At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy to combat childhood sexual violence across Europe.
- Company: Join a pioneering start-up dedicated to ending childhood sexual violence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with a focus on long-term impact.
- Why this job: Shape funding strategies in a crucial field and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing significant philanthropic commitments and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 £ per year.
The Safe Childhoods Initiative is a philanthropically funded start‑up dedicated to ending childhood sexual violence. We believe the only acceptable level of harm is zero — and that philanthropy can, and must, do far more to prevent and respond to it. This is a pivotal moment: awareness, evidence, and political attention are rising, but philanthropic investment has not kept pace. Our mission is to close that gap by moving significant, sustained funding into the wider ecosystem with coherence, confidence, and long‑term intent.
We are a small, ambitious, and entrepreneurial team working closely with thoughtful philanthropists, practitioners, and researchers. The work is evolving and requires judgement, curiosity, and comfort with ambiguity — and offers the chance to help shape how a historically neglected field is funded.
As Director of Philanthropy, Europe, you will lead our European fundraising strategy and work closely with the Executive Director and the Director of Philanthropy (US). You will represent the organisation in senior donor conversations and small convenings, building and stewarding relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations, and family offices across the UK and Europe. You will secure significant philanthropic commitments for work to prevent and respond to childhood sexual violence.
You will bring a proven track record of securing £1m–£5m gifts from foundations and ultra-high net worth individuals, along with an active network across UK and European philanthropy. You will be an exceptional communicator, credible with senior donors, and confident working on complex and sensitive issues. Candidates with a blend of philanthropic advisory and fundraising backgrounds or experience raising funds from Asia or Africa based foundations will also be considered.
You’ll thrive here if you are a self‑starter who enjoys working in a small, entrepreneurial environment within a high impact donor collaborative. You will be motivated by long‑term impact and committed to ending childhood sexual violence. Our preference is for candidates based in or near London, though strong candidates elsewhere in Europe will also be considered.
The Safe Childhoods Initiative was created in 2025 by a group of leading philanthropies, including the Carlson Family Foundation, the Indigo Trust, Oak Foundation, Phillips Foundation, Segal Philanthropies, and the World Childhood Foundation, to change the way the world responds to childhood sexual violence.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring equality of opportunity throughout our recruitment processes. We encourage candidates of all ages, ethnicities, nationalities, religions or beliefs, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, and disability statuses to apply.
Director of Philanthropy, Europe employer: The Safe Childhoods Initiative
The Safe Childhoods Initiative is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fight against childhood sexual violence. With a small, entrepreneurial team based primarily in London, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values innovation and long-term commitment to social change. The organisation prioritises professional growth and provides a platform for individuals to engage with high-net-worth donors, enhancing their fundraising skills while contributing to a vital cause.
Contact Details:
The Safe Childhoods Initiative Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Philanthropy, Europe
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy space! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships is key to landing that Director of Philanthropy role.
✨Showcase Your Impact
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or donors, make sure to highlight your past successes in fundraising. Share specific examples of how you've secured significant gifts and the impact those funds had. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Be Prepared for Conversations
Brush up on your knowledge about childhood sexual violence and the current philanthropic landscape. Being well-informed will help you engage in meaningful discussions and show that you're serious about making a difference in this field.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Philanthropy, Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Philanthropy role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and philanthropy, especially any work related to childhood issues or high-net-worth individuals.
Showcase Your Network:We want to see your connections! Mention any existing relationships you have with foundations or philanthropists in Europe. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running and secure those significant commitments.
Communicate Clearly:As an exceptional communicator, your application should reflect that. Use clear, concise language and ensure your passion for ending childhood sexual violence shines through. We love a good story, so share your motivations!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Safe Childhoods Initiative
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of philanthropy, especially focusing on childhood sexual violence. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent initiatives in this space. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you engage in meaningful conversations.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your existing connections within the philanthropic community. Be ready to discuss how you've leveraged these relationships in the past to secure significant funding. This role requires a strong network, so demonstrating your ability to connect with high-net-worth individuals will be crucial.
✨Communicate with Confidence
As an exceptional communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss complex issues surrounding childhood sexual violence sensitively and effectively. Role-play potential donor conversations to refine your approach and ensure you convey credibility.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
This position requires comfort with uncertainty and evolving situations. Be prepared to share examples from your past where you've navigated ambiguity successfully. Show that you're adaptable and can thrive in a dynamic environment, which is essential for leading the European fundraising strategy.
