Chief Donor Engagement Officer

Chief Donor Engagement Officer  

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands/ Other European locations considered

Salary: Starting from €120,000 commensurate with experience and location

Reports to: Chief Executive and is a member of the GRI Executive Team

Manages: 3 direct reports, team of 10 in total

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefit Package: Expat package available if recruited from abroad, incl. work- and residence permit application if and where applicable

Contract: Indefinite period

About GRI

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is the independent, international organization that helps organizations be transparent and take responsibility for their impacts so that together we can create a sustainable future. We do this through the creation of the global common language for organizations to report their sustainability impacts. This enables informed dialogue and decision making around those impacts.

GRI is the global standard setter for impact reporting, which through an independent, multi-stakeholder process, maintains the world’s most comprehensive set of sustainability reporting standards.  Available as a free public good in 12 languages, the GRI Standards are, globally, the most widely used for sustainability reporting.

GRI plays a unique role in the global drive to create a sustainable future for all. Sustainability reporting enables transparency and helps markets function more efficiently, supporting better decisions that create sustainable benefits for everyone.

GRI works with businesses, investors, policymakers, civil society, labor organizations and other experts to develop the GRI Standards and promote their use by organizations around the world. The resulting standards help governments hold organizations accountable for their impacts and initiate dialogue to drive corporate contribution to national and international sustainable development efforts.

Today some 10,000 organizations, including 75% of the largest 250 companies in the world, disclose sustainability information through the GRI Standards – something unimaginable only 15 years ago. In addition, our standards are referenced explicitly in 160 polices of governments, regulators, and stock exchanges in 60 countries.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have a network of seven regional hubs ensuring we can support organizations and stakeholders worldwide.

Position summary and job purpose

The Chief Donor Engagement Officer (CDEO) is responsible for developing and implementing GRI’s fundraising strategy and building the organizational capacity and culture to ensure its success. The CDEO is responsible for expanding GRI’s donor funded programs and growing and diversifying its funding base. The CDEO reports to the Chief Executive and is a member of the GRI Executive Team. He/she leads the fundraising department and works directly with GRI’s regional hubs and offices (in 11 locations).

Job responsibilities

• Develop and implement medium-term and long-term global strategy to strengthen GRI’s grant financing through a comprehensive, diversified development strategy that includes Global Standards Fund and outreach to corporate donors, private foundations, EC and bilateral funders.
• Engage deeply in GRI’s strategies, people, programs and plans to represent the organization to partners and potential funders.
• Actively engage in GRI’s Executive Team and across the organization to develop effective communication and messages for and outreach to donor audiences.
• Manage Fundraising and Development Team.
• Serve as an effective spokesperson for GRI on an international basis.
• Manage the Fundraising Committee that engages Board Members, GSSB members and Stakeholder Council members around financing support for GRI.
• This position will require some international travel (depending on the global Covid situation).

Essential Skills and Capabilities

The Chief Donor Engagement Officer will:

• Demonstrated senior level experience and expertise and in Sustainable Development; Specific experience in ESG disclosure and GRI are the differentiators.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and creating innovative and development strategies.
• Inspiring, passionate (about sustainability), curious and open minded.
• Demonstrated capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines and fundraising targets.
• Working knowledge of global ethical fundraising legal frameworks and practices.
• Strong leadership and management skills with ability to delegate, train, coach and motivate staff.
• Excellent written and verbal English language communication skills (knowledge of other languages is an advantage) with direct experience in working with and presenting to Boards.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills, to develop effective long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative management and working style with a diverse workforce; strong mediating skills.
• Establish Strategic Direction: Commitment to a long-range course of action to accomplish a vision taking into consideration resources, constraints, and organizational values.
• Accurate Self-Insight: Demonstrate an awareness own strengths and development needs, as well as the impact of own behaviour on others.
• Able to work in an international and multi-cultural setting.

Required Experience

• 10+ years of demonstrated non-profit fundraising success. Experience with European Foundations and Corporate fundraising experience preferred.
• Experience working in international non-profit organizations (> €10 million), as well as in a global and multi-national environment.
• Existing strong network of potential partners and funders, essential.
• Experience in global sustainability themes (e.g., SDGs, climate change, etc.).
• Experience in operating in multiple regions and countries.
• Experience in sustainability, corporate responsibility and corporate ESG disclosure.
• Track record of operational leadership in a senior role in a complex, international organization.
• Experience in working with Directors and senior management to deliver strategic objectives.

Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.