Summary
Are you ready to lead transformative change in the fight against climate change? At Climate Group, we’re seeking a results-oriented and inspiring Executive Director of Development to spearhead our income generation strategy and drive funding for the bold action needed to achieve a net zero future.
You’ll lead a high-performing team with global reach to cultivate partnerships with some of the world’s most influential organisations. Together, we’ll push boundaries in funding innovation across systems like energy, transport, and heavy industry, as well as emerging areas such as climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. With a diverse income target of £25–27m by June 2027, this is your opportunity to shape the future of climate action on a global stage.
Join us to make a real difference – fast.
About Climate Group
Climate Group is an international organisation, and we want to reflect that in our staff. People who work for us, and people who apply, need to feel heard, safe, and included. That is why we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our application process and in our offices. We welcome applicants that are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective.
Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all.
We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action.
We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Beijing, New Delhi and New York.
About the role
Reporting into the COO, the Executive Director of Development is a key member of our Executive Management Team and will lead Climate Group’s income generation strategy. Over the past five years, we’ve grown and diversified our income significantly, and we’re poised to continue this trajectory. This role will drive growth in corporate partnerships, grants, high net worth giving, and new programmatic areas like resilience and adaptation, and climate finance.
You’ll oversee a talented team of 20+ across income streams, and research and innovation functions, working collaboratively with programmatic, policy, and events teams to secure funding critical to delivering our mission. With Climate Group’s global footprint expanding, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our funding approach to maximise impact across an increasing number of countries.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategy
Lead the development and implementation of a global income strategy, aligned with the organisational strategy and in collaboration with the global Executive Management Team.
Key elements of our current business strategy include:
* Deliver on a global annual income target of £25-27m by June 2027, supporting the organisation’s growth ambitions.
* Drive innovation in corporate partnership income, with a focus on new product development and enhanced partner engagement.
* Establish Climate Group as a thought-leader amongst funders through innovative research, strategic dialogues and business development initiatives.
* Expand the Leadership Giving program to diversify revenue streams and increase income.
* Ensure continued growth and excellence in sponsorship delivery while maintaining a strong pipeline of opportunities.
* Increase deal-size through strategic partnership building with high-profile partners and targeted R&D.
* Drive income growth in our newer programmatic areas of adaption and resilience, and climate finance.
Relationship Management
* Build and maintain strong, impactful donor relationships, serving as a trusted representative of the organisation.
* Take a leading role in identifying and securing new funding opportunities, collaborating closely with the development and leadership teams.
Team Management
* Inspire, lead and develop a high-performing business development team of 20 staff across multiple income streams.
* Set and communicate ambitious team targets, tracking progress over a 3-year period.
* Support the fundraising efforts of international offices, helping them to build their own fundraising capabilities as they grow.
* Ensure strong alignment of global fundraising efforts to maximise impact.
Financial and Operational Management
* Collaborate with finance and programmatic teams to set and deliver annual budgets, ensuring disciplined bid processes and effective project budgeting.
* Oversee timely, high quality funder reporting with a clear focus on impact.
* Provide clear, concise and impactful Board reporting to support strategic decision making.
* Ensure robust administrative systems are in place across the team, maintaining GDPR compliance and operational efficiency.
About you
We’re looking for an exceptional leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise in income generation. You’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, bringing a proven ability to inspire teams, cultivate high-value relationships, and deliver impactful results. If you’re passionate about driving transformative change, we want to hear from you.
Essential
* A mindset focused on continuous improvement, inspiring ambition within the development team and across the organisation.
* Proven experience leading development within an international organisation, managing a similar level of complexity in terms of geographical reach and income diversity.
* Demonstrated success in developing and delivering multi-year fundraising strategies, including a track record of securing seven-figure grants.
* Significant experience fundraising from large institutional investors and leading global foundations focused on solving the climate challenge.
* Expertise in developing corporate partnerships and engaging stakeholders at all levels to drive impact.
* Strong reporting commitment to the Board, leadership team and across the whole organisation, enabling effective decision making and proactive identification of opportunities and risks.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapting strategies to leverage emerging opportunities while managing risks.
Desirable
* Experience fundraising in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
* Experience fundraising from multilaterals.
* Experience fundraising from high net worth individuals.
Our location
Based in our London office near Tower Bridge, you’ll benefit from flexible, hybrid working arrangements: three days in the office and two from home. Our open-plan workspace supports collaborative and focused work with accessible facilities, a well-equipped gym, secure bike parking, and showers.
Some international travel will be required (six to eight trips a year, majority within Europe).
What we offer
Our people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll be joining a global community of bold, ambitious doers who are committed to driving climate action fast.
This is a permanent position. The salary offered is £103,000 - £110,000 per annum, based on experience.
This role is scoped as a full-time position. If you meet the role requirements and require a part-time working arrangement let’s discuss.
In addition to the rewards you’ll find from working with friendly, motivated people who’ll challenge and help you grow, we offer a fantastic benefits package:
* 25 days’ holiday per year, plus public holidays
* 10% non-contributory pension scheme following three months’ service
* Long-service holiday bonus of an additional day after three and six years’ service
* Hybrid and flexible working
* Cash plan and private medical insurance on completion of probation
* Supportive family policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave as well as fertility treatment support
* Monthly wellbeing allowance plus Headspace membership
* Paid leave for volunteering, moving house and getting married
* Life assurance cover from first day
* E-bike/bike loan scheme of up to £1,000
* Season ticket loan scheme
* Comprehensive learning and development initiatives to help you reach your full potential, including access to LinkedIn Learning
Apply now
Ready to drive change? Submit your application now using the ‘Apply for this’ button on the job listing on our website.
Your application should be in the form of a CV, and cover letter of not more than two pages covering why you want to work with Climate Group, your relevant experiences, and what strengths you’ll bring to the organisation.
Please see the candidate pack on the job listing on our website for more information. If you have any questions, require the job advert in an accessible format, or need additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Heather James, HR Director, hjames@climategroup.org.
The closing date for applications is midnight GMT on 3 January 2025. We’ll be holding interviews in January.
The requisite eligibility criteria, or work visa to work in the UK are a requirement for this position and no relocation and/or sponsorship costs will be borne by Climate Group.
Please note we will not be engaging recruitment agencies for this role.
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