Director of Development and Partnerships

Background

The College of Europe is the oldest and most prestigious postgraduate institute of European studies. It brings together graduates from diverse backgrounds to study and live in an international environment in its campuses in Bruges, Natolin (Poland) and Tirana (Albania).

The College offers a unique platform for organisations wishing to contribute to Europe's future. Partners gain the opportunity to:

  • Support access to education for outstanding students from across Europe and beyond;
  • Engage with a highly international community of future EU professionals, policymakers, diplomats and business leaders;
  • Strengthen their visibility and reputation through association with one of Europe's most recognised academic institutions;
  • Contribute to meaningful initiatives that advance European cooperation and integration;
  • Develop long-term relationships with talent and expertise at the heart of the European project. 

Purpose of role 

This newly created position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term development of one of Europe's leading academic institutions. Working closely together with the Rector and senior colleagues across the College, the successful candidate will establish and develop a professional fundraising function aimed at diversifying income streams, strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting the College's mission for future generations.

As the College's first dedicated fundraising professional, you will help establish a sustainable fundraising model that supports the College's long-term ambitions. Building on the College's reputation, network and unique position in European higher education, you will develop relationships with corporations, foundations, alumni and other stakeholders who share an interest in investing in future generations of European leaders.

You will identify and cultivate partnership opportunities that support scholarships, academic initiatives, teaching chairs, events and strategic institutional priorities, while creating lasting value both for the College and its partners.

Primary responsibilities

  • Develop and implement the College's development and partnership strategies;
  • Establish and nurture relationships with corporations, foundations, international organisations, alumni and other potential supporters across Belgium, Europe and beyond;
  • Develop partnership opportunities and funding proposals aligned with the College's mission and strategic priorities;
  • Build a diversified portfolio of long-term partnerships and recurring sources of support;
  • Represent the College in meetings, events and networks relevant to fundraising and partnership development;
  • Engage with the College's alumni community, in collaboration with the Alumni & Careers Office;
  • Organise targeted fundraising events;
  • Advise the Rector on fundraising opportunities, partnership development and external engagement;
  • Contribute to fostering a culture of philanthropy and partnership-building across the College community;
  • Ensure the professional stewardship, administration and reporting of fundraising activities in compliance with applicable legal, ethical and GDPR requirements.

Profile

For this position, the College is looking for a relationship-builder with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for connecting people, organisations and ideas.

Experience and Skills

  • At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, business development, public affairs or relationship management;
  • A proven ability to build and maintain high-level professional network;
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder-management skills;
  • The ability to operate confidently in international and multicultural environments;
  • An understanding of the European institutional, political and business landscape;
  • Excellent command of English; knowledge of French is preferred; Dutch or other languages are considered an additional asset; 
  • A proactive, autonomous and results-oriented approach to work;
  • Experience or familiarity with the activities and operations of the College of Europe would be considered an asset.

Qualifications

  • A postgraduate degree, preferably in business administration, international relations, philanthropy, public affairs or a related field.

Terms and Conditions 

  • Full-time, open-ended employment contract of indefinite duration under Belgian labor law;
  • A pleasant and stimulating international working environment;
  • A competitive remuneration;
  • A comprehensive benefits package including legal holiday pay, end-of-year bonus, meal vouchers, transportation allowance, hospitalisation insurance, and group insurance;
  • Legal holidays plus two additional public holidays (9 May and 11 July) and eight closing days during the winter break;
  • Flexibility to work on site and remotely;
  • Travel will be required to the College’s international campuses in Poland and Albania, as well as broad international travel for donor cultivation;
  • A unique opportunity to contribute to a renowned project of European integration.

To apply for the post

Applications are managed by Upsall International, our external partner supporting us in this recruitment process. For more information and application instructions, please visit their website: Director of Development and Partnerships - Upsall International.