Bellwethers' purpose is to recruit, support and mobilise leadership networks across economic sectors, made up of individuals and organisations who can light the way to a green economy. Our core operations combine skills in talent management with world-class insights and intelligence, alongside effective narrative formation, all aligned to building the future climate and nature economy.

Bellwethers was founded in February 2024 and is a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. We have initially benefited from the support of great contractors and are ready now to build a more permanent team to serve our mission and purpose.

Bellwethers operates with the belief that true progress is achieved when diverse voices and perspectives are brought together to solve complex problems. As such, the organisation places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that its programs are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those from underserved communities. A core element of Bellwethers' mission is to support leaders who are driving the transition to a green economy, recognising the critical importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in shaping the future.

The incoming Head of Resource Mobilisation will work closely with Bellwethers’ Executive Director and Board Chair to shape and implement an innovative resource mobilisation plan. Alongside creating and driving a core fundraising strategy for the core international Bellwethers vehicle, this new role will consider sources of funding for strategic country-based impact projects.

As the organisations key fundraiser and part of our leadership team, the successful candidate will be responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors, foundations and institutional funding. Further, they will play an important role in developing strategies for engaging the Board in fundraising and working to integrate any existing donor relationships.

As a member of the founding senior leadership team, this role will also play a critical part in shaping the organisation’s culture and ways of working, and will be a key thought partner with the Executive Director and Board in influencing the organisation’s long-term evolution.

Primary responsibilities

The job holder will have the following key responsibilities for the Head of Resource Mobilisation:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive international resource mobilisation strategy aligned with the organisation's mission and growth goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure core funding from a variety of diverse sources to support a 5-year growth strategy.
• Explore and develop fit-for-purpose hybrid funding models to support country-based impact initiatives and campaigns.
• Set fundraising targets and track progress toward organisational objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing key stakeholders and ensure relationships are institutionalised.
• Be a key member of the senior team to shape and steward the wider strategy and culture of the organisation.
• Lead on grant applications and reporting, ensuring a strong system is built to manage all requirements and timelines.
• Work closely with communications colleagues to capture and share impact stories with funders and other key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Networks and Programmes team members to coalesce fundraising and impact goals.

The following offers an aspirational view of our ideal candidate profile; however, we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.  

Skills and qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in fundraising from philanthropic sources which may include foundations, major donors and institutional funders.
• Track record of building relationships with major level donors, ideally closing in the six-figure and seven-figure range.
• Strong understanding of and networks within the climate change, nature funding landscape and related funding opportunities.
• Track record of developing and delivering ambitious strategies and bringing others along the road.
• Superb communication skills, able to communicate with a range of diverse stakeholders across sectors, geographies and levels of sector knowledge.
• Excellent written communication, including grant proposals and presentations.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, while also helping to create a strong and connected team environment.
• Experience and strong proficiency with donor management systems.
• A values-driven leader with the ability to pivot when necessary to meet challenging goals in a changing landscape.

Person specification

• A strong network within the philanthropic funding environment, with working knowledge of existing NGO and related ecosystem.
• A determined self-starter ready to roll up their sleeves.
• Comfortable working remotely and across cultures and time zones.
• Previous experience working in a startup environment is an advantage.

Bellwether team members work remotely and therefore candidates who apply for this role should be independently set up with a suitable environment for working. There will be a requirement for travel from time to time and the successful candidates will be asked to show an up to date travel document.

This role will be ideal for candidates based in the UK, Europe or USA. Bellwethers is unable to offer support with work visas and can only engage with candidates with work authorisation for the country in which they are based.

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the following link: https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17247710136540039627rfp

Please contact McAra Kirby-Fahey at mcara@darylupsall.com for any queries you may have.

The deadline for application is Sunday September 29th of 2024

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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.