Director of Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising

About FirstPrinciples:
FirstPrinciples is a non-profit organization advancing scientific discovery by developing an AI Physicist - an intelligent system designed to explore and uncover the fundamental laws of nature. Our goal is to build a new kind of research platform that goes beyond analyzing information: one that can ask deep scientific questions, reason across disciplines, and accelerate the generation of new ideas. By combining AI, symbolic reasoning, and autonomous research capabilities, we aim to transform how knowledge is discovered and help push science toward its next breakthroughs.

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly connected and strategic partnerships leader with a proven track record of closing large-scale deals and securing large-scale funding from philanthropists, research foundations, governments, and other strategic partners. The ideal candidate will be a leader, relationship builder, deal-maker, and storyteller, capable of translating FirstPrinciples’ vision into compelling funding opportunities for donors, foundations and research institutions. You will be responsible for creating and executing a high-impact fundraising strategy that aligns with our global ambitions.

Key Responsibilities:

Funding & Partnerships Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy to secure major gifts, grants, and institutional funding.
• Drive structured deal-making processes, from prospecting through closing, with a focus on urgency and measurable outcomes.
• Position FirstPrinciples as a must-support initiative for those investing in AI, physics, and the future of scientific research.

High-Impact Partnerships & Donor Relations:

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, science foundations, research institutions, philanthropists, government funding agencies and institutional donors.
• Identify and unlock opportunities with decision-makers at research institutions, universities, think tanks, AI labs, and deep-tech investors.
• Lead and organize donor engagement initiatives, exclusive funder events, and private donor roundtables.
• Develop partnerships with government agencies, private sector leaders, and international science funding bodies.

Market Development & Institutional Deals:

• Identify and secure large-scale grants from major science funding organizations (e.g., Simons Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Gates Foundation, NSF, ERC, DARPA).
• Structure and negotiate complex agreements that align donor/partner incentives with FirstPrinciples’ mission to accelerate scientific discovery.
• Expand FirstPrinciples' access to government research funding, impact-driven venture funding, and global science funding programs.

Public Engagement & Thought Leadership: 

• Represent FirstPrinciples at global scientific conferences, AI summits, and policy forums.
• Develop and oversee thought leadership content and initiatives to position FirstPrinciples as a global leader in AI-driven scientific discovery and the global science community.
• Engage with scientific and technology media to enhance visibility with potential funders.
• Build and manage a network of advisors and fundraising connections to accelerate introductions to various funding circles.

Scaling Growth & Team Development:

• Over time, build and lead a world-class fundraising team, including grant writers, donor relations managers, and institutional fundraising specialists.
• Work closely with FirstPrinciples’ leadership team to align funding strategies with overall growth objectives.
• Design scalable fundraising processes, CRM systems, and funder engagement strategies.

Qualifications:

• Proven success in enterprise-level sales, business development, or strategic partnerships, ideally with experience in high-growth startups, deep-tech, or scientific/AI-related industries.
• Track record of closing large, complex deals (multi-million, multi-year commitments) with urgency and persistence.
• Strong existing network of funders, science philanthropists, and AI/physics research investors.
• Experience in fundraising for scientific institutions, AI research labs, or deep-tech initiatives.
• Familiarity with research institutions, breakthrough scientific discoveries, and the AI funding landscape.
• Demonstrated passion for physics and for making scientific knowledge accessible and impactful.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for the role, and references. Please include "Director of Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising" in the cover letter.

Join us at FirstPrinciples and be a part of a transformative journey where science drives progress and unlocks the potential of humanity.