Head of Fundraising

About the role

Acre is partnering with a leading international policy and research organisation to appoint a Head of Fundraising. This is a pivotal leadership role within the fundraising and communications function, responsible for building a resilient funding base as the organisation navigates a rapidly shifting global funding landscape. It works with partners worldwide to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises, and the Head of Fundraising will lead the Fundraising Team and its resource mobilisation strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Fundraising Team and drive its resource mobilisation strategy: increase non-ODA income, develop ambitious funding propositions, expand flexible and programmatic funding, and maximise restricted and unrestricted income.
• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, Finance and Research teams to close annual and multi-year funding gaps.
• Build relationships with key funder targets, directly and by supporting colleagues, to raise the organisation's profile and secure future income.
• Negotiate and close funding agreements.
• Develop a compelling narrative on the organisation's focus areas and mission, and gather funding landscape intelligence.
• Generate new fundraising ideas, from expanding existing funder relationships to accessing new income sources.
• Support programme and project teams with fundraising plans and donor scoping, and help engage the Board of Trustees.
• Develop and lead the fundraising and business development strategy, manage the team budget and drive efficiencies, including through AI.
• Manage the Fundraising and Business Development Team, promoting wellbeing, development and inclusive leadership.

Required profile

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions within an international NGO or charity, with a proven ability to design and deliver income-generation strategies across institutional funding, philanthropic foundations, major donors and corporate partnerships.
• Evidenced track record securing income from public sector agencies and private foundations or individuals, backed by a strong personal network.
• Strong understanding of the finance and resource mobilisation landscape for sustainable development, including values-aligned private capital, regulatory considerations and digital tools such as AI.
• Demonstrated experience building strategic relationships and partnerships, with strong influencing, negotiating and stakeholder engagement skills across geographies and sectors.
• Understanding of sustainable development policy internationally, with particular relevance to Africa, Asia and/or Latin America, and experience in partnership and consortium development.
• Team leadership experience and an entrepreneurial, self-starting approach, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in English required; French, Spanish or Portuguese is an advantage.