Head of Development

Head of Development

CEPS - Centre for European Policy Studies

Brussels, Belgium

CEPS is seeking a dynamic Head of Development to shape our fundraising vision, which is crucial for pursuing our founding mantra to ‘think ahead for Europe’ over the next few years. We’re looking for candidates who love to build meaningful relationships, identify new opportunities for collaboration and drive growth with purpose and passion.

Description of the role

The Head of Development (HoD) will lead CEPS’ Project Development Office (PDO) and Membership Team and will play an essential role in strengthening CEPS’ visibility, network and financial sustainability.

The HoD will drive a brand-new CEPS fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on developing new relationships, expanding our membership and reinforcing strategic partnerships to amplify the organisation’s research excellence and impact among policymakers, members, partners and the wider public.

This position thus requires a deep understanding of the EU and global policy landscape, the think tank ecosystem and the funding landscape, especially with respect to public institutions (including international organisations), philanthropic organisations and the private sector. They should ensure that all outreach, brand positioning and stakeholder engagement activities reflect CEPS’ independence, excellence and long-term sustainability.

This function combines strategic direction-setting together with overseeing daily operations and ensuring that the team delivers high-quality results. It requires strong people leadership, with an emphasis on coaching, mentoring and developing team members, and fostering a supportive, high-performing environment where individuals can grow and contribute to the very best of their abilities.

This role will work in close cooperation with the members of the Executive Committee and senior leadership to ensure full alignment with CEPS’ priorities, mission and vision.

Main tasks

Strategic Leadership and Business Development

• You will shape and implement CEPS’ strategic positioning and brand in line with organisational goals;
• You will identify, evaluate and launch new projects, funding opportunities and partnerships to strengthen CEPS’ visibility and financial sustainability;
• You will expand CEPS’ network of institutional, corporate and philanthropic partners, while preserving its commitment to independence and excellence;
• You will represent CEPS at high-level meetings, conferences and policy forums, acting as a credible ambassador for the organisation;
• You will set the strategic direction of the PDO, aligning it with CEPS’ funding priorities and research capabilities;
• You will provide strategic direction for the planning and positioning of high-level events with key members and sponsors, including our flagship annual conference, the CEPS Ideas Lab;
• You will leverage CEPS events to reinforce partnerships with policymakers, members and key external stakeholders.

Membership Relations

• You will lead the membership strategy and outreach, ensuring ongoing communication to corporate and institutional members;
• You will ensure the optimal use and customisation of CEPS’ CRM database to support stakeholder relations and membership;
• You will identify opportunities to enhance membership engagement.

Team Leadership and People Management

• You will lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of professionals (project management and membership);
• You will promote a collaborative, creative and inclusive working culture within the team;
• You will report regularly to the CEO and the Executive Committee on activities, performance and development priorities.

Your background and qualifications

• You have a minimum of ten years of experience in fundraising, (European) policy project management and stakeholder engagement;
• You have a visionary and strategic mindset and can link development and visibility objectives;
• You are driven by a strong passion for policy and European integration, with a clear ambition to advance the role of a think tank, in particular CEPS, in shaping a better Europe;
• You have an in-depth knowledge of the EU institutions, policy processes and the dynamics of the Brussels and national policy ecosystems;
• You have proven experience in partnership development and business outreach;
• You have proven leadership and people management experience in a cross-cultural environment;
• You have strong analytical and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities;
• You have excellent communication and networking abilities, utilising diplomacy and integrity;
• You have a collaborative mindset, fostering teamwork and alignment across departments;
• You are proactive, adaptable and have a results-oriented approach;
• You are fluent in English (oral and written); proficiency in other European languages is an asset.

Profile of the ideal candidate

• You can work in a research environment, involving junior and senior colleagues, and can organise your own workload;
• You can respect deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and changing priorities;
• You possess a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• You are proactive, self-motivated, result-oriented, creative and enthusiastic;
• You have absolute respect for diversity and an inclusion-oriented mindset;
• You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback;
• You are enthusiastic to contribute towards the success of the whole of CEPS as an organisation.