Philanthropy Director / Philanthropy Directoress

Director of Philanthropy

We are partnering with a leading international institution in Lausanne to find a Director of Philanthropy. This leadership position is vital for building a high-impact development function, strengthening donor relationships, and significantly increasing private funding streams. You will play a key role in positioning the organization as a compelling cause for investment among alumni, foundations, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership
  • Define and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy (short-, mid-, and long-term).
  • Identify strategic funding priorities.
  • Develop compelling value propositions and cases for support aligned with organizational goals.
• Major Donor Engagement
  • Build and manage a portfolio of key donors and prospects.
  • Lead end-to-end major gift initiatives (identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure).
  • Establish long-term, high-value relationships with donors and partners.
• Community & Alumni Activation
  • Leverage alumni and community networks to strengthen engagement and giving.
  • Design and deliver targeted fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
  • Foster a strong culture of philanthropy and belonging.
• Governance & Performance
  • Define KPIs and track fundraising performance (pipeline, conversion, revenue).
  • Implement tools and processes to manage donor relationships effectively.
  • Report regularly to senior leadership on progress and impact.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Build, lead, and develop a team of 4.
  • Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
  • Act as a key ambassador at events and in external engagements.

Profile

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or strategic business development.
• Strong ability to design and execute high-impact strategies.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders within complex ecosystems.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong results orientation.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strategic thinking combined with execution excellence.
• Experience with CRM tools and performance tracking.
• Fluent in French and English (written and spoken); German is an asset.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to shape and scale a strategic function from a leadership position.
• High-visibility role with direct impact on organizational growth and influence.
• International environment with diverse stakeholders.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.