Development Director

About the role

We are seeking a Development Director to lead and expand the fundraising function at the Centre for Future Generations (CFG), an independent think‑and‑do tank focused on guiding policy around rapid technological change.

Key responsibilities

• Own and execute the development strategy, set fundraising priorities and manage the discretionary budget for contractors and specialist support.
• Run the existing grant pipeline, moving foundation relationships toward multi‑year commitments with a target of at least €3 million per year in general operating support.
• Scope, test and develop new revenue streams such as major donor programmes, individual giving, charity‑recommendation platforms, events, membership models and positioning the Policy Incubator for funder support.
• Support programme teams by shaping investment cases and preparing staff for funder conversations.
• Cultivate senior funder relationships and prepare the executive team, board members and programme directors for their own engagements.
• Maintain reporting, compliance and grant‑management systems, ensuring the CRM remains the single source of truth for funder intelligence.
• As funding allows, recruit and line‑manage a Development Officer and oversee a bench of contractors.

Required profile

• Senior experience in philanthropic fundraising, major donor cultivation or institutional grant acquisition.
• Proven ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies and diversify income streams.
• Strong track record of managing multi‑year grant pipelines and achieving sizable annual funding targets.
• Experience working in a nonprofit or think‑tank environment is desirable.

Required skills

• CRM management