Remote Director, Global Fund Innovation & Research

Arctic Stabilization Initiative; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Renaissance Philanthropy is seeking a Director, Research and Origination, Fund Ecosystem to lead research and origination for thesis‑driven philanthropic funds. The role centers on advising major donors, designing and launching funds, and evaluating impact in global health and development.

The position emphasizes a blend of breadth across topics and depth in diligence, with 70% focus on health in LMICs and 30% on education, climate policy, and biomedical R&D.

Qualifications

• 10–25 years of experience in nonprofit or for-profit entrepreneurship, science or social science research, investing, philanthropic grantmaking, project design and incubation, policy entrepreneurship, or topic-relevant program leadership within government

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing thesis-driven philanthropic funds and initiatives, culminating in a clearly argued, written fund/don't-fund recommendation for philanthropists we work with
• Source existing funds and initiatives for evaluation in key areas, building and managing philanthropic dealflow
• Conduct shallow reviews to identify the cruxes and critical open questions driving decisions
• Interview fund leaders and outside experts to understand theory of change, approach, and team suitability
• Build independent cost‑effectiveness analyses and benchmark against DALYs, doubled consumption, and CO2e averted
• Identify high-impact opportunities for new thesis-driven philanthropic funds and incubate early-stage projects
• Develop processes for identifying and vetting talent to lead new funds
• Build relationships with policymakers, scientists, and technical experts in LMICs
• Prepare research, briefing materials, and compelling investment cases for donors and partner organizations

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Research & analysis

Fundraising strategy

Policy engagement

Stakeholder management

Cost-effectiveness modeling

Written communication

Programme leadership

Job description

Renaissance Philanthropy is seeking a Director, Research and Origination, Fund Ecosystem to lead research and origination for thesis‑driven philanthropic funds. The role centers on advising major donors, designing and launching funds, and evaluating impact in global health and development.

The position emphasizes a blend of breadth across topics and depth in diligence, with 70% focus on health in LMICs and 30% on education, climate policy, and biomedical R&D.