Head of Partnership Development

Main Responsibilities

● Lead Pars’ development department and its fundraising efforts: tell the story of the church in Iran and Pars’ role in it, invite the global church to engage and partner with Pars such that Pars’ annual operational budget is raised.

● Create annual and multiyear development strategies and plans for diversifying and increasing Pars’ annual income.

● Play the lead role in the “acquisition” of funds within the development department: i.e. initiating and building relationships, communicating an “ask” to potential donors, and acting as a “closer.”

● Work towards achieving a sustainable balance of unrestricted and project income, from a range of channels including: individuals, major donors, trusts, churches, organizations, events, etc.

● Ensure every partner of Pars is called at least twice a year so that relationships are developed and updates are given. Most of these calls should be done by the candidate but he/she can also delegate to others.

● Take a hands-on approach with major donor fundraising by identifying potential donors.

● Lead the development of creative and innovative prayer and fundraising campaigns in order to raise the profile of Pars and generate new income.

● With the help of the Director of Operations, create and oversee an optimal structure, rhythm and team for development efforts: this includes ensuring the timely submission of grant applications, reports, digital updates, phone calls, events, trips and visits with donors.

● With the help of the Director of Operations, plan and lead development trips and events.

● Travel for 4-8 weeks a year, visiting current and prospective partners and donors.

● Contribute to building a culture of excellent communications and fundraising across Pars’ organisation as a whole.4

● With the help of the Director of Operations and/or other development staff, oversee and ensure that all data, record keeping and administration related to development is operating efficiently and effectively, using appropriate tools.

● Regularly report to the Executive Director, the Senior Leadership Team and the board of trustees about progress made on different development initiatives and fronts, as well as annual income forecasts.

Development at Pars

Currently, Pars has an average annual income of $1.65 million. 80% of this is usually raised from organisations and foundations, 15% is from US-based churches and 5% is from individuals. Till now, this income has been raised by Pars’ Director of Public Relations (former Associate Director) who has been leading all Pars’ fundraising and partnership development efforts for the past 10 years, alongside her other responsibilities. Pars has also had a part-time Partnership Development Officer who has provided administrative support to the Director of Public Relations, as well as writing all grant applications, proposals, reports, digital emails and updates. The Director of Public Relations will be reducing her role at Pars from Easter 2026. Thus, Pars is seeking to recruit a new Head of Partnership Development to lead all its fundraising and development efforts. This person will shadow our Director of Public Relations for the first 6 to 12 months, during which time he/she will be introduced to all current donors, trained in Pars’ development culture and approach, and given the necessary tools to effectively lead the Partnership Development team thereafter.