Head of Philanthropy

Geneva Com; Ecublens; Remote; CHF 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Medair seeks a Head of Philanthropy to lead the philanthropy strategy and fundraising performance across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You will set growth priorities, targets, and KPIs, directing both individual and institutional philanthropy teams to drive sustainable revenue.

You will lead and develop Swiss fundraising teams, steward major donors and strategic partnerships, and raise Medair's visibility within philanthropy networks.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or related fields.
• Experience leading complex donor portfolios and multi-team initiatives.
• Strong ability to translate strategy into funded programs and growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead philanthropy strategy for Switzerland and Liechtenstein with growth targets and KPIs.
• Develop and coach Swiss fundraising teams across key streams and regions.
• Cultivate and steward high-value donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
• Represent Medair in Swiss networks, conferences, and events to raise visibility.
• Oversee budgets, reporting, and compliance with donor requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategy development

Donor relations

Strategic thinking

Job description

Communications, IT, Media, Knowledge Management, Editor

Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer

Head of Philanthropy

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details: January 2027, 100%

Role Summary

The Head of Philanthropy leads Medair's philanthropy strategy and fundraising performance across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The role provides strategic direction to the Individual and Institutional Philanthropy teams, ensuring aligned donor engagement, effective resource allocation and sustainable revenue growth.

As part of the Engagement leadership team, the role contributes to Medair's global fundraising strategy, strengthens collaboration with affiliates and represents Medair externally with key philanthropic partners in Switzerland. It plays a key role in increasing Medair's visibility, influence and fundraising capacity while building a high-performing, donor-focused team.

Project Overview

Medair Global Support Office (GSO) provides operational guidance for country programmes, along with both technical and compassionate support for our relief workers. Within our Global Support and Affiliate offices, the Engagement Department is responsible for promoting the work of Medair to the world and to raise and manage the funds needed to run our essential lifesaving and sustaining programmes.

Workplace & Conditions

Global Support Office (GSO) position based in Ecublens, Switzerland; Swiss or eligible EU citizens, or those with a valid work permit for Switzerland may apply.

Responsibilities

Lead Medair's Philanthropy Strategy in Switzerland: Develop and implement the philanthropy strategy for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, setting growth priorities, income targets, KPIs and team objectives across key funding streams, including foundations, municipalities, cantons, major and middle donors, corporates, churches, ambassadors and strategic partnerships. Ensure alignment with Medair's global engagement and fundraising strategy, monitor market trends and emerging opportunities, and remain accountable for fundraising performance, resource allocation and long-term revenue sustainability.

Lead and Develop Philanthropy Teams: Lead, coach and support the Swiss fundraising team, fostering collaboration, innovation and accountability. Set objectives, monitor performance, support leadership development and ensure effective coordination across teams, locations and language regions.

Manage Strategic Donor Relationships: Together with the Engagement Director, cultivate and steward selected high-value relationships, including major foundations, major donors and HNWIs, strategic corporate partners and influential philanthropy leaders.

Increase Medair's Visibility and Influence in Switzerland: Represent Medair within Swiss philanthropy networks, conferences and events. Build strategic partnerships that strengthen Medair's visibility, credibility and influence, while promoting innovation in humanitarian philanthropy.

Budget and Reporting: Oversee philanthropy budgets, resource allocation, KPI monitoring and performance reporting to senior leadership. Ensure compliance with fundraising standards, internal policies and donor requirements.

Leadership Contribution: Contribute to Engagement leadership priorities, strengthen collaboration with Medair affiliates and deputise for the Engagement Director when required.

Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies

• 10+ years' successful leadership experience in fundraising, philanthropy, business development or sales, including accountability for multi-million CHF revenue portfolios.
• Proven ability to lead leaders and multi-disciplinary teams, with experience setting direction, developing capability and driving performance.
• Strong track record in cultivating major donors, foundations, corporates and strategic partnerships; experience in international NGOs or humanitarian organisations desirable.
• Fluency in English, French and German, including Swiss German; Italian is a strong asset.

Behavioural Skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into clear priorities and action.
• Inspiring and credible leader who builds trust with teams, senior stakeholders and major philanthropists.
• Strong relationship builder, able to engage effectively across cultures, sectors and language regions.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative, with sound judgement and a focus on sustainable growth.
• Resilient, collaborative and results-oriented, with the ability to adapt in a changing environment.

Team Spiritual Life

Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, people we serve, and external contacts. Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based teams. Fully contribute to a rich spiritual team life, including team devotion, prayer, and words of encouragement.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

1. Medair organisational values.
2. Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.
3. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).