Fundraising Lead (Member of the Management Board)

Background

Hivos is a human rights and social justice organisation driven by humanist values. We were founded in 1968, at the height of the global wave of social and political mobilisations in the 1960s that laid the foundation for new progressive civil society movements worldwide.

Hivos strengthens and resources organisations and movements with the potential to improve a broad range of human, civil, and political rights. In particular, if they are directly at risk of being targeted or have the potential to spark popular mobilisation for a transformative progressive agenda. We work in partnerships with others in the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA).

Vision

We envision a just world in which everyone, regardless of their identity, background or circumstances, lives in dignity and freedom and can build a fair and sustainable future for themselves, their communities, and the wider society.

Mission

Our mission is to defend and expand the civil and political rights that enable individuals, marginalised communities, their movements, and their organisations to claim and realise equality and justice.

Our DNA

Hivos has guts and dares to tackle sensitive issues. The way we question existing power structures and their effects on society is different and innovative. We are not afraid to confront the powers that be in the quest for new solutions. And we critically review how we achieve the mission and goals we have set.

Purpose of role

The Fundraising Lead (Member of the Executive Board) will lead the establishment and scaling of the Hivos fundraising office in Germany from the ground up. This position combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, with a primary focus on building and managing all fundraising activities, alongside setting up core operational and administrative structures.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing sustainable income streams, establishing key systems and processes, and ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance. They will be appointed to the Management Board (Geschäftsführung) alongside the shareholder CEO.

Primary responsibilities

The job holder will have the following key responsibilities:

Fundraising strategy & implementation

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with an initial focus on:
- Face-to-face (F2F) fundraising.
- Digital fundraising channels (e.g., social media, email, etc.).
Design, implement, and continuously optimise donor acquisition and retention strategies.
Develop and manage donor journeys and communication flows.
Monitor performance metrics and optimise funding for ROI.

Fundraising infrastructure & systems setup

Lead the selection and implementation of a CRM system.
Establish payment processing systems and interfaces with banking providers and payment platforms.
Set up data flows, reporting dashboards, and internal processes for fundraising operations.
Optimise and update the website.
Ensure the scalability and efficiency of all systems.

Fundraising agency & vendor management

Identify, procure, and manage external fundraising agencies (especially F2F providers).
Select and oversee additional service providers (e.g., digital agencies and payment processors).
Negotiate contracts and monitor performance against KPIs.
Ensure quality control and alignment with organisational values and compliance standards.

Organisational & administrative setup

Lead the establishment of core organisational structures and processes (including procurement and HR policies).
Coordinate financial administration, including:
- Bookkeeping (via external or internal providers).
- Budgeting and financial/tax reporting.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and tax requirements.
Support governance processes, including establishing rules and procedures for the Management Board and shareholder reporting.

Compliance & risk management

Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR).
Establish internal policies and procedures for compliance and risk management.
Oversee ethical fundraising standards and regulatory adherence.

Profile

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.

Qualifications & experience

Proven experience in mass markets/individual giving fundraising in Germany or in a German-speaking market, ideally including face-to-face and digital channels.
Experience in setting up fundraising operations, systems, or new initiatives.
Strong understanding of donor journeys, CRM systems, and fundraising analytics.
Experience managing external agencies and vendors.
Knowledge of non-profit financial management and compliance requirements in Germany.
Familiarity with data protection regulations such as GDPR.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work hands-on in a startup environment.

Skills & competencies

Strategic thinking combined with experience in operational execution.
Strong project management and organisational skills.
Analytical and data-driven decision-making.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
High level of integrity and accountability.

What Hivos offers

The opportunity to build and shape a mission-driven fundraising operation from the ground up that is embedded in a larger established organisation.
High level of autonomy and responsibility.
Flexible working environment that is 100% remote.

To apply for the post

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. Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full_name_CV_org_name_role and full_name_role_CL.

If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Tricia Placido at tricia@upsallinternational.com. Please note: to ensure the security of your application and to ensure that your data complies with GDPR, applications via email will not be accepted.

The deadline for applications is Monday 18^th May, 9:00 am CET

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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.