Company Description
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.
We support over 280 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.
Position
About the role
The External Relations team is responsible for stewarding relations with our funders as well as the ECF Board and Advisory Council.
The ECF is looking for a highly-experienced, highly-skilled and networked individual for the role of Executive Director, External Relations. Executive Directors (ED) form the senior management team of the ECF, along with the CEO Laurence Tubiana. The EDs are responsible for working with the ECF’s directors to develop strategy, and support organisation-wide strategy alignment and information flows. The Executive Director will spearhead and execute the ECF’s overall fundraising strategy, always in partnership with programme staff. She/he will report to the CEO.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement a strong fundraising strategy to support the organisation’s strategy, working closely with the CEO and the EDs;
- Lead development of revenue and partnership model to support growth for ECF and the field;
- Manage and cultivate relationships with ECF’s current funders, together with the team;
- Increase the pipeline of prospective donors through research, analysis, and relationship building:
- Create stewardship strategies for funders and prospects,
- Oversee the development of fundraising materials to support engagement.
- Design fundraising strategies and specific plans for new and existing programmes and projects, working in collaboration with programme staff
- Act as strategic partner to CEO and the other EDs on the issues relating to fundraising and interaction with the Board;
- Support implementation of ECF’s organisational strategy, acting as a thought partner;
- Build and expand network by participating at events, conferences and cultural activities;
- Oversee preparation of reports against agreed financial targets, operational activities and annual objectives;
- Regular contact across group programmes and projects and with the EDs to gain understanding of the activities and identify projects/topics that could unlick fundraising opportunities;
- Lead, coach and develop the External Relations team;
- Help surface and solve organisational challenges;
- Work in close partnership with staff to ensure a positive culture for ECF staff and partners;
- Help strategically prepare and participate in ECF Board meetings.
Requirements
- Strong interest in the mission of the European Climate Foundation;
- Extensive senior-level experience in the philanthropic sector;
- Entrepreneurial spirit and thinking outside of the box;
- Strong outreach and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and materialise new funding opportunities;
- Highly networked individual with the capacity to adapt to rapidly changing environments and circumstances;
- Strong track record managing complex partnerships;
- Excellent diplomatic and marketing skills;
- Extensive leadership experience and track record of achievement;
In addition, the selected candidates will need to be deeply mission driven and have the highest-level skills and qualities in the following areas:
- Analytical and strategic thinking;
- Supportive and collaborative team leadership;
- Influencing and network-building;
- Organisational understanding.
Other information
Location & travel
Flexible – Brussels, London, Paris, The Hague or Berlin.
How to apply
Please upload below:
- CV
- short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role
- both in English!
Only applications following the HOW TO APPLY instructions will be considered for the role!