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MASS is seeking a director, new partnerships, EMEA to join its team in Kigali, Rwanda.

We are a mission-driven design collective that approaches architecture with an interdisciplinary focus on improving people’s lives in measurable ways – We create environments that promote health and human dignity, and design towards a regenerative building culture that advances economic, social, and environmental justice from the scale of a building to the scale of a system.

Position summary

Reporting to the senior director of new partnerships, this role will provide critical support across MASS’s global studios, with a focus on Africa, Europe, and Middle East regions.

The ideal candidate will catalyze the Africa studio’s entry into emerging markets by designing and implementing a strategic growth roadmap for our mission-driven portfolio – they will conduct rigorous market intelligence, cultivate relationships with upstream partners, provide high-level coaching to the senior design leaders, and spearhead our most significant, strategically complex pursuits.

In this capacity, the director of new partnerships will function as a lead strategist and relationship steward, empowering the Africa studio to scale its regenerative design impact throughout the EMEA region.

Strategy and market intelligence:

• lead annual strategic sourcing plan development for EMEA ahead of each new fiscal year in alignment with the organization’s larger Strategic Plan
• direct EMEA-specific market research; monitor competitive landscape and identify repositioning opportunities
• maintain EMEA pipeline data in CRM and provide analysis for monthly Principal reporting, quarterly Board updates, and annual metrics
• advise on go/no-go criteria; provide initial opportunity evaluations and recommendations to senior director

Partner identification and cultivation:

• drive proactive, upstream partner identification in the EMEA market – identifying and pursuing high-alignment opportunities before RFPs are issued and building relationships to generate sole source awards
• analyze new leads: run weekly pursuit evaluation and review with senior director
• lead active outreach to and cultivation of prospective earned income partners; steward relationships with principal in charge identified for the pursuit
• represent MASS at key EMEA-facing events and ecosystem gatherings aligned with MASS’s values and positioning
• maintain subconsultant and teaming partner relationships and records in CRM in alignment with the quality management program goals
• maintain procurement portal monitoring cadence (GovWin, SLED portals, etc.) and provide regular reports for senior director review

Narrative development and deal closing:

• own MASS’s primary interview story structures and pitch frameworks for Africa studio
• develop, maintain, and refresh qualifications collateral and baseline pitch assets for EMEA; coordinate on brand alignment
• coach Design Principals ahead of interviews – scripting, rehearsal facilitation, and delivery feedback
• lead interview preparation work plans; own role assignments and rehearsal schedules
• run debriefs on wins and losses; translate learnings into pitch and collateral improvements

Pursuit champion responsibilities (selective):

• lead opportunity cultivation in coordination with the Pursuit Principal in Charge
• develop pitch content outlines; produce and oversee final deliverables
• manage submission schedule, kickoff, interim reviews, and deadlines
• coordinate consultant materials, confirm submission logistics; responsible for ensuring successful submission (on time, accurate, incorporating all Pursuit PIC responsibilities and directions)

Desired skills/profile strengths:

• minimum of ten years of relevant experience
• bachelor’s degree – preference for additional studies in business administration, business management, communications, international development, or other relevant degree
• deep knowledge of African markets and development ecosystem; existing relationships in Nairobi and/or Addis preferred – Experience in the AEC industry a significant advantage
• familiarity with Gulf philanthropic and development landscape is a strong asset
• strong narrative and pitch instincts; comfortable coaching senior design leaders
• fluency in English required; French or Arabic is a significant advantage
• based in or willing to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda; comfort with regional travel

With over 120 employees from almost a dozen countries, MASS lives our belief that only a diverse staff from widely varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds is properly equipped to tackle complex challenges in our communities.

We aspire to create a more inclusive architecture profession and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Qualified candidates should submit all application materials through the provided link.

Please, no phone calls or recruiting agencies.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so it is recommended to apply early.

We will be in touch with next steps once your application has been reviewed.

www.massdesigngroup.org