Development Officer

Reports To Executive Director

Status 4 days per week

Direct Reports Interns, volunteers, or consultants where relevant (at present, this role does not have direct reports)

Compensation EUR 45,000 to 53,000 per year (pro rata)

Contract Duration Two years with the possibility of extension depending on funding

Location This post will be based in the Netherlands, the UK or Germany (with preference for the Netherlands). This role can be either undertaken remotely or from IDC’s office in The Hague. You must have the right to work in the country for which you are applying. Unfortunately, IDC is unable to support work visa applications or relocation.

Background

International Detention Coalition (IDC) is the world’s leading network dedicated to ending immigration detention. We are a global coalition, uniting civil society organisations, community groups and individuals working to end immigration detention and promote non-custodial, rights-based alternatives to detention (ATD). We believe refugees, migrants and all people on the move should be able to live freely while they await the outcome of their immigration case, and we advocate to secure the human rights and dignity of all people impacted by and at risk of immigration detention. To this end, IDC strategically builds movements and influences law, policy and practice to end immigration detention and to implement ATD. Our goal is to ensure that human rights are respected in migration systems. This includes community support, meeting basic needs like healthcare, food and housing, and ensuring the right to work, access education and contribute to society. IDC is a highly recognised, impact-driven organisation, offering a stimulating workplace committed to local, national, regional and global change.

Role Purpose

The Development Officer plays a critical role in advancing the mission of IDC by supporting the organisation with its fundraising efforts towards diversification of income and increased sustainability. This role is pivotal in securing grants and funds to sustain and expand the organisation's impactful programmes and advocacy efforts. By effectively coordinating, communicating and executing IDC’s fundraising strategies and logistics, the Development Officer helps drive positive impact and results within IDC.

Role Summary

The Development Officer will work closely with the Executive Director (ED), Operations and Development Manager and other key regional staff to support the organisation's fundraising efforts, specifically focusing on grant and fund acquisition and relationship building. This role involves coordinating the entire donor cultivation cycle, with a focus on identification and qualification of potential prospects, internal grant application coordination, drafting proposals and reports, and grant management. It also includes supporting the Executive Director in cultivation, recognition and stewardship activities (preparation and follow-up), as well as managing various organisational duties related to fundraising activities and in close coordination with IDC’s communications and finance team members.

Role Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation and Communication

• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors.
• Support the Executive Director and other relevant staff to prepare for donor meetings, presentations and stewardship activities and organise these meetings where relevant including follow-up.
• Draft thank-you letters, acknowledgments and other correspondence to donors.
• Coordinate relevant IDC impact stories and social media activities in cooperation with the Chief Communications Officer.

Funder and Opportunity Identification

• Research and identify new grant opportunities that match IDC’s strategy and priorities, with a focus on institutional funding.
• Conduct funder mapping and identification (respecting IDC’s ethical guidelines and policies) and maintain a comprehensive funder database in consultation with relevant staff.
• Support and enhance IDC’s fundraising efforts by regularly identifying and sharing relevant funding opportunities and by updating relevant team members.
• In addition to working on traditional fundraising streams (public funding, foundations, donations), this role includes researching and potentially implementing cryptofunding and other digital fundraising opportunities.

Grant Proposal Development

• Work with IDC team members to gather information and data for concept notes and grant proposals (including budgets and supporting documents such as impact stories).
• Provide project management coordination for grant acquisition processes and liaise with relevant team members. Contribute to the production of impact-oriented funding proposals by incorporating outcomes from impact monitoring and assessment.
• Write and edit compelling grant concept notes and proposals, ensuring alignment with IDC’s mission, strategy and approach.

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars and preparing materials for presentations.
• Maintain organised electronic and physical filing systems for fundraising documents and communications.
• Assist in the preparation of outreach emails, marketing materials and other acquisition communications.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work with relevant team members to develop and maintain a system for grant administration and acquisition, including development of resources and capacity building for IDC team members.
• Work collaboratively with relevant team members, including the Executive Director, Operations and Development Manager, Chief Communications Officer, as well as the finance and regional programme teams to achieve fundraising goals and objectives.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions and other organisational activities as needed.

Core Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a culture of agile learning, collaboration, teamwork and support within the IDC team.
• Demonstrate passion and alignment with IDC’s mission, vision and core values of innovation, collaboration, respect, inclusion, representation and being solutions-focused.
• Demonstrate an understanding of IDC policies to ensure a positive and safe working environment for all.
• Actively engage with organisational systems, processes and infrastructure to ensure sustainability and appropriate safeguarding of institutional knowledge, assets and core activities over time.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing or related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience and a successful track record in grant writing, fundraising or development within the nonprofit sector.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Strong writing, editing and communication skills in English, with great attention to detail.
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues faced by refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants, particularly those affected by immigration detention.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multitask effectively and work within time constraints.
• Ability to take initiative and to work remotely and autonomously, to manage competing deadlines, prioritise workload appropriately and work in a flexible manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, donor management software, online research tools and relevant AI technologies.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, grant regulations and reporting requirements.
• Commitment to the mission and values of IDC.
• Existing network with relevant grant makers and donors (desirable).
• Knowledge of the Spanish language (desirable).
• Knowledge of project management/fundraising software such as Salesforce, Sales Navigator, etc (desirable).
• The position may involve some travel.