Head of Strategic Partnerships

About SPUN

SPUN is a startup NGO with a mission to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. These fungi draw down approximately 13 billion tons of CO2 annually through extensive underground networks. Since our founding in 2021, we've built a global data platform to make these invisible networks measurable. Through our Underground Explorers program and network of over 400 Science Associates across more than 80 countries — with the majority in the Global South — we generate high-resolution biodiversity maps and ML-powered tools that integrate mycorrhizal data into climate, conservation, restoration, and land management decisions.

Our work spans from laboratory research, data science, and robotics to locally-led field applications, informing everything from carbon accounting methodologies to protected area design and restoration protocols. With strong backing from leading foundations and growing momentum in international policy circles, we're at an inflection point where strategic partnerships will be critical to driving the adoption of mycorrhizal data into climate strategies, conservation agendas, and restoration efforts worldwide.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic partnership leader to identify, cultivate, and formalize relationships that accelerate the integration of mycorrhizal science into real-world environmental practice. This is a senior role requiring someone who can independently represent SPUN's vision and value proposition to potential partners across conservation organizations, restoration practitioners, agricultural initiatives, carbon market developers, biodiversity monitoring programs, climate-focused institutions, and technology companies.

The ideal candidate will serve as both architect and ambassador — designing partnership frameworks that create mutual value to build SPUN as an essential partner for organizations working at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable land use.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development & Execution

• Proactively identify and qualify potential partners in conservation, restoration, agriculture, climate mitigation, biodiversity monitoring and reporting, technology, and related sectors
• Lead initial conversations and needs assessments to determine alignment and mutual value
• Design partnership frameworks that leverage SPUN's scientific capabilities (data, methodologies, research networks) to address partner priorities
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize partnership agreements, MOUs, and collaborative frameworks
• Independently represent SPUN in high-level partnership discussions with senior leaders from NGOs, corporations, technology companies, and international organizations
• Manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities from initial contact through formalization and implementation
• Track and communicate partnership outcomes, particularly regarding data integration and on-the-ground impact

Strategic Integration

• Work closely with the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer to align partnership strategy with organizational priorities
• Translate SPUN's scientific outputs into compelling value propositions for different partner types
• Identify opportunities to integrate mycorrhizal data and methodologies into existing frameworks (e.g., MRV systems, carbon accounting standards, conservation protocols, biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems, technology platforms)
• Explore technology partnerships that could enhance data accessibility, analysis, or application
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure partnership deliverables are feasible and well-executed
• Monitor partnership performance and adapt strategies based on outcomes

Organizational Representation & Development

• Contribute to funding proposals where partnership expertise strengthens the narrative
• Support board engagement on partnership strategy and key opportunities
• Represent SPUN at conferences, convenings, and public forums
• Help position SPUN for larger-scale funding opportunities that require demonstrated partnership capacity
• Identify partnership structures that align with organizational sustainability goals

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in partnership development, business development, or similar roles, preferably in environmental science, conservation, or climate sectors
• Scientific foundation: Minimum of Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field; demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts
• Proven track record of independently developing and formalizing meaningful partnerships or strategic agreements, ideally in environmental or scientific sectors
• Deep knowledge of at least two of the following: ecosystem services valuation, conservation finance, regenerative agriculture, climate policy frameworks, carbon markets/MRV, biodiversity monitoring and reporting frameworks, environmental data systems
• Exceptional communication skills: ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences from scientists to corporate executives to foundation officers to board members
• Contract and negotiation experience: comfortable drafting and negotiating partnership terms
• Senior-level presence: can credibly represent organizational strategy in high-level conversations without supervision
• Self-directed and entrepreneurial: thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment with evolving priorities
• Comfort with public speaking: able to represent SPUN at conferences, panels, and partner events

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in relevant field
• Experience working at the intersection of scientific research and commercial/policy applications
• Existing network in conservation, climate, sustainable agriculture, or environmental technology sectors
• Track record of contributing to successful grant proposals
• Experience with international partnerships, particularly in the Global South
• Familiarity with biodiversity conservation frameworks and climate commitments (e.g., CBD, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement)
• Understanding of Indigenous rights and community-based conservation approaches
• Experience evaluating or implementing environmental data platforms or technologies
• Experience with biodiversity assessment and monitoring protocols

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means establishing SPUN as the essential partner for organizations seeking to integrate underground ecosystem considerations into their work — whether they're conservation organizations designing protected areas, restoration practitioners planning interventions, or policymakers developing climate strategies. You'll build a partnership portfolio where SPUN data demonstrably transforms on-the-ground practice, creating replicable models that can scale our impact. We'll define specific metrics, timelines, and milestones collaboratively based on your strategic assessment of opportunities and our organizational priorities.

Reporting & Team

This role reports to the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer and will work closely with the Executive Director & Chief Scientist, and SPUN's board of prominent leaders from conservation, climate, finance, and policy sectors. This position will regularly engage with board members on partnership strategy and key opportunities.

Why Join SPUN

At SPUN, we know that taking care of our team means empowering them to do their best work. Our benefits are designed to support health, well-being, growth, and balance across our globally distributed team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums covered for employees, plus dependent coverage support.
• Wellness & Lifestyle Support: Annual health stipend, flexible spending account (for US-based employees), monthly work-from-home allowance, and wellness days built into your year.
• Generous Time Off: Minimum of 25 vacation days per year (plus local holidays), unlimited paid time off as needed, sick leave, and wellness days to recharge.
• Volunteer Days: Paid time each year to contribute your skills and energy to causes you care about.
• Professional Growth: Annual professional development allowance to invest in your learning, skills, and career progression.
• Workspace & Tools: Hardware allowance to get you set up and annual workspace allowance to create a productive environment wherever you are.
• Celebrating You: Annual birthday meal stipend so you can celebrate on us.
• Global Consistency, Local Care: Benefits tailored to local laws while ensuring everyone has access to the same high-quality standard of support across our organization.

At SPUN, we believe that work should be both impactful and sustainable — our benefits are designed to help you thrive, not just in your role, but in every part of life.

Location & Compensation

This is a full-time remote role. While we welcome applicants from anywhere, we have a preference for candidates based in or near New York City or London. The position involves regular travel, roughly 15–20% of the time.

The salary range for this role is USD $120,000 – $165,000, depending on experience and location. SPUN applies a global compensation multiplier to ensure equity across regions for candidates based outside the United States, adjusting pay according to local market and cost-of-living benchmarks.

Compensation aligns with SPUN’s hybrid positioning as an environmental NGO and data science startup, and is commensurate with experience. Performance-based bonuses may be available for exceptional partnership outcomes.

To Apply:

Please complete the application form in BambooHR and submit the following materials:

• A resume
• A cover letter outlining your relevant experience and approach to partnership development. In your cover letter, please describe a partnership you’ve led—from initial identification to successful implementation—highlighting the key inflection points and how you navigated them.
• Contact information (including phone numbers) for three professional references

Please note: we will notify you before contacting any references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

At SPUN, we embrace diversity as a fundamental pillar of our mission to protect underground ecosystems. Our commitment to decolonizing science is dependent on the diversity of knowledge and experience on our team and among our partners across the globe. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background, feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We highly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented or repressed groups, including but not limited to women, LGBTQIA, individuals from the Global South, and individuals with Indigenous heritage, to apply to join our team at SPUN.

To learn more about our company and culture, please visit our website www.spun.earth