Development Director in Copenhagen at OCEANA INC

We are a leader in science-based advocacy, and we campaign for policies to make the world’s oceans more abundant, vibrant, and biodiverse. We operate as a combined international organisation. Through recent expansion, our talented staff consists of about 305 people, working in more than 13 countries, including scientists, communications, policy and advocacy experts. 

When you work at Oceana, you are part of an organization that changes people's lives by protecting the oceans, improving food security and enhancing livelihoods. Whether you are contributing as a policy advocate, expert, fundraiser, or team member, you play a pivotal role in helping people achieve their goals every day. Our culture is one of talented people working together with a common purpose.

As an Oceana team member, you know that what you do matters. Join us today to protect the world’s oceans and restore them to their former level of abundance!

The role:

The Development Director leads and delivers Oceana’s fundraising and partnerships activities across Europe, playing a critical role in securing the long‑term financial sustainability of Oceana’s work. In close collaboration with multiple teams in Europe and globally, the role is responsible for designing and implementing the European fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on building and managing relationships with institutional donors, foundations, major donors and strategic partners.

Reporting to Oceana’s Head of Executive Affairs in Europe, the role operates with a high level of autonomy within an established governance framework. The Development Director manages a team of two senior development managers and is accountable for identifying and escalating fundraising, donor and partnership risks, and for ensuring that all fundraising activity is aligned with organisational capacity, financial sustainability objectives and governance requirements. The role involves regular travel, primarily within Europe, with occasional inter-continental travel.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the European fundraising strategy in line with organisational priorities, budgets and delivery capacity.
• Secure funding from foundations, individuals, and public and private institutions across Europe and other relevant markets.

• Build, manage and strengthen long‑term relationships with existing and prospective donors, partners and aligned organisations