Background

‍Around the world, public resources are being raised and spent unfairly and ineffectively, leaving millions of people without access to the quality public goods and services they need to thrive. Governments often make public resource decisions without much consultation or information from the public. Meanwhile, those with power and privilege very effectively influence government decisions in their favour.

Our goal is to make governments raise and spend public money more fairly so that everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and get ahead. To achieve this, The International Budget Partnership (IBP) partners with budget analysts, community organizers, and advocates in 120 countries to advance public budget systems that work for people. Together, we generate data, advocate for reform, and build the skills and knowledge of people so that everyone can have a voice in public money decisions that impact their lives. For more than 25 years we have built a global network of partners that promote the public’s right to have a say in public finance. More recently we have scaled up our impacts to help communities drive change in how governments both raise and spend public resources and to inform decisions to ensure those resource translate into quality services—from healthcare to clean water.

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‍Purpose of Role

‍IBP seeks a Director of Fundraising to drive our organization's resource development and financial sustainability. Working at the highest levels of the organization, this leader will develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitments from major international donors. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated success in diversifying revenue streams and building strategic partnerships, along with the ability to both envision ambitious fundraising goals and execute detailed plans to achieve them.

As a key member of the senior team, the Director will provide strategic leadership while managing hands-on fundraising activities, mentor a dedicated fundraising team, and coordinate closely with the Executive Director, Executive Team, Country Directors, Initiative Managers and Advisory Council. They will strengthen IBP's internal fundraising capacity while cultivating external relationships that advance our mission.

Success in this role requires exceptional relationship-building abilities, strategic thinking, and a proven track record of securing large-scale funding from a diverse range of channels including institutions, foundations and High Net Worth Individuals. This is an opportunity to shape the financial future of a global organization working to advance budget transparency, participation, and accountability in public finance and governance.

This is an exciting moment for IBP as it has just released its new strategy. This bold systems change approach requires reimagining the organization´s fundraising strategies and capacities and developing new and diversified revenue streams in a new funding environment where unrestricted funding has declined.

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‍Primary Responsibilities‍

‍Fundraising Strategy Development and Execution (50%)

• Setting Fundraising Strategy and Vision: Develop and implement a data-driven fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s broader strategic goals. Set ambitious yet achievable financial targets and ensure alignment across teams.
• Prospecting: Design and execute tailored strategies for identifying, soliciting, and stewarding institutional and individual funders.
• Proposal Development: Lead the creation of compelling funding proposals, pitches, appeals, and other materials to secure funding in collaboration with initiative managers.
• Building and Maintaining Networks: Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including high-net-worth individuals, bilateral governments, foundations, and philanthropic groups.
• Innovative Fundraising Strategies: Explore and implement new approaches, such as joint fundraising with partners and sector-based strategies, while enhancing fundraising capacity at country, global, and initiative levels.
• Donor Stewardship: Build long-term relationships with donors through personalized engagement strategies, aligning their interests with the organization's goals.

Donor and Stakeholder Engagement (25%)

• Donor Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full donor lifecycle, from acquisition and engagement to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Board Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison for fundraising with the board of directors and Advisory Council
• Crisis and Risk Management: Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for fundraising, including planning for economic downturns, donor withdrawals, or reputational risks.
• Engagement Strategies: Collaborate with program teams to design personalized donor engagement strategies, such as tailored reports, briefings, and impact updates identifying clear roles for staff across the organization that is involved directly and indirectly in fundraising efforts.

Direct and Indirect Team Management (25%)

• Resource Allocation and Budgeting: Oversee the fundraising budget, ensuring resources are allocated to high-impact activities based on data-driven decision-making. Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure proper handling of donations, reporting and forecasting.
• Team Building and Development: Recruit, train, and retain a high-performing fundraising team, setting clear roles, responsibilities, and success metrics. Work with the fundraising working group and staff across the organization to strengthen fundraising activities.
• Performance Management and Reporting: Track and report fundraising performance metrics to executive leadership and the board, using analytics to optimize outcomes.
• Developing Internal Talent: Mentor fundraising and program staff in relationship management, donor communications, and strategic planning, while fostering leadership development.
• Building Cross-Functional Capacity/Culture of Philanthropy: Equip senior leaders and program teams with the knowledge and tools to contribute to fundraising efforts, including impact reporting and donor engagement training.

