Head of Resource Mobilisation (Hybrid)

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Resource Mobilisation is a senior leadership role at Start Network. You will be responsible for setting and driving the income generation strategy in collaboration with the Director of Business Development across all global initiatives, including the Global Start Fund, Start Ready, Innovation initiatives, and regional hubs.

You will oversee all fundraising activities for our global programmes, ensuring financial stability for the organisation, while equipping, supporting, and empowering the resource mobilisation team. This role is suited for an ambitious and bold fundraising leader with significant experience in securing large seven- and ideally eight-figure grants.

A key focus of the role will be maintaining relationships with governments, private foundations, and corporate partners, ensuring that existing donors are fully engaged. Diversifying the donor base is also critical, including securing new donors from scratch, particularly trusts, foundations, and corporates at the seven-figure level. Creative approaches to donor engagement will be highly valued.

You will represent Start Network and its programmes—innovative, impactful, and life-changing for vulnerable communities globally—convincing donors to support our vision. You will also build strong alliances within our members and the sector to influence how funding reaches people affected by humanitarian crises.

A passion for locally led action is essential, with the ability to influence donors to adapt their approaches, shifting power and resources to the frontlines to enable locally led decision-making.

Overall, this role is for a high-performing leader with strong self-leadership skills who can inspire and enable the resource mobilisation team to achieve ambitious goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Retain and Maximise Current Donors

• Maintain the donor portfolio for global initiatives, focusing on strategic donors.
• Secure £30m+ annually from existing donors.
• Ensure donor needs and expectations are met in partnership and compliance.
• Oversee the development of high-quality donor reports and proposals.
• Support finance and grant management to report effectively to major donors.
• Develop innovative pitches for current donors across initiatives.
• Support managers in managing large 7–8 figure grants.
• Foster a positive and engaging donor culture.
• Implement tracking systems to monitor fundraising targets versus actuals.

Diversify and Grow Income

• Develop, cultivate, and convert new donor relationships independently.
• Secure new 7–8 figure grants from trusts, foundations, corporates, and governments.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development to grow income 15–20% annually.
• Develop strategies to secure £4.5m in unrestricted funding annually.
• Secure flexible funds for hub and innovation initiatives.
• Engage government donors to improve funding flexibility.
• Provide strategic guidance on donor proposals and pitch development.
• Work closely with finance, grant management, and M&E teams to improve proposal processes.
• Negotiate grant terms, ensuring localisation, flexible funding, and risk-sharing principles are applied.
• Ensure compliance with donor policies and requirements.
• Use sector insights and analytics to shape income generation strategies.

Influence Externally

• Position Start Network strategically in global funding discussions.
• Engage key donors at strategic events and meetings.
• Support the design and implementation of biannual strategic donor meetings.
• Coordinate with Advocacy, External Affairs, and Communications teams on donor messaging.
• Represent Start Network at key donor events globally.
• Develop clear strategies for maximising impact at funding events.

Team Management and Leadership

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary fundraising team, providing guidance and support.
• Coach and mentor team members to reach their potential.
• Contribute to the Senior Management Group and Directorate Management Group.
• Ensure team members have clear objectives, targets, and KPIs.
• Lead by example, building team confidence and positively influencing the organisation.
• Develop and manage the resource mobilisation budget.
• Foster a positive fundraising culture across the organisation.

START NETWORK CULTURE

• Uphold Start Network’s Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding adults and children.
• Commit to Start Network’s vision, principles, values, and approach.
• Work flexibly across teams and functions, leveraging experience and skills across the network.

PERSON PROFILE

Essential Skills and Experience

• 10+ years as a senior fundraiser, managing strategic donor relations.
• Experience managing donor portfolios over £15m annually.
• Proven track record in securing and maintaining significant grants.
• Ability to manage complex and dynamic donor portfolios, particularly European government donors.
• Strong networks and confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Experience with institutional, corporate, trust, and foundation donors.
• Expertise in diversifying income and securing new donors.
• Knowledge of the aid sector and global philanthropy trends.
• Extensive experience in proposal development and creating compelling cases for large funders.
• Ability to set and implement bold fundraising strategies.
• Strong people management and project management skills.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Demonstrated experience securing 7–8 figure grants.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and public speaking skills.
• Advanced budgeting and financial reporting skills.
• Understanding of European donor compliance.
• Ability to negotiate, persuade, and influence stakeholders.
• Capacity to motivate and lead a high-performing team.

Desirable Skills

• Spanish or French language skills.
• Experience with innovative funding models, pooled funds, or disaster risk financing.
• Knowledge of global localisation agendas (Charter for Change, Grand Bargain).
• Management team experience.
• Understanding of climate funding.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Communication: Convey complex information clearly to different audiences.
• Strategic Thinking: Deliver results considering internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Promote cross-team collaboration and break down silos.
• Leadership of Self and Others: Share expertise and guide others effectively.
• Adaptability and Learning: Balance processes with mission-driven decision-making.
• Execution: Deliver results and hold accountability for outcomes.

Closing date: 25 January, 2026 (midnight UK time)