Resource Mobilization Manager

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

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CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Resource Mobilization Manager to lead the Resource Mobilisation team and manage the execution of the resource mobilization plan for donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to secure and retain diversified donor pool for CIMMYT, working in partnership with grants management, data, and donor intelligence colleagues.

The location of this position will be at CIMMYT's headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

Strategy

• Manage and execute the Resource Mobilization operational plans to secure USD 250m annually through 2027.
• Execute plans to accomplish Engagement Chapter KPIs related to Resource Mobilization: 20% increase in inorganic and organic growth, 50% growth for funding new projects or initiatives and 80% of donor retention, and 20% cross-program funding.
• Coordinate planning processes, ensuring the donor relations & fundraising service strategy aligns with CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy and annual operating plans.
• Oversee collaboration with CIMMYT leadership and fundraising scientists, including targets, approaches, methods, and tools, with a focus on larger, cross-Program proposals.
• Ensure application of policies and procedures are in place to meet legal, statutory, and financial regulations to reflect fundraising best practice.
• Identify ways in which CIMMYT can collaborate with partners to inform key stakeholders and maximize the policy and development impact of its research across the main target regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Research, Prospecting & New Donor Engagement

• Manage a proactive approach to prospecting, identifying various types of donors and new, innovative approaches to diversify the current donor pool and network.
• Manage fundraising services and tools to designated Programs which include tailored support in the pursuit of specific bilateral and CGIAR pool-funded options.
• Lead resource mobilization hub-and-spoke model to service programs in a streamlined and consistent manner.
• Develop and write compelling grant proposals, identify potential grant opportunities, and build strong relationships with donors/ funding agencies.
• In collaboration with scientists in the hub & spoke model, co-develop and write compelling grant proposals, identify potential grant opportunities, and build strong relationships with donors.
• Mobilize new donor pools focusing on growth of individual contributions, corporate partnerships, impact investing or other emerging funding opportunities.
• Represent the organization at fundraising events and meetings, donor meetings/events, building awareness and promoting fundraising efforts.

Cultivation & Stewardship

• Implement and manage strategies that cultivate and steward a robust donor network, build relationships, secure major gifts, and ensure donor satisfaction and engagement.
• Collaborate with staff and board members to develop and implement effective solicitation strategies, including grant writing, individual meetings, and more.
• Develop and follow up personalized cultivation plans for key donors and prospects in accordance with the hub & spoke model to deepen their engagement and understanding of CIMMYT's mission and needs.
• Implement a comprehensive stewardship program, in partnership with the Communications Department, for the whole of CIMMYT that includes regular communication with donors, such as newsletters, impact reports, and event invitations.

Grant Management & Reporting

• Provide Project Management advice to programs to ensure professional management of projects. Work in partnership with grants management to report and update donor-funded activities and results.

Administration

• Manage a team of Resource Mobilization professionals, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.
• Develop and manage the Resource Mobilization budget.
• Manage annual plans, regular 1:1s and annual appraisals to ensure objectives and targets are accomplished.
• Promote collaborative work across the area.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor and evaluate the objectives and activities of the team including reporting on performance.
• Develop and utilize systems to monitor and evaluate the achievement of objectives and activities of the department including reporting on performance.
• Drive the accepted application of values and behaviors among the members of the DFS Department, promoting adherence to CIMMYT’s culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, international development, business administration, public policy, political science or a closely related field.
• The selected candidate should have significant prior experience with roles involving donor engagement, partnerships, and business development, with a demonstrated track record of securing increased annual income.
• Considerable practical experience in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation for proposal writing.
• Significant experience working with bilateral and multilateral donors, with strong communication skills for donor engagement, storytelling and proposal writing.
• Experience leading resource mobilization strategies, and driving new business development initiatives.
• Experience securing funds with a broad range of donor types, including foundation and corporate donors.
• Experience in people management, including staff development.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages including CRM and other tools operate in Dynamics 365.
• Additional training or certification in resource mobilization, fundraising, or project management is desirable.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environments and in multi-disciplinary teams.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Team Leadership, and Communication.

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS25123_Resource Mobilization Manager.  

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on December 15, 2025. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them and a one page cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.