ABOUT THE EUROPEAN CLIMATE FOUNDATION:

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the transition to a net-zero emission society at the national, European and global level. We support around 700 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The ECF Strategic Partnerships team leads fundraising and relationships with the ECF’s funding partners. We advise current and new donors for effective philanthropic investment in the ECF climate network, and we guide ECF’s programmatic and operational teams on building strong funding partnerships. We are seeking an accomplished donor administration manager to join our dynamic Strategic Partnerships team. The ideal candidate will implement effective donor administration systems and ensure the preparation and delivery of compelling and strategic funding proposals, and accurate and timely donor reporting. This role demands a proactive manager with the ability to recommend and implement strategic process improvements, driving efficiency across the team's operations. A high level of organisational expertise, coupled with a passion for philanthropy, is essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Funding Cycle Management

• Lead the project management of ECF’s funding cycle: Oversee the full lifecycle, maintaining a strategic “bird's eye view” of each grant and task breakdown, including determining lead times and requirements. Communicate a comprehensive calendar of key deliverables, including grant proposals/renewals, grant agreements, related funding milestones, and reporting obligations. Ensure meticulous planning, allocation of responsibilities, completion of processes, and identify opportunities for increased efficiency;


• Stakeholder management: Collaborate and coordinate with internal stakeholders across multiple departments and teams to ensure delivery of funder requirements, effective management of funding agreements, and recording and communication of necessary information and analysis;


• Ensure effective communication: Regularly update the team via various channels (e.g., Slack, Monday.com, meetings) to keep everyone accountable for delivery.

Funding proposal preparation

• Oversee the preparation of funding proposals: Coordinate internal efforts with Relationship Managers, other members of the Strategic Partnerships team, and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring processes and practices are in place to deliver high-quality submissions, including metrics, budgets, and supporting documents;


• Ensure the clarity and accuracy of proposals: Oversee editing and proofreading efforts.

Donor reporting

• Oversee the preparation of donor reports: Manage the internal coordination of report preparation, ensuring processes and practices are in place and high-quality reporting is delivered on time. Collaborate and coordinate closely with Strategic Partnerships team members, programme staff, budget and finance staff and other stakeholders;


• Maintain accurate reporting records: Ensure all donor communications and reporting schedules are meticulously tracked and shared.

Funding agreements

• Oversee the funding agreement process, including review and sign-off: Develop internal guidance, standards and make informed recommendations on deviations from the norm;


• Ensure compliance with funder confidentiality provisions: Maintain records and ensure communication with all relevant parties.

Change Management & Process Improvement

• Drive process improvements: Identify and implement changes that enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the team’s operations. Contribute to whole-of-organisation efforts to increase effectiveness and efficiency, particularly through developing and documenting processes, socialising and embedding new practices, and ensuring the application of agreed policies;


• Improve the analysis and presentation of fundraising data: Collaborate with relevant colleagues to continuously improve the collection, analysis, and presentation of ECF’s fundraising data to inform learning and decision-making;


• Manage data systems: Oversee the CRM and other systems containing grant and reporting information, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on the implementation of a new CRM;


• Develop and optimise document management systems: Ensure the efficient compilation and storage of documents and content needed for grant applications and reports.

REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field;


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in grant administration, proposal writing, securing grants and managing complex funding portfolios, or a related role within a philanthropic or nonprofit organisation, with at least 2 years in a managerial role;


• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple high-stakes projects and deadlines simultaneously;


• Experience with data management and handling quantitative data, including financial data visualisation;


• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and collaborate effectively with diverse teams;


• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information and present it clearly;


• Proficiency in using fundraising CRMs and Microsoft Office Suite, as well as project management software, ideally Monday.com or similar platforms;


• Passion for climate action and alignment with ECF's mission and values;


• Advanced writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.

OTHER INFORMATION:

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, purpose-driven, international team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;


• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;


• All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, regardless of any aspect that makes them unique (including race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, ...).

Location

Anywhere ECF has an office. Flexible hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Candidates need to be in possession of a work permit for the work location if applicable.

Start date

• As soon as possible.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Send us your CV + motivational letter in English.