Francois Phopho Kamano
Jacksonville
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Business Development, Partnerships, and Fundraising Leader with a strong track record in securing high-impact collaborations, managing donor relations, and leading revenue-generating initiatives across international markets. Adept at event planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic fundraising, with experience in executing high-profile conferences, workshops, and community outreach programs. Skilled in proposal development, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and team leadership, driving sustainable growth and impact for nonprofit and corporate organizations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Business Development Director
Youth On The Move, USA Inc. / Dr. Fairest Hill International
01.2025 - Current
- Prospecting school in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi to engage them with event proposals and market Dr
- Fairest Hill’s high energy motivational sessions so we could close deal and book Dr Fairest for a paid event in those schools
- Develop and implement regional business development strategies: this include identifying target markets ( Elementary schools, Middle, High Schools, Job corps centres, TRIO progams, Colleges and universities), setting sales goals, and creating plans to achieve them
- Build and maintain strong relationships with School counselors, Principals, Student leadership and Engagement managers, Students organizors : Foster trust and loyalty through regular communication and proactive problem-solving
- Represent the Dr Fairest Hill at industry events and conferences: Network with potential clients and partners
- Negotiate and close deals: Secure contracts and agreements that meet company objectives
- Manage collaboration with corporates: Provide ongoing support and ensure client satisfaction
- Designed and submit business proposals to corporates and educational institutions
- Developed and executed business expansion strategies, identifying and securing partnerships with corporate sponsors, educational institutions, and event organizers
- Led event planning and execution for large-scale motivational seminars, securing sponsorships and increasing audience engagement
- Managed the due diligence process for new institutional partners, addressing compliance requirements and contract negotiations
- Spearheaded sales strategies, resulting in increased revenue from speaking engagements, workshops, and corporate training programs
- Built and maintained relationships with key decision-makers, including executives, school administrators, and community leaders
Program Manager – Francophone Africa
United Nations Foundation
08.2019 - 01.2025
- Hosted 10 high-level events to drive political momentum for data initiatives, engaging senior policymakers
- Built a network of 8+ country focal points, strengthening collaboration and trust among stakeholders
- Co-led 13 country workshops to define national priorities and action plans
- Established 6 in-country coordinating bodies to enhance data sharing and cross-government collaboration
- Brokered 10+ strategic partnerships to tackle key development challenges and drive impact
- Organized 13+ regional and global knowledge-sharing events, advancing capacity building and advocacy
- Expanded operations from 3 to 10 countries, increasing engagement across Francophone Africa
Director of Development
Aid-Equip US
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Initiated the development of three key educational programs—NextMove Initiative, Future Builders Initiative, and HomeFix Kids Program—designed to equip youth and underprivileged adults with soft skills, leadership training, and professional development
- These programs help high school graduates secure jobs, generate income, and finance their online undergraduate studies, reducing reliance on student loans
- Led fundraising efforts, securing approximately $5,000 through individual donations and board member contributions
- Organized fundraising events, donor engagement programs, and community outreach initiatives to strengthen financial support and stakeholder involvement
- Developed and implemented branding, marketing, and digital engagement strategies to enhance organizational visibility and attract funding
- Managed grant proposal writing and donor reporting, ensuring compliance with funding priorities and regulatory requirements
- Established and nurtured partnerships with key stakeholders, expanding Aid-Equip’s reach and funding portfolio
- Trained 200+ young individuals in job search strategies, resume building, and interview preparation while connecting them to free online courses and employment opportunities
Project Manager – West Africa Region
BirdLife International
04.2015 - 07.2019
- Designed and executed community engagement events, workshops, and donor-funded projects supporting environmental sustainability
- Oversaw strategic project implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring alignment with donor and organizational objectives
- Maintained relationships with major donors, providing regular updates to strengthen funding commitments
- Provided technical support on project design, evaluation, and impact assessment
Country Business Development Manager
Good Vision
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Planned and hosted street outreach events to market our affordable optical eye glasses
- Organize marketing and sales event at school levels, security services to market our affordable optical eye glasses and reading glasses
- Developed and implemented partnership-driven fundraising strategies, securing key sponsorships for healthcare and community outreach programs
- Led donor engagement efforts, managing corporate and philanthropic relations to enhance program funding
- Analyzed national market trends to identify new business opportunities and adjust strategies accordingly
- Represented the organization at industry conferences and networking events, strengthening visibility and donor engagement
Program Associate
NGO STEP
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Conducted research and outreach to identify potential funding partners and corporate sponsors
- Assisted in the design and implementation of partnership-driven programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
- Supported event coordination efforts, managing logistics for stakeholder meetings, training sessions, and community outreach programs
Education
Professional Certificate - Mastering the Essentials CRM Salesforce
SimpliLearn Academy
02.2025
Training certificate - Basics of Public-Private Partnership Management
The Youth Leaders of the American Network- YLAN
03.2025
Statement of Participation - Building Relationships With Donors
The Open University
02.2025
Certificate - Fundraising Essentials
NonProfit Ready
02.2025
Mini-MBA - Information Technology
European Institute of Leadership and Management
10.2023
Certificate - Strategic Partnership Building & Fundraising
IREX Community Solutions Program
03.2022
PMP Certification - undefined
Project Management Institute
09.2021
Certified Business Consultant - undefined
US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Right
01.2021
Diploma - Strategic Management
Institute of Commercial Management
10.2013
Master’s - International Relations
Université Général Lansana Conté de Sonfonia
08.2011
Skills
- Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
- Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Revenue Generation
- Corporate Sponsorship
- Donor Engagement
- Event Planning
- Conference Hosting
- Project Management
- Program Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Communication
- Market Expansion
- Growth Strategies
- Team Leadership
- Capacity Building
Affiliations
- Community Fellow Center for Global Economic and Environmental Opportunity-University of Central Florida
- IREX Fellow-Community Solutions Program
Certification
PMP Certification
ISO 9001
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Native or Bilingual
Interests
Community Development and youth empowerment
Social entrepreneurship
Event Management
Fundraising
Timeline
Regional Business Development Director
Youth On The Move, USA Inc. / Dr. Fairest Hill International
01.2025 - Current
Director of Development
Aid-Equip US
06.2023 - 12.2024
Program Manager – Francophone Africa
United Nations Foundation
08.2019 - 01.2025
Project Manager – West Africa Region
BirdLife International
04.2015 - 07.2019
Country Business Development Manager
Good Vision
01.2013 - 12.2015
Program Associate
NGO STEP
01.2010 - 12.2011
Training certificate - Basics of Public-Private Partnership Management
The Youth Leaders of the American Network- YLAN
Statement of Participation - Building Relationships With Donors
The Open University
Certificate - Fundraising Essentials
NonProfit Ready
Mini-MBA - Information Technology
European Institute of Leadership and Management
Certificate - Strategic Partnership Building & Fundraising
IREX Community Solutions Program
PMP Certification - undefined
Project Management Institute
Certified Business Consultant - undefined
US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Right
Diploma - Strategic Management
Institute of Commercial Management
Master’s - International Relations
Université Général Lansana Conté de Sonfonia
Professional Certificate - Mastering the Essentials CRM Salesforce
SimpliLearn Academy
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