Director of Philanthropy, Europe
Organisation: The Safe Childhoods
Initiative
Location: UK (preferred) or Europe
Salary: c. £95,000 + benefits
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 FamilyFoundation, the Indigo Trust, Oak Foundation, Phillips Foundation, SegalPhilanthropies, and the World Childhood Foundation, to change the way the worldresponds to childhood sexual violence.
