activity and outcomes, including: Development of a qualified funding pipeline (target: $10M+) Engagement with funder and partner prospects through meetings and outreach Submission of multiple proposals and partnership requests Advancement of opportunities toward formal agreements (e.g., MOUs, LOIs) and funding decisions

QualificationsRequired :

7+ years of experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships, or related roles Demonstrated success securing funding or building revenue-generating partnerships Experience working with foundations, corporate partners, or public-sector funding Strong relationship-building and communication skills Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

Experience with innovation ecosystems, startups, or advanced industries Familiarity with federal funding landscapes (e.g., NSF, DOE, etc.) Experience working across multiple stakeholders (industry, academia, government) Work Structure Contract (1099), 6-month engagement Flexible / hybrid work environment (Colorado-based preferred) Works closely with Innosphere leadership team Why Join Innosphere? Be part of a nationally recognized innovation initiative (NSF Engine) Help shape the future of advanced industries in Colorado and Wyoming Work at the intersection of technology, advanced sensing, and economic development High-impact role with visibility across industry, government, and philanthropy How to Apply Please submit your resume and a brief statement highlighting your experience in fundraising or partnership development.

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Fort Collins, CO 80524