Director of Philanthropy

Fundraising – Director of Philanthropy 

▪ Location – Flexible/Hybrid position. Make-A-Wish International Office, Hilversum, Netherlands. Other locations may be considered. 

▪ Right to work in preferred location required - No sponsorship offered. 

▪ Fixed Term Contract – 1 year as per policy with likely extension based on performance. 

▪ Salary - Circa -€60,000 per annum, based on full time employment and knowledge and work experience 

MAKE-A-WISH INTERNATIONAL 

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide. Every 25 seconds, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness and becomes eligible for a wish. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers joy and renewed strength to children and their families when they need it most. Wish experiences can restore the childhood stolen by a critical illness diagnosis and help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit https://worldwish.org 

WHO WERE LOOKING FOR 

An experienced leader to spearhead the development of the Make-A-Wish Internationals Philanthropy strategy. This critical role involves supporting Make-A-Wish to achieve its goal to grant a wish for every critically ill child, by devising and delivering an ambitious multi-faceted philanthropic strategy across Major Donors, Trusts and Foundations and Special Events. This role plays a pivotal part as a front line ambassador for Make-A-Wish International in cultivating new relationships and managing existing key donors. They will work collaboratively within Make-A-Wish Affiliates and across multiple markets and sectors. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES – Philanthropy Director 

Fundraising – Strategic Leadership 

▪ Provide leadership to the Philanthropy fundraising disciplines across Make-A-Wish International. 

▪ Develop, execute, and manage a multi-year philanthropic strategy focused on increasing revenue from Major Donors, Foundations, and Trusts. 

▪ Reinvigerate and grow Philanthropy income at Make-A-Wish International, in line with agreed targets and expenditure. 

▪ Collaborate with the VP, Fundraising, Philanthropy Manager and other key stakeholders to align fundraising goals with the organisation's mission and global initiatives. 

▪ Develop and implement short and long-range goals to diversify new & existing funding resources in collaboration with the VP Fundraising, CEO, the Board of Directors and the Senior Leadership Team. 

▪ Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, major foundations, and trusts to secure significant donations. 

▪ Develop and implement tailored donor engagement plans, ensuring personalised and impactful experiences that deepen donor commitment. 

▪ Maintain and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors, building strong, long-term relationships. 

Fundraising – Major Gifts and Donor Relations 

▪ Build on Make-A-Wish’s compelling case for support and identify specific projects which align with the strategic plan, and which demonstrate the difference that philanthropy will make in delivering on the mission. 

People Management and Collaboration 

▪ Lead, mentor, and inspire the Philanthropy Manager, creating a culture of high performance and accountability. 

▪ Work closely with the fundraising team and the senior leadership team to ensure alignment of fundraising efforts across different regions and affiliates. 

▪ Partner with the marketing and communications teams to develop compelling campaigns and donor materials that resonate with potential supporters. 

▪ Engage with the CEO, board members, and other senior leaders in major donor cultivation and solicitation efforts. 

▪ Establish relationships with the Make-A-Wish International Affiliates, Make-A-Wish America and executive network. 

Reporting and Grant Management 

▪ Rigorously oversee the planning, forecasting and reporting of Philanthropy income. 

▪ Present well-grounded and comprehensive reports on the Philanthropy department’s progress against income targets to inform their guidance and governance duties. 

▪ Develop and deliver compelling donor reports and stewardship materials. 

▪ Ensure donor database integrity by managing data int the accounts, confirming entry and accuracy with all supporting documentation. 

QUALIFICATIONS/ KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE – Philanthropy Director 

▪ BS/BA or MA Degree in marketing, business, non-profit management or equivalent. 

▪ Minimum 7 years working in the philanthropy fundraising space. Extensive experience, with ultra high net worth individuals. 

▪ Significant senior management experience in at least two areas of fundraising (Philanthropy, Events, Foundations with a demonstrable track-record of successfully growing income and supporters. 

▪ Proven experience in developing and implementing departmental growth strategies. 

▪ Experience working in a global or multicultural organization, with the ability to navigate different cultural contexts. 

▪ Highly experienced in developing donor cultivation journeys with a proven track record of income growth within a fundraising environment, developed and delivered with a focus on future sustainability. 

▪ Understanding of fundraising regulation, trends and best practice. 

▪ Excellent numeracy skills including significant experience of complex multi-year and financial planning, budgeting, target setting and presenting detailed financial information. 

▪ Able to confidently blend strategic and analytical thinking, able to see the bigger picture and set the future direction, whilst creatively and effectively managing people and processes. 

▪ Excellent written and verbal communication, public speaking, and presentation skills. 

▪ Ability to deal with confidential donor/client relationships. 

▪ Ability to handle multiple projects under deadline pressure. 

▪ Organised and detail-oriented. 

▪ High standards of ethics in conducting job-related activities. 

▪ Experienced line manager. 

▪ English-speaking required; multiple languages a plus. 

▪ Proficiency in operating systems such as Salesforce, Windows, and IOS. 

▪ Positive attitude and appreciation of the Make-A-Wish mission. 

▪ Ability to travel for job-related duties and attend events after work hours and/or weekends. 

Desirable Criteria 

▪ Previous experience of working at Director level or similar in fundraising (for 3 years minimum) 

WHAT WE OFFER 

• A 40-hour working week. 
• 25 days of paid leave annually (plus public holidays) 
• Hybrid work environment (2 days in-office, 3 days remote per week if based in the Netherlands) with occasional requirements to work outside of regular office hours. 
• Reimbursement of travel expenses 
• Pension contribution 
• Salary circa - €60,000 - per annum based on full time employment and knowledge and work experience. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Please email Make-A-Wish International HR ([email protected]) no later than 9am Wednesday 27th November sharing: 

• Your CV (no more than 2 pages) 
• A covering letter stating why you would like to work for Make-A-Wish international and how you meet the role description criteria. 
• Please note only applications with these two documents will be considered. 

NOTE: Make-A-Wish International will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and reserves the right to close the vacancy if a successful candidate is identified prior to the closing date. 

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES / CONSULTANTS - thank you. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Interview dates: w/c 9th December 2024 via video conferencing (MS Teams) 

Successfully shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening phone conversation with our Recruitment Partner (either during the application window or within 7 days of the closing date). Successful candidates will then be invited to first-round interviews approximately the week 

commencing 9th December 2024 via video conferencing (MS Teams) and will involve a prepared task. Final interviews will take place in with the CEO. Interview topics will be shared in advance wherever possible. 

Make-A-Wish International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. 

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone. 

We provide reasonable adjustments to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [email protected]