Director of Partnerships, APAC, OceanX Singapore
About OceanX:
OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.
For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Position Summary:
OceanX is seeking a Director of Partnerships, APAC to lead the development and management of relationships with a diverse range of potential funders across the region, including government entities, foundations, climate funds, multi-laterals, corporations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Reporting to the VP of Partnerships, this director-level role stewards a portfolio of current partnerships while actively cultivating new relationships and maintaining visibility within the regional fundraising community.
The ideal candidate will combine strong relationship management skills with strategic fundraising expertise, regional knowledge, and the ability to represent the global partnership team effectively. This person will serve as the primary regional liaison for OceanX’s partnership efforts, driving impact and alignment with the organization’s broader goals.
OceanX is an entrepreneurial environment which values team players who can manage priorities and workstreams simultaneously. To thrive and succeed within our unique culture and work environment, you must demonstrate humility, innate curiosity, and openness to new ideas/approaches. You also must be hard-working, composed and goal oriented. All employees are expected to be excited about providing and receiving objective feedback, constantly striving for self-improvement, and committed to the pursuit of excellence.
Position Location:
Singapore
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Direct, cultivate, and steward relationships with potential funders, including government entities, foundations, corporations, and individuals across Southeast Asia.
- Manage a portfolio of current partners, tracking programmatic activity and ensuring ongoing engagement.
- Maintain and manage the prospect pipeline in collaboration with the Senior Manager, APAC Partnerships in Singapore, including conducting outreach and following up on inquiries.
- Maintain accurate records in the CRM for all active relationships and prepare weekly partner summary reports.
- Follow established business engagement processes and collaborate closely with the New York headquarters to ensure legal and operational compliance.
- Develop proposals in collaboration with leadership to support and expand partnership opportunities.
- Work closely with leadership to understand programmatic innovations and partnership needs, communicating key information to internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate with staff across the organization to cultivate and strengthen partner relationships.
- Ensure proper acknowledgment, stewardship, and recognition of prospects and active partners.
- Develop materials, maintain a partnership knowledge base, and provide updates and strategic recommendations as needed.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Professional Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management, Communications, International Relations, or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
- 10+ years of proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, including stewardship and managing partner relationships.
- Demonstrated success engaging high-level contacts and securing seven-figure funding commitments.
- Extensive experience using CRM systems to manage donor and partner relationships.
- Skilled in authoring presentations, analytics, and data-driven reports to support fundraising initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage internal and external audiences through compelling presentations and persuasive writing.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high attention to detail.
- Willing and able to travel internationally, including weekends when necessary.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic startup environments.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration.
- Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases.
Personal Attributes:
- Determined, resourceful and practical. An independent, self-starter, with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and strong work ethic
- Agility, with a track record of getting things done
- Organized, reliable, and meticulous
- Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Comfortable with ambiguity
- Maintains high standards
- Highly collaborative
- General curiosity and passion for the Ocean
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation for the role includes a competitive salary dependent on years of experience, level of education obtained, as well as applicable skillset), and an excellent benefits package, including a comprehensive employer paid medical plan and CPF.
Please note that we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
At OceanX, we believe our biggest asset is our people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. The DFO treats all candidates and employees with respect and does not discriminate in our recruiting, hiring, and promoting processes and general treatment during employment, including on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
