Development Director

Reports to: CEO
Location: GROW HQ, Waterford, Ireland – but flexible to hybrid working.

The Development Director will lead GIY’s strategic development efforts to secure transformative global partnerships and funding that help us achieve our goals of food system transformation and supporting 100 million people to grow food.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Development Director will drive income generation through corporate, philanthropic, and public sector partnerships, ensuring alignment with GIY’s mission and values. This individual will also build and oversee the development team, fostering a hard-working, results-driven, accountability culture.

Download the Information Pack below to find out more.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGY
  • Be part of the Senior Leadership Team that leads GIY, taking shared responsibility for setting and executing our strategy, and achieving our goals.
  • Provide leadership and vision internally and externally for GIY’s development activities.
  • Overall responsibility for executing GIY’s Development strategy and achieving goals and KPIs.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
  • Identify, create and manage relationships with strategic partners, funders and stakeholders in the corporate, philanthropic (Foundations and HNWs) and public sectors including innovative funding mechanisms and partnerships that enhance GIY’s impact in sustainability and education.
  • Ensure all development activities align with GIY’s mission, values, and commitment to sustainability, with a focus on maintaining ethical and sustainable practices.
  • Align development work with corporate, public sector and philanthropic partner strategies around health and sustainability, underpinned by strong impact measurement data.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
  • Working with the CEO and Director of Finance to develop, monitor, and manage targets and budgets for all Development activities, ensuring accountability – e.g. funding growth, donor retention.
  • Consistent, timely reporting on KPIs to provide timely management information to guide decision making and update partners and funders.
  • Implement metrics to monitor leads, pipeline and development performance, ensuring that goals are met and identifying areas for improvement.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
  • Build and lead the development team, creating a high-performance, results focussed team and culture that aligns with GIY’s mission and values.
  • Foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, supporting team members’ development and motivating/supporting them to achieve ambitious targets – setting clear goals and performance expectations.
OUTREACH AND LEAD GENERATION
  • Attending relevant events with the Development Team for networking and prospecting.
  • Lead the stewardship programme for our donors, advisors and other stakeholders including organising events where required. 
COLLABORATION
  • Work with relevant colleagues across GIY to ensure we develop and deliver exceptional, impactful programmes for funders.
  • Work closely with the Engagement Director to ensure that development initiatives are supported by effective marketing strategies that drive engagement, visibility, and growth.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, business development, or strategic partnerships, with a proven track record in setting targets and securing six- and seven-figure funding deals.
  • Strong experience in working with high-net-worth individuals (HNWs), foundations, corporates, and public sector funders.
  • Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams in mission-driven organizations.
  • Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, financial management.
  • Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce, Zoho or similar) and performance metrics in development or sales contexts.
  • Passion for GIY’s mission and a commitment to sustainability in food systems, with a desire to lead initiatives that inspire sustainable lifestyle changes.

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Strong strategic leadership
  • Excellent relationship management
  • Strong financial acumen
  • Proven team leadership
  • Excellent communication and advocacy.
  • High levels of organisation and project management.

Very competitive salary commensurate with the importance of the role.

 

Application:

Download the Information Pack below to find out more.

Send your CV & cover letter to careers@giy.ie. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12th January 2025.

All enquiries regarding the role will be held in strictest confidence.