Director, Ecosystem Development & Engagement

The Knowledge Society (TKS) is a global human accelerator focused on developing young people (ages 13-18) to impact billions. In TKS, students learn about solving problems using emerging technologies, develop foundational mindsets, and build real-world skills, while being part of a global community of like-minded people.
We're looking for a Director, Ecosystem Development & Engagement to drive our tuition support program, securing external funding opportunities to break down tuition barriers, enabling the most driven and curious kids from around the world to access our world-class programming regardless of financial status.
To date, we've partnered with leading innovators including Google X, Walmart, Amazon, Microsoft, Zappos, Ikea, and Masason Foundation -- it'll be up to you to build on these relationships and develop new alliances with some of the most innovative companies, orgs, and people in the world.
Our vision is to help create the next generation of unicorn people - people who impact billions. In 2020, TKS was recognized by The World Economic Forum as a "School of the Future" and was also featured in Forbes, BBC, Fast Company etc...
We currently have 2,500+ students and alumni from over 200 cities globally. Our alumni have started venture-backed companies, performed cutting-edge research, presented at the world's largest conferences, and are creating solutions to tackle important problems like maternal mortality, disease, and energy.
How You'll Add Value:
You will be the “matchmaker,” with a holistic TKS lens, focused on identifying, cultivating, and nurturing the best partnerships for internal teams to accelerate meeting their objectives.
While you will be responsible for a revenue target (in the $7-figure range), you know that non-revenue generating and in-kind opportunities are equally valuable and you recognize their strategic importance.
Our relationships with each organization are nuanced and the depth of engagement varies widely. We're looking to you to get creative with your approach while rigorously prioritizing.
In this role, you will:

• Build awareness in each city to excite students about TKS and apply to the program. You will work with our events and marketing team to execute on local initiatives.
• You'll also play a critical role in our expansion efforts, supporting the launch of new markets like UAE, Geneva, UK, & India through identifying potential partners and building relationships.
• Grow in-kind sponsorship activities that advance our organizational objectives. Examples could include partnership marketing efforts, venue sponsors, and other programs.
• Build and manage our eco-system of strategic alliances with external organizations (Corporate, Gov't, Non-profit, HNW). Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support our scholarship programs within the 7-figure $ range annually.
• Work with our internal teams to build unique experiences and opportunities for TKS students and alumni, such as guest-speakers, external mentors, hackathons/sprints with innovative firms, and more..

Experience We're Looking For:

• You have a solid track record of meeting/exceeding 6 to 7 figure targets on a consistent basis - and more importantly, you can speak to results, efficiencies, and mistakes you’ve learned from.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in strategy, consulting, business development, growth, or partnership roles.
• Experience building scalable programs and initiatives from the ground up.

Traits we're looking for:

• Results-driven, ambitious, and gets things done.
• Excited to scale TKS globally and bring this experience to students around the world.
• Ability to figure things out.
• Finds ways to turn a no into a maybe, and a maybe into a yes.
• Exceptional communication of our vision and mission.
• Loves building zero-to-one, entrepreneurial.

Benefits/Perks

• Complete ownership and autonomy
• Network with influential people
• Access to TKS program content – always be learning 💡
• Competitive compensation
• Build relationships with the next generation of unicorn founders
• Work with smart people who enjoy high-quality conversations

Three reasons why people join the TKS team

• Have flexibility and ownership over your time. We value results, which is directly correlated with the growth of the students and their enjoyment in the program.
• Work with awesome mission-driven people who want to make the world a better place. The people at TKS are kind, intelligent, fun, and authentic. There's no politics here.
• The fulfillment and joy of helping ambitious young people discover their passion, achieve their potential and make lifelong friendships. We have a meaningful impact on people's lives who will shape the future.

Ps. Yes, we offer health benefits, vacation, swag, and other nice perks.
Resources To Learn More About TKS
Below we've included some resources that you can check out to get a deeper understanding about TKS, including podcasts from our founders and videos of our students.
🎬 Video: What Does Ambition Mean?
🎙️ Podcast: Nadeem & TKS Philosophy
🎬 TEDx Talk: Human Potential
🗞️ Forbes: Equipping Youth To...
🎬 Video: TKShowcase Highlights
🎙️ Podcast: Navid & TKS Story
🗞️ Fast Company: Where Tomorrow's...
🎬 Video: TKS Changed My Mindset