


- …
Strategy | Partnerships | Institutional Growth.


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Strategy | Partnerships | Institutional Growth.


Building Partnerships. Strengthening Organisations. Turning Ideas into Action
Helping mission-led organisations cultivate relationships, develop funding opportunities, strengthen internal systems, and deliver programmes, events, and strategic initiatives that turn priorities into results.
I work at the intersection of strategy, partnerships, and operations, helping mission-led organisations turn ambitious ideas into practical results. My experience spans education, international development, workforce development, and social impact, through work across Europe, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North America. Over the years, I've helped build institutional relationships, develop funding opportunities, coordinate complex proposals, strengthen organisational systems, and deliver programmes, conferences, and stakeholder convenings. What connects these experiences is my ability to bridge growth and delivery — bringing together the people, partnerships, processes, and resources needed to move opportunities forward and make things happen.
Areas of Work
My work spans partnerships, resource mobilisation, organisational operations, and programme and event delivery, bringing together the people, processes, and resources needed to move initiatives forward.

Strategy, Systems & Organisational Operations
Translating organisational priorities into practical plans, processes, and coordinated action. My experience spans operational management, workflow improvement, CRM and reporting systems, executive coordination, and cross-functional collaboration to keep teams aligned and initiatives moving forward.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Building and sustaining relationships with institutional partners, funders, employers, and diverse stakeholders. My experience spans partnership development, stakeholder mapping, external representation, and coordinating collaborations across organisations, sectors, and networks.

Funding, Grants & Opportunity Development
Supporting organisations throughout the funding development process, from identifying and assessing opportunities to preparing proposals and coordinating submissions. My experience spans donor research and intelligence, grant and proposal writing, funding pipeline management, CRM administration, and cross-functional collaboration to pursue competitive funding opportunities.

Programme, Events & Convening Management
Planning and delivering programmes, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder convenings, from concept through execution. My experience spans programme design, speaker and partner engagement, event logistics, participant coordination, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver initiatives of varying scale and complexity.

Education, Workforce & Capacity Development
Supporting initiatives that strengthen education, professional growth, and pathways to employment. My experience spans higher education, career guidance, employer engagement, entrepreneurship, training, and capacity-building initiatives that equip individuals with relevant skills and strengthen institutional capabilities.
Selected Highlights
A selection of experiences and contributions across institutional development, partnerships, funding, organisational operations, and programme delivery.
- $40M+ | Institutional Funding: Contributed to a major philanthropic funding partnership supporting higher education.
- 300+ | Young Professionals Supported: Supported career development and employer engagement initiatives through African Leadership Academy's African Careers Network and African Development University (A.D.U.)
- 3,000+ | Event Participants: Chaired the planning of A.D.U.'s inaugural convocation ceremony, attended by over 3,000 guests, including the then-President of Niger and a former Governor General of Canada.
- 2,000+ | Entrepreneurs Reached: Managed activities for a Microsoft Nigeria-supported entrepreneurship programme.
- 500+ participants & 40+ institutions engaged: Helped bring together higher education institutions through international collaborative convenings focused on collaboration and shared learning.
- $40M+ | Institutional Funding: Contributed to a major philanthropic funding partnership supporting higher education.
Professional Journey & Global Work Experience
A snapshot of roles and organisations that have shaped my work in partnerships, institutional growth, education, stakeholder engagement, and structured execution across Europe, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and North America.

Global Proposal and Project Developer
International education, donor diversification, and multi-country project development
At VVOB, I work across country teams and regions to identify funding opportunities, coordinate complex proposals, and support institutional partnerships. My role also involves strengthening CRM systems, funding pipeline management, and internal processes that help teams move opportunities from initial assessment through proposal development and submission — Brussels, Belgium.

Member, International Board of Trustees
Governance, people, culture, and youth-led development
As a Board Member and Chair of the People and Culture Committee at Restless Development, I contributed to organisational governance and oversight, with a particular focus on leadership, organisational culture, recruitment, accountability, and people-related priorities. The experience brought a governance perspective to my broader work in organisational development and leadership — United Kingdom / Global.

Director, Office of Global Advancement
Institutional growth, higher education operations, and external engagement
At A.D.U., I held leadership roles spanning institutional advancement, university operations, and administration. My work brought together organisational development, strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation, and the coordination of major institutional initiatives, from strengthening internal systems and supporting university growth to overseeing operational priorities and delivering high-profile events — Niamey, Niger.

Founder and Convener
Leadership & Capacity-Building Platform
Through Elevate Your Game, I have created opportunities for emerging leaders and young professionals to learn, connect, and grow. The initiative brings together workshops, conferences, and professional development activities focused on career readiness, leadership, personal growth, and practical skills. It reflects my longstanding interest in helping people gain clarity, access opportunities, and take meaningful steps towards their goals — Lagos, Nigeria.

Africa Careers Network Manager
Career pathways, employer engagement, and young African talent
At African Leadership Academy, I worked through the African Careers Network to connect emerging African professionals with career opportunities, employers, and professional networks. My role combined employer relationship management, career guidance, and professional development initiatives aimed at strengthening pathways from education to employment — Johannesburg, South Africa.

Senior Associate
Entrepreneurship, youth development, and ecosystem engagement
At The Future Project, I contributed to entrepreneurship and youth development initiatives, coordinating programmes that connected emerging entrepreneurs with mentorship, practical learning, and business development opportunities. My work brought together programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration within the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem — Lagos, Nigeria.

Chief of Staff
Education operations, executive coordination, and programme delivery
At Practice Makes Perfect, I worked closely with the CEO to coordinate organisational priorities, support executive decision-making, and facilitate communication across teams. As Chief of Staff, my role combined executive support, operational coordination, and the behind-the-scenes work needed to deliver education programmes at scale — New York, United States.

Chief of Development and Capacity Building
Capacity-building, professional learning, and social impact practice
At Evaluate for Change, I contributed to initiatives that strengthened professional learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among evaluation and social impact practitioners. My work focused on creating opportunities for professionals to connect, share experiences, and develop skills that support more effective practice across the social sector — New York, United States.
Speaking, Moderation & Facilitation
A selection of conference sessions and professional gatherings where I've contributed as a moderator or facilitator, helping guide discussions, engage diverse perspectives, and encourage meaningful exchanges
Education & Professional Development
Academic qualifications and professional training supporting my work across leadership, education, organisational development, and strategic communications.
MSc. in Digital Education (Online Learning) - The University of Edinburgh (In Progress)
Exploring digital learning, educational innovation, inclusive education, and the role of technology in improving learning experiences and outcomes.
Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership - Quantic School of Business and Technology (2024)
Graduate studies in business strategy, leadership, innovation, finance, and organisational management, with an emphasis on practical decision-making.
Global Talent Management Leader (GTML™) - Talent Management Institute (2021)
Professional certification covering talent management, workforce development, career planning, leadership development, and organisational talent systems.
BA in Mass Communication - Olabisi Onabanjo University (2008)
Academic foundation in communication, media, research, public relations, and storytelling.

Elevate Your Game: The Ultimate Guide to Gain Clarity, Make Local Impact and Grow Global Influence
Published in 2019, Elevate Your Game draws on my experiences in leadership, education, and professional development to help emerging leaders and young professionals navigate their personal and career journeys. The book offers practical insights on gaining clarity, identifying opportunities, developing purposeful careers, and translating aspirations into meaningful action.
In The News
Selected media features highlighting my work across education, leadership, social impact, youth development, and institutional change

In der Global Solutions Summer School tauschen sich junge Menschen aus, die nicht weniger als die Welt verändern wollen.
Awards and Recognition
Selected recognitions for contributions to leadership, education, youth development, and social impact.
- Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) Award | 2022 — Selected as one of 100 award recipients.
- SalesRuby Top 50 LinkedIn Personalities | 2019 — Recognised among 50 Nigerians to follow on LinkedIn.
- Civil Society SDGs Award | 2018 — Elevate Your Game recognised for its contribution to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
- G20 Young Global Changer | 2018 — Selected among 50 participants by the Global Solutions Initiative, Germany.
- Nonprofiteer of the Year Award Finalist | 2017 — Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, New York.
- African Union Commission Youth Hero | 2015 — Recognised as one of 10 young African changemakers.
- Top 100 Brightest Young Minds | 2015 — Barclays Africa and Brightest Young Minds, South Africa.
Insights and Reflections
Thoughts and lessons from my work across partnerships, organisational development, education, and professional growth.
November 4, 2026I've been fortunate to experience events from different perspectives: as an organiser,...April 11, 2020The New "Normal" It's around past 5am, GMT+1 and I'm up with several thoughts running through...July 14, 2019You will often find it hanging in prime spots of visibility and sometimes in shiny frames along...July 24, 2017It’s probably stale gist that New York rooms are pretty small but cost an arm and a leg...July 3, 2017Less is More! Do more, be more, take more, eat more, have more. More! More!! More!!! That's...February 1, 2017There are two artistes who live in the same neighborhood, one has zero music competence or skill,...Let's Connect
I'm always open to meaningful conversations, new ideas, and opportunities to collaborate.
Whether it's a professional opportunity, an institutional partnership, a project, or an invitation to contribute to an event or initiative, I'd be glad to connect.
Feel free to reach out using the form below or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Get in Touch
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Copyright © Oyindamola Johnson 2026




















