As chief development officer with Malala Fund, Lena Alfi oversees a team of five people that works to cultivate and manage relationships with corporate and foundation partners, as well as individual donors. The organization doesn’t accept government funding but works with a wide range of donors, such as Apple and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to support education activists on the ground in eight countries where girls face the greatest barriers to education.
Alfi, who holds a master’s in global human development, started in the sector working on women’s empowerment initiatives and developing partnerships to support education for Syrian refugees. Her first role at Malala Fund was as a corporate and foundation relationships officer, but she gradually took on more responsibility within the organization.
This type of role is best suited to those who love interacting with people, Alfi said. While a relevant degree can be helpful, she has also found volunteering, internship, and real-life experience to be informative.