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Profile

‍We seek individuals who not only possess the necessary skills and competencies for this role but also embody the values that define our organization’s culture and mission.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, ensuring integrity in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations. They will champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that respects different perspectives and amplifies voices from historically underrepresented communities.

We value individuals who exhibit collaboration and adaptability, working effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders. An entrepreneurial and strategic thinker with a deep sense of independence and initiative, they will drive innovation while aligning fundraising efforts with IBP’s broader mission.

Above all, the candidate will be passionate about democracy, human rights, and social impact, bringing both expertise and a values-driven approach to advancing IBP’s goals.

‍Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in fundraising, including work with trusts, foundations, bilateral government donors, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field desirable or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record of securing significant gifts and growing fundraising revenue.
• Experience leading and managing fundraising teams, with strong mentoring and coaching skills.
• Background in engaging with Global South philanthropic organizations, particularly feminist funds or other mission-driven entities.
• Demonstrable success in managing donor relationships from acquisition to stewardship and retention.

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking combined with a hands-on approach, organizational skills, and administrative competence.
• Ability to develop and execute data-driven fundraising strategies aligned with the organization’s broader goals.
• Experience in setting ambitious financial targets and driving fundraising strategies to achieve them. Strong track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies, with a demonstrated ability to drive income growth and diversification.
• Deep understanding of emerging fundraising trends, including philanthropy, donor behaviours, and sectoral shifts.
• Strong track record in securing large-scale donations and managing diverse income streams.
• Knowledge of Global South philanthropic organizations and experience with feminist, climate, and locally led funds. Experience working with diverse teams and donors from various geographical, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Expertise in managing the donor lifecycle, including acquisition, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Skilled in building long-term partnerships with major donors and strategic stakeholders, including foundations, donor collaboratives, high-net-worth individuals, bilateral government donors, and global philanthropists.
• Strong communication skills to tailor messaging and effectively engage diverse donor groups.
• Ability to network across sectors, expanding and strengthening strategic partnerships that align with the organization’s mission.
• Ability to build internal fundraising capacity, equipping senior leaders and program teams with fundraising knowledge and tools. Demonstrated leadership in managing, coaching, and mentoring a team of fundraising professionals.
• Ability to recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

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Salary

‍These locations are given to illustrate specific country salary ranges – the salary will be payable in local currency and is determined based on local market rates and candidate experience.

• €80K - €115K EUROS in Europe. (variable country to country and paid in local currency)
• £85K £95k GBP in the UK.
• $75K - $100K USD in Africa (variable country to country and paid in local currency)
• $135K – $146K USD in the USA.

Contract type: Fixed term - initially 2 years with a view to renew.

‍Working hours: Full-time

‍Travel: Regular travel in Europe and the US, and trips to visit programmes in our Country Offices.

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Terms and Conditions

Remuneration:

International Budget Partnership offers competitive salaries, promotion opportunities, pension contributions, and other benefits that are aligned with the country of employment.

Values and Culture:

We take pride in our core values and how our staff embody them in every aspect of their work. We strive to create a culture that celebrates our values and global achievements, fostering an environment of pride and commitment.

Work-life Balance:

While our mission is central to everything we do, we also understand the importance of work-life balance. We support our staff by offering 24 days of annual leave (in addition to public holidays) and providing access to flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid working options.

Professional Development:

At International Budget Partnership, we are committed to recognizing and nurturing the potential of our team. We support professional growth through:

Travel and Medical Insurance: All staff travelling for work are covered by comprehensive travel and medical insurance to ensure their safety and well-being.

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Please contact Ruth Gardner at ruth@darylupsall.com for any queries you may have. Also, an applicant’s pack is available upon request.

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‍The deadline for application is Sunday 23^rd March 2025

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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.