Thank you for your interest in the Director of Fundraising role at Chatham House. This is a pivotal position, reporting to me and working in close harness with the COO who has overall responsibility for the day to day operating of the House, including frequent discussions of targets, performance and strategy. You will lead three core teams: Corporate Fundraising, Individual Membership and Donor Relations. Each is headed by a highly capable head, and you will oversee them in setting clear priorities and delivering sustained income growth.
At this extraordinary time in international relations, there is tremendous demand for our work. Governments, companies, civil society organisations and individuals come to us to help advance arguments and proposals about the order of the world that are emerging from the immense shifts now underway – from the rivalry between the US and China to the question about whether arms control, security, migration, new technology and the environment will be governed by agreements or not.
This role offers a superb opportunity for a strategic leader, strong in commercial judgement and in developing a team of target-driven people. This role is a blend of strategy and sales: someone who can make the case personally to our most important prospective donors and also consider our future patterns of funding and discuss these with the CEO, COO and Council. We will look to you to increase our global networks, with an initial focus on developing our presence in the US.
The ideal candidate will bring strong political insight and the ability to identify, build and sustain effective relationships with a wide range of partners. They will be confident making the case for supporting Chatham House at senior levels, combining conviction in our work and ability to convey that with strong skills in building relationships and shaping partnership discussions. They will be comfortable initiating conversations, pitching opportunities and making the request for support, or where appropriate, seamlessly handing over to me, the Chair or the COO to conclude agreements.
I look forward to meeting candidates who share our mission and our ambition for the next chapter of Chatham House.
Bronwen Maddox
Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chatham House
Director of Fundraising
The Role
Key Responsibilities
Work with the CEO, COO, Chair and heads of fundraising teams (corporate, philanthropy, individuals) to devise an ambitious fundraising strategy. Including endowment, donors, individual and corporate membership.
Lead fundraising across Chatham House, driving current products, developing new products, taking a strategic view of Chatham House’s unrestricted income and raising it to new levels.
Work with the CEO and COO to develop an exceptionally crisp and compelling case for support for Chatham House.
Lead fundraising outside the UK, especially the US, Middle East and Asia.
Develop capacity for new income and for management of existing relationships, ensuring that the team balances the two appropriately.
Drive efficiencies within the fundraising teams, ensuring we have the right skills, processes, and structures to maximise returns.
Maintain a strong and diverse income pipeline.
Work with the research teams to pursue untapped fundraising opportunities for research programmes, even if this is for restricted income. (Research income comes primarily from foundations and governments, and is generally restricted to particular projects.)
Represent the CEO and Chatham House in external meetings and as an ambassador for the institute, raising its profile.
Supervise the heads of fundraising teams in budget planning and financial management for all fundraising activities.
Use data and judgement to evaluate and report fundraising performance, identify trends and make informed decisions about the use of resources, tracking key metrics and data points.
Lead, inspire and motivate staff in line with our mission, values and competencies, effectively communicating and setting an example of what good looks like.’
Contribute to furthering Chatham House's EDI strategic objectives.
Personal Specification
Along with our skills and behaviours outlined below, you have:
Experience in creating and delivering an income generation strategy, landing six-figure endowments.
Exceptional ability with intellect and presence to articulate a mission to influential audiences with credibility and conviction.
Experience as a member of a senior leadership team with a strong track record of leading, managing, motivating and developing high-performing teams.
Experience of working with senior volunteers and influencers, to persuade them to assist in opening doors to new potential, transformative donors.
A genuine passion and interest for international affairs and our mission.