Philanthropy Advisor

MEDAIR UK; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Medair Zurich is seeking a Philanthropy Advisor to raise funds from foundations in German-speaking Switzerland and manage a portfolio of key donors. You will craft high-quality proposals and reports, coordinate with International Programs and Finance, and help grow annual fundraising targets.

The role requires excellent German and English, strong writing and relationship-building skills, and 2–5 years in fundraising or related fields. 100% position based in Zurich, starting December 2026.

Qualifications

• Excellent German and English language skills, particularly written.
• Ability to present complex information in a concise way.
• Analytical skills and rigour.
• Organised with strategic thinking.
• Desirable: understanding of international/humanitarian context.
• Experience in proposal writing and philanthropic account management.
• Proven success in fundraising, sales or communications/marketing.
• 2–5 years of work experience in private or public sectors.
• Previous experience in philanthropy or sales is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising with foundations & governmental institutions: manage a portfolio, identify projects, submit proposals and reports, build relationships, coordinate with teams, track targets.
• Copywriting: write funding proposals and reports in German and English, develop communications material and maintain proposal library.
• Philanthropy strategy & engagement: support and develop strategy, monitor trends, report on targets, co-organize events.
• Administrative support: provide office admin tasks including invoicing.

Skills

German language

English language

Analytical skills

Organised

Strategic thinking

Fundraising experience

Proposal writing

Philanthropy sales/marketing

Job description

Philanthropy Advisor - Zurich

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

December 2026, 100%

Role Summary

Working closely with the Engagement team, particularly the Institutional Philanthropy team, this role supports Medair’s mission by raising funds from foundations in German-speaking Switzerland. It manages a portfolio of foundations that makes a significant contribution to annual fundraising targets and growth, and develops high-quality proposals and reports.

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 GSO, the Engagement Department promotes the work of Medair and raises funds needed for our programming. Within our headquarters and affiliate offices, we are also responsible for promoting the work of Medair to the world, to raise and manage the funds needed to run our lifesaving and sustaining programmes, and to recruit international and GSO staff.

Workplace & Conditions

Position based in Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss or eligible EU citizens, or those with a valid work permit for Switzerland. 100%, starting in December 2026.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising with foundations & governmental institutions:Manage a portfolio of foundations, municipalities and cantons, identify potential projects and submit high-quality proposals and reports in a timely manner as per solicitation plan. Maintain personal contact with representatives of foundations and build positive and sustainable relationships. Coordinate internally with International Programs, Finance and the field locations to identify projects adapted to partners’ requirements. Keep up to date information and plan donor journeys using Salesforce (CRM). Acquire new foundations and governmental organization using desk top research, networking, planning and organizing acquisition campaigns. Plan, track and analyse personal targets and results, and report to team leader and manager. Develop tools and processes to optimise operations.

• Copywriting: Write appropriate and qualitative funding proposals and reports (in German and in English). Create communication material such as writing project summaries, letters and presentations. Plan and coordinate internally with the institutional philanthropy team, the development of new proposals and reports. And keep the shared library of proposals up to date to enable access to other teams.

• Philanthropy strategy and engagement:Contribute to the Philanthropy strategy, approach, tactics and initiatives in collaboration with the philanthropy team to foster innovation and best practices. Monitor institutional philanthropy trends and share knowledge. Plan, track and analyse personal targets and results, and report to manager. Support Philanthropy Manager with the affiliate Philanthropy working group. Co-organize philanthropic events.

• Administrative support:support the Zurich office in administrative tasks (invoice processing, etc.)

Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies

• Excellent German and English language skills, particularly written.

• Ability to bring complex information in a simple way to the point without losing essential content.

• Analytical skills and rigour.

• Organised.

• Strategic thinking.

• Desirable: Understanding of International and humanitarian context.

• Experience in proposal writing and philanthropic account management.

• Demonstrable professional success in the area of fundraising, sales or communication/marketing.

• Minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in the private or public sector.

• Previous successful experience in philanthropy or sales is an asset.

Behavioural Skills

People-oriented and good relational skills. Goal, output and performance oriented. Self-starter and proactive. Collaborative team player. Builds trust with high-net-worth individuals and key stakeholders.

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.