Development Director

About the role

The Development Director will lead CFG’s fundraising function, transitioning it from an external contractor to an internal, permanent capability. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, you will shape the development strategy and ensure a diversified, sustainable income base for the think‑and‑do tank.

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 funder relationships toward multi‑year commitments with a target of at least €3 million per year in operating support.
• Identify and develop new revenue streams, including major donor programmes, individual giving, events, membership models and the Policy Incubator.
• 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 engagements.
• Maintain reporting, compliance and grant‑management systems, ensuring the CRM is the single source of truth for funder intelligence.
• Manage and grow the development team, including recruiting a Development Officer and overseeing contractors as funding allows.

Required profile

• Senior experience in philanthropic fundraising, preferably with multi‑year grant management.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior donor relationships.
• Strategic thinking aligned with policy‑oriented organisations.
• Strong communication skills for internal and external stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing budgets and overseeing external service providers.

Required skills

• CRM