Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Reports to: Board of Directors at Aspire Supporting Education Association
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: ₺100,000-₺140,000 TYR/month
About Aspire Supporting Education Association
We are the local affiliate of the Aspire Institute headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA. Our mission is to prepare first-generation, limited-income college students and recent graduates to be leaders in their communities. We envision a future where every young person achieves their full potential and contributes their talents to build thriving communities.
The Role:
The General Secretary is responsible for establishing and managing the operational, financial, and legal infrastructure of Aspire Foundry in Turkey. This is a strategic leadership role focused on fundraising, financial management, regulatory compliance, partnership development, and organizational sustainability. They will ensure the Foundry operates effectively within Turkey’s association framework while building the ecosystem and resources necessary to support program delivery. The primary KPIs will be across funds raised, applications to the Aspire Leaders Program, program retention, and alumni engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Resource Development
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure diversified funding from corporate sponsors, foundations, individual donors, and grants
- Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and funding partners in Turkey and internationally
- Prepare grant proposals, sponsorship packages, and funding applications tailored to Turkish and international donors
- Manage donor relations, including regular communication, impact reporting, and recognition programs
- Build partnerships with corporate CSR departments and foundations aligned with Aspire’s mission
- Organize fundraising events and campaigns to expand donor base
- Track fundraising pipeline and maintain a comprehensive donor database
- Set and achieve annual fundraising targets to ensure financial sustainability
Financial Management and Documentation
- Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
- Ensure meticulous financial documentation in compliance with Turkish association accounting standards and international donor requirements
- Manage accounting systems and work with external accountants/auditors to maintain accurate financial records
- Prepare financial reports for headquarters, board of directors, donors, and regulatory authorities
- Monitor budget execution across all programs and operational areas, implementing corrective actions as needed
- Prepare annual financial statements and coordinate external audits as required
- Collaborate with HQ to establish targets for numbers of grant recipients and award amounts across Seed Fund, Community Action Award, and other alumni grants
Association Legal Framework and Regulatory Compliance
- Manage all regulatory documentation, including annual activity reports, financial statements,
- Oversee association governance, including board meetings, general assembly meetings, and election procedures
- Maintain corporate records, including bylaws (tüzük), meeting minutes, member records, and official correspondence
- Handle all registration and licensing requirements with relevant government authorities
- Event Organization and Stakeholder Engagement
- Plan and execute strategic events, including donor cultivation events, networking forums, and community engagement activities
- Organize annual showcase events to demonstrate impact and attract sponsors
- Coordinate launch events for new programs and initiatives
- Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, guest management, and budget oversight
Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
- Support the development and implementation of country-specific strategic plans aligned with Aspire Institute’s global mission
- Conduct environmental scans of education, nonprofit, and funding landscapes in Turkey
- Build and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector
- Identify growth opportunities and expansion possibilities for Foundry programs
- Develop organizational policies, including governance, financial management, and operational procedures
- Build organizational capacity through systems, processes, and team development
- Create sustainability models that reduce dependence on single funding sources
Outreach and Recruitment to Programs
- Increase visibility of the Aspire Leaders Program (ALP) across the country to generate applications
- Set national and regional targets for applications
- Guide the development of information sessions and other peer outreach events
- Partner with local universities, NGOs, government agencies, corporations, and other entities who can promote ALP to their audiences
- Assist prospective students and partners in understanding eligibility and completing applications
- Publish monthly newsletters and execute marketing campaigns across social media, newspaper, radio, TV, etc.
Supporting Learner Retention and Alumni Engagement
- Support the engagement of current learners in ALP to improve program experience and retention
- Support the organization and management of WhatsApp or other online communities for peer networking
- Aid in the coordination of volunteer teams
- Facilitate internships, career exploration, soft skills workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Connect alumni to local job readiness programs and host networking events
- Build partnerships with EdTech companies, career development organizations, and products/services that in-country alumni can utilize in their career journey
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, International Development, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s degree strongly preferred)
- Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fields, with at least 3 years in leadership roles
- Proven track record in fundraising with demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships
- Expertise in donor cultivation and stewardship
- Demonstrated success in building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society
- Experience with association governance, including board operations, general assembly procedures, and corporate records
- Excellent written and verbal communication in Turkish and English (professional business proficiency required)
- Ability to represent the organization professionally to diverse audiences
- Cross-cultural competency for working with international headquarters and global Foundries
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to build a high-impact organization from inception in a strategic emerging market
- Autonomy and leadership to shape organizational strategy and direction
- Connection to a global network of Foundries and social impact leaders across four continents
- Collaborative work environment with mission-driven global team
- Fully remote position with only occasional in-person events in Istanbul
- Flexible working hours: Design your own schedule
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about empowering students and building meaningful community relationships, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your vision for this role to Seyma Kara at seyma.turkiyeprograms@aspireleaders.org with the subject line: “Aspire Türkiye – Country Director & General Secretary Application.”
Aspire Institute is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
