Background:

Search for Common Ground (Search) is a global pioneer in peacebuilding and conflict transformation. With an unparalleled track record of supporting communities to end, prevent and recover from violent conflict over more than four decades, Search is widely recognized as a thought- and practice-leader on the issue most critical for the future of humankind: our ability to deal with differences constructively and to meet shared challenges collaboratively.

Whether in Texas or Myanmar, Afghanistan or Kenya, our approach is rooted in three pillars:

1. We work through teams, networks and coalitions that are multipartial, meaning they are not only local but representative, reflecting in their composition the diversity of communities and constituencies that are often in conflict with one another in society-at-large. As such, multipartial teams model what it is they seek to bring about.
2. We build trust across societal dividing lines by translating dialogue into cooperative action. Peace moves at the speed of trust, which we build through collaboration that yields shared success.
3. We hold ourselves accountable to achieving results sustained at scale in the form of reformed institutions, healthy social norms, and positively reinforcing market dynamics.

In all we do, we strive to reflect five core values: Audacity, Tenacity, Empathy, Collaboration, and Results.

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Our Mission

We aim to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions.

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Our Vision

We want to accelerate progress toward a world where differences stimulate social progress rather than precipitate violence, where conflict spurs curiosity and cooperation rather than confrontation or coercion, and where transforming conflict into cooperation becomes the norm for individuals, communities, organizations, and nations.

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Description

Purpose of role

The Chief Resources Officer will be the senior leader in the organization responsible for the development and execution of an integrated global fundraising, revenue, and marketing strategy that supports our mission and expands our impact. Working closely with the CEO, the Board of Directors and Advancement Committee, and leaders across the organization, the CRO will develop and strengthen relationships with individuals and organizations that generate revenue, build the Search brand, and expand our influence. This position is especially suitable for a strategic leader with a record of developing and executing recently successful campaigns to increase revenue exponentially, expand supporters and generate dependable streams of restricted and core revenue across giving levels for an international non-profit organization.

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Primary responsibilities

The job holder will have the following key responsibilities:

Strategic leadership & planning:

• Inspire excellence and high performance across all fundraising, development and marketing teams to achieve the goals of our multi-year $35 million campaign – 2025 - 2028.
• Advise and partner with the CEO, the US Advancement Committee, the Boards of Directors and the President's Leadership Council in ensuring buy-in and active support for the multi-year campaign.
• Lead and inspire others across the organization to support philanthropic partnerships and build an organizational culture that supports philanthropy, alongside Search’s well-developed and successful record of securing and managing funding from US and European governments and multilateral

• Analyze and report on fundraising results, making data-driven adjustments to optimize fundraising outcomes and tracking the return on investment.

Fundraising & resource development:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments.
• Lead the development and implementation of major gift programs, corporate partnerships, and annual giving campaigns.
• Expand the donor base by identifying new funding opportunities, including major gifts, grants, and innovative financing models.
• Develop a donor stewardship program to engage, recognize, and retain donors and sponsors.
• Ensure that the operating infrastructure supporting our frontline fundraisers is top notch, including optimizing our SalesForce tools, conducting sound research and donor data analysis, preparing winning concept notes and proposals, creating high-quality presentations, donor events and reports, designing compelling narratives and effective communication of impact, ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and revenue reporting,  and collaborating with finance on data-grounded revenue forecasting and financial reconciliation.

Team leadership & development:

• Establish the annual goals for the department and contribute to shaping organization-wide Objectives & Key Results (OKRs)
• Build and manage a high-performing and multi-skilled fundraising team, providing coaching, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
• Establish clear performance metrics for fundraising teams and ensure effective execution of the strategic revenue generation goals during the new strategy period 2026 - 2030.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability within the department and across the organization.

External relations & advocacy:

• Strengthen Search’s visibility and maximize presence in various US, European and international forums that influence donor decisions among philanthropists and public sector funders.

Budgeting & financial management:

• Develop and manage the department's annual budget in line with OKRs, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources for fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the finance team to forecast, track and report on revenue and expenses, ensuring financial accountability and transparency
• Collaborate with other teams to ensure that Search is compliant with ethical and legal standards for fundraising organizations in the US, Europe and elsewhere as appropriate.

Organizational collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with the CEO and leaders across programs, communications, and operations to build the culture of philanthropy at Search and ensure that donor feedback and insights are valued among leaders and used to influence donor engagement strategies and donor relationship management.
• Collaborate horizontally to leverage the full capacity of the organization in achieving the strategic goal of revenue diversification and delivering the 50/50 strategic pivot to increased philanthropic revenue by 2030.

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Requirements

The following offers an aspirational view of our ideal candidate profile; however, we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Education & experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in non-profit management, international development, or a related field preferred.
• At least 20 years of experience in non-profit development, with a focus on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and global fundraising. Five years’ experience as a CDO or equivalent role in a large organization with revenues of $75M plus.
• Proven success in leading and growing comprehensive fundraising programs, including individual, corporate, foundation, and government giving.
• Experience in the global peacebuilding, human rights, or international development sectors is highly preferred.

Skills & competencies

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead a team of professionals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance short-term fundraising needs and long-term organizational sustainability.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and a passion for the mission of Search.
• Experience working with boards and senior leadership in a collaborative, transparent, and results-oriented manner.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems, donor databases, and data-driven fundraising strategies.
• Strong ability to use data to drive results and ensure organizational health.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

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Comments:

Reporting to:  Chief Executive Officer

Manages: 3

Annual salary:  $160,000 - $200,000 USD; £98,000 - £150,000 GBP; €108,000 - €160,000 EUR

• Salary will vary based on the country of hire.                      
• Candidates must have the right to work in the country from which they are applying.
  
  

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the link below.

Please contact Zoe Oldham at zoeoldham@darylupsall.com for any queries you may have and to receive the applicants pack for the role.

The deadline for applications is Monday 4th August 2025, 9:00 am CET

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Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required; irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.