Chief Growth Officer

Position description

For more than 50 years, IREX has delivered results in complex environments. We solve problems through partnership, bridge divides where interests conflict, and develop leaders committed to impact. The youth we empower build stronger economies. The educators we support improve learning for countless students. The critical thinking skills we advance help people make informed decisions about their futures.

IREX is at a transformative moment. Our 2040 Ambition requires a fundamental shift in how the organization grows and sustains itself.

Duties

The Growth Leader IREX Needs Now

IREX seeks a seasoned Chief Growth Officer (CGO) with a demonstrated expertise of personally driving and securing revenue streams beyond traditional government funding diversified, non-U.S. Government revenue—including major foundations, corporate, individual, and earned-income funding—to position mission-driven organizations for long-term sustainability and independence.

The Opportunity

This role requires a proven needle-mover: a growth executive who has closed complex funding partnerships, repositioned organizations in competitive markets, and delivered measurable revenue outcomes beyond traditional federal grant models.

The CGO is ultimately accountable for achieving IREX’s goal of reaching 35% non-U.S. Government revenue by 2030.

The CGO serves as a key member of the Executive Team, with broad influence across the organization and a strategic partner to the President & CEO, helping shift IREX from grant-dependent thinking to a diversified, entrepreneurial growth model — while maintaining strong mission alignment and customer focus.

The CGO leads the Catalyst Hub—one of IREX’s three primary organizational hubs—which includes New Business Development, strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy, and Strategic Initiatives, and Marketing and Communications. The CGO owns an enterprise-wide growth strategy and is supported by experienced internal talent capable of advancing ambitious objectives from day one.

Core Accountabilities

• Strategic Growth & Revenue – achieve ambitious revenue targets, including 35% non-U.S.G. funding by 2030
• Building multiple new and robust non-government revenue streams
• Enterprise-wide growth strategies aligned with IREX’s 2040 Ambition

Core Responsibilities

Business Development & Partnerships

• Oversee non-government and U.S. Government business development efforts
• Build high-impact relationships with foundations, corporates, donors, and partners
• Move past grantor–grantee models to position IREX as a long-term solution partner

Customer Impact, Communications & Thought Leadership

• Oversee customer impact and external communications in support of growth
• Lead external thought leadership and innovation initiatives
• Guide re-branding and impact positioning to expand new audience awareness

Leadership & Executive Partnership

• Serve as a core executive partner to the President & CEO and Executive Team
• Build, lead, and mentor the Catalyst Hub team
• Foster an entrepreneurial, results culture focused on execution & outcomes
• Partner with executive peers to integrate technical expertise into growth efforts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, international development, or related field
• 15+ years’ experience in fundraising, business development, & revenue generation
• 7+ years in executive leadership roles with sustained tenure and accountability
• Experience partnering with Boards and Executive Leaders on growth strategy
• Demonstrated success securing significant non-U.S. Government funding
• Deep experience positioning organizations in competitive or crowded markets
• Strong acumen across funding models, pricing, cost structures, and sustainability

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or master’s degree strongly preferred
• Experience working with philanthropic foundations (e.g., Gates, Ford, etc.)
• Direct experience working in international development or mission-driven NGOs
• Experience with digital transformation and/or technology-enabled growth
• ***This position is eligible for hybrid work within the DC Metro area. Eligible employees are regular, full-time staff based in the DC-MD-VA region who split their time between working remotely and onsite at the DC office. This position is not eligible for fully remote work outside the DC Metro area. ****

Application instructions

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