Strategic Initiatives Project Manager, External Relations

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a global nonprofit organization with an approach distinctive in international development - we exclusively scale interventions that are backed by strong evidence and can be delivered with exceptional cost-effectiveness. Our programs have grown since our founding in 2013 to reach over 515 million people Glo. We deliver high impact for every dollar spent, as recognized by GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Charity Navigator.

We do development differently. We take a data-driven approach to identifying, scaling, and continuously improving programs which deliver immense impact, ensuring these solutions measurably improve the lives of millions. Our Deworm the World Initiative has helped governments in Africa and Asia deliver over 1.8 billion childhood deworming treatments, improving health, education, and incomes. Dispensers for Safe Water provides sustained safe water access to over 10 million people in rural Africa, preventing childhood illness and deaths. 

We drive innovation: Our Accelerator builds the next generation of exceptional programs, taking an approach most similar to a venture capital model. We are ruthless in exiting programs which do not meet our criteria; those that advance deliver outsized impact for millions of people. 

We are global. Across nine countries in Africa and Asia, our 700+ people are united by a tremendous passion for our mission and impact. We are strong because of our diversity of experience, geography, and background - with over 90% of our people in the countries where our impact is focused. 

We have big ambitions. Over the next decade, we’re setting our sights higher: We aim to reach over 600 million people globally to fulfill our vision of a world where hundreds of millions of people in the poorest places have better opportunities and their lives are measurably improved. We believe in bold and urgent action - because poverty doesn’t wait, and neither should we. 

We need great people. Our success to date is due to the collective work of our amazing staff. To achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for people who share our passion for evidence, cost-effectiveness, and scale. We seek individuals who take an entrepreneurial approach, enjoy tackling hard problems, and have a bias to action and results. If our vision and approach excite you as much as it does us, we invite you to join us.  

About the External Relations team

The External Relations team leads fundraising and communications, positioning Evidence Action to donors, partners, governments, and media. We develop and execute strategic approaches to strengthen our resource mobilization and brand; prospect and secure grants and donations from a variety of institutional and individual donors and donor networks; and coordinate internally to create and take advantage of opportunities for funding and dissemination of our impact. Our team works across multiple time zones, so a candidate with a willingness to work asynchronously and iterate quickly is advantageous. We value collaboration, foster accountability, encourage constructive feedback, and provide growth opportunities - all while innovating and adapting to maximize our contribution to impact.

About the role

In our first decade, Evidence Action’s groundbreaking approach enabled us to reach over half a billion people globally with lifesaving and life-improving interventions. Looking forward, we have a bold agenda to further grow and deepen our impact. 

We will seek to scale a set of evidence-based, cost-effective ‘big bets’ that will dramatically improve health and wellbeing for millions globally. Scaling these programs requires capital, which in turn requires creativity given the (donor) neglectedness of many of the areas in which we operate. To accomplish this vision, we need aligned donors and partners willing to provide flexible, risk-bearing funding at large-scale in pursuit of transformational outcomes.    

Reporting to the Chief Engagement Officer, you will play a key role in preparing the CEO, Chief Engagement Officer, and executive leadership to engage with diverse external stakeholders and potential donors; manage strategic, high-value workstreams across the External Relations department; and guide increased team efficiency. You are entrepreneurial, accustomed to a rapid pace of work, and enjoy using analysis and data to develop new and better ways of working. 

This role will either be hybrid in our DC office location, or remote for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

• You will support the CEO, Chief Engagement Officer, and other executive leadership to prepare for external engagements, including preparation of background materials, emails, and pitches 
• You will help develop executive-level presentations and related materials, working closely with teams from across the organization
• You will lead in the planning, management, and metrics tracking for strategic work streams across the External Relations department, and in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• You will conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses, including the development of recommendations, to inform revenue generation strategies and resource needs
• You will develop processes and tools to “uplevel” efficiencies of our External Relations department, including oversight of important systems and workflows.

Required Qualifications:

• You have 2-4 years of experience in management consulting, special projects roles, or chief of staff-type roles with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy or related degree
• You can manage projects through their life cycles, and multiple projects simultaneously, taking into account moving priorities across a matrixed environment
• You have advanced executive-level writing skills and excel at developing presentations using PowerPoint/Google Slides
• You can develop strategic recommendations based on qualitative and quantitative analysis
• You strive for efficiency and embody a process mindset, combined with experience in change management
• You enjoy building collaborative relationships, and planning to future needs while incorporating multiple perspectives
• You have experience in real-time iteration and can use an analytical approach to trade risks with rewards and support innovation
• You have experience managing with, presenting to, and managing a variety of stakeholders
• You’re a team player, willing to jump in, take on priority tasks, and support others You’re passionate for the mission of Evidence Action and for creating value in international development.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a U.S. employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. for roles based in the U.S.

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Benefits: Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide. Benefits include:

• comprehensive health insurance,
• retirement savings options,
• life insurance, 
• generous leave, 
• avenues for engagement and recognition.

*Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations