Scope: Global

Reports to: Head of Business Development

Position: Full time

Office: Global Office, The Hague, Netherlands

Job context

Hivos is an international development organization guided by humanist values. Together with citizens and their organizations, we aim to contribute towards just, inclusive and life-sustaining societies where people have equal access to opportunities, rights and resources. We work with partners in Africa, The Middle East, Asia and Latin America on three impact areas: Civic Rights in a Digital Age; Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Climate Justice.

Hivos is seeking a seasoned manager to join its Business Development team. In this role, the candidate will use expert communication skills, intimate understanding of the foundation landscape and a keen sense of initiative to spot and nurture fundraising opportunities, develop relationships with (private) foundations and manage outreach activities. By coordinating external outreach activities (visits, presentations, events), writing propositions, the manager will hone speaking, writing, and leadership abilities while moving Hivos closer to its financial goals.

We’re looking for a person with extensive experience in working with private and corporate foundations.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, professional, and organized and have a knack for proactive outreach and donor positioning, and is a strong communicator both in written and spoken word. We’re looking for someone who believes in the mission of Hivos and has exceptional drive for furthering our ongoing fundraising efforts as well as strategizing and delivering on new ones.

The candidate needs to have excellent research and analytical skills to identify foundations that represent a strong match for both organizations’ mission and objectives and to understand a funder’s focus area, eligibility criteria, application process and past grant recipients.

Objectives of this role

• Increase awareness about Hivos’ work and key strengths among relevant foundations
• Cultivate a network of dedicated foundations and spot new fundraising opportunities
• Plan fundraising initiatives to help the organization meet financial goals
• Form strong relationships with external stakeholders, both foundations and likeminded organization.
• Ensure partnerships with foundations are well managed and informed

Responsibilities

• Effectively convey Hivos’ mission, vision, and programs to potential donors
• Outreach activities (visits, presentations, events, etc.)

Required skills and qualifications

• At least six years of experience in fundraising, sales, or marketing. Explicit experience with foundations is a strong asset.
• Affinity towards Hivos’ strategic priorities and willingness to learn more about the issues and contexts that Hivos works on
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Excellent writing skills and ability to tailor content to specific target audience
• Pro-active attitude both internal and external towards (new) foundations
• Ability to lead and motivate colleagues and external stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail and precise communications style
• Ability to successfully balance priorities while managing multiple tasks and planning events

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Masters in communications, business, public relations, or related field
• Competence with donor management systems
• Substantial and proven experience in writing successful grant proposals, press releases, and fundraising letters
• Confidence in public speaking

What we offer

We offer a stimulating work environment in a professional international organization with very dedicated staff. We offer a national contract based on Hivos local labor conditions, with remuneration commensurate with the experience and expertise. Contract renewable depending on performance.

In this position you will work at Hivos’ Global Office in the city center of The Hague. We offer a contract for 36 hours per week based on Hivos Global Office labor conditions.

We provide a laptop and travel expenses according to our commuting policies, as well as participation in our pension fund. Hivos additionally works according to a 50/50 schedule, which means you may work from home during half of your contract hours.