Head of Development

Head of Development

International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

Competitive salary plus excellent benefits

An independent academic institution with Swiss roots and a global reach, IMD is a pioneer in executive education. 

Through our research, teaching and publications, and with our close ties to business, we equip leaders and organizations to transform themselves and society for the better. With a faculty recognized for thought leadership and real-world impact, and a global network of alumni and partners, IMD is uniquely positioned to shape the future of leadership education.

IMD is investing in our Alumni & Development efforts and we are seeking a major gifts specialist to join us in a newly created Head of Development role.  By leading a growing development team and working with key stakeholders across the institute, you could  expand our capacity to deliver on our mission of transforming organizations and developing responsible leaders who make a positive impact on the world.

As the Head of Development, you will work in lock-step with the Chief Alumni & Development Officer, and be responsible for shaping and implementing IMD’s development strategy.  You will also work closely with the Head of Alumni Relations, and build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni and partners, and secure philanthropic support for key institutional priorities. As a trusted member of the Faculty and Senior Staff team, you will play a central part in advancing IMD’s long-term vision and ensuring our continued global leadership.

It will therefore be critical that you bring a proven track record of major gifts fundraising, and experience of managing high-performing development practitioners.  Experience of working with donors internationally, particularly across Europe, will be important, as is your ability to successfully navigate and work through areas of ambiguity or “the new” as we create a step change in our fundraising programs to match our ambitions.  In return, you will be joining a committed team and enjoy the support of key colleagues and senior volunteers across the institute.

We are partnering with Richmond Associates, a specialist executive search firm on this recruitment.  To learn more about this opportunity or to download a detailed information pack, please contact Richmond Associates.

Closing date for applications is  09:00 GMT on Monday, 10 November 2025