Vacancy: Head of Fundraising

Catalyst Now is seeking a Head of Fundraising

Catalyst Now – A Global Movement of Social Innovators

Launched at the World Economic Forum in January 2020, Catalyst Now is a global community of social entrepreneurs, funders and other social innovators who believe collaborative action and bold, new strategies are needed to address the crises of our time.

Joining forces with communities, governments, businesses, funders and others, Catalyst Now members are working toward changing systems at all levels. Cumulatively, members have already impacted the lives of millions, often with limited resources. Together, we envision the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all.

About the role

Catalyst Now has transformed from its beginnings as a nimble, startup enterprise to a fast growing movement. This is an exciting time to join us in this role, and build on several years of work to engage and develop a strong pipeline of funders. The Head of Fundraising will lead on all aspects of fundraising from planning, management, fundraising and portfolio management.

Catalyst Now offers the opportunity to work with colleagues from various countries, and to challenge yourself within the context of a vibrant and growing organisation. You will be part of the Senior Management Team, responsible for strategic donor partnerships, fundraising-related collaborations and supporting different stakeholders in shifting the existing funding paradigm.

Catalyst Now is using the power of collective action to drive a new funding paradigm. If we are to truly address the global crises of our time, the current traditional funding practices, processes, and behaviours must change. This means ensuring that the funding driving impact is effective, sustainable and embraces systems change. Catalyst Now members envisage a funding paradigm that is grounded in trust, partnership and collaboration, all to drive global systems change to support the SDGs.

Scope of the work

You will be directly mobilising resources to support the revenue needs of the Secretariat across multiple streams of fundraising. You will build on strong foundations of funding cohorts, a philanthropy leadership concept to build the sector, a multi-stakeholder appeal and much more… This will require the ability to develop relationships with members, funders, and corporate actors and manage a strong portfolio of mission aligned donor partners who are able to invest significant and multi-year donations.

We are looking for a senior hands-on fundraiser and manager. A strategic thinker with excellent communication skills. Forming lasting relationships and giving a first class donor experience will be second-nature to you.

You will report directly to the Co-Chief Facilitator and will be part of a dynamic and globally dispersed team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with the Co-Chief Facilitator, Senior Management Team and Governing Council to support the development and implementation of Catalyst Now’s fundraising strategy.
• Own, develop and deliver the strategy for identifying and cultivating new partnerships with philanthropic organisations, Corporate Foundations, bi & multilateral funders, and individuals, to meet fundraising targets.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the funder ecosystem for social innovation: Spot and weave opportunities for funder engagement beyond grant making such as opportunities to participate in relevant collaborations, celebration, learning or action initiatives such as Catalyst Awards and Catalysing Change week.
• Manage existing donors. You’ll build our funding relationships as strategic partnerships that align with Catalyst Now’s strategy.
• Create bespoke and tailored fundraising collateral from proposals and presentations to digital media content, and report mechanisms for funders.
• Lead on the management of our fundraising committee, cultivating a ‘home team’ to support fundraising efforts.
• Play a lead role in developing a multi-stakeholder ongoing appeal to generate funds from Catalyst Now’s current ecosystem of members, allies, and funders.
• Manage interns to support the programme with a key focus on conducting research, advancing the donor pipeline and developing funding applications.
• Any other ad hoc tasks as requested and a being willing to be flexible when required.

Qualifications and experience

• An experienced social entrepreneur with leadership and fundraising experience - or a senior fundraiser with experience in the social and/or development sectors - able to make the most out of the strategic opportunities we are developing at Catalyst Now.
• Experience with blended finance will be an advantage.
• An active interest in global issues and challenges, their complexity and nuances.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, global environment and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complexity into compelling and resonant stories and proposals about the movement and its impact.
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and across time zones, and a willingness to learn from experience.
• Ability to manage time effectively and to adapt to changing environments.
• Desire to work collaboratively, with a positive attitude and ability to rise to challenges.
• Fluency in English and another UN language.
• Hands-on attitude, flexibility and ability to adapt to new tasks and a willingness to help out when required.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to work with senior level figures and to persuade them to act in support of challenging goals.
• Demonstrable success in winning six and seven figure donations and growing a portfolio of donors.
• Demonstrable line-management experience with the ability to effectively manage and motivate a team.
• Existing networks in the philanthropic community.
• Experience in the international development or social sector.
• Ability to travel occasionally for in-person donor meetings or networking opportunities (Catalyst Now will remain a distributed and entity working remotely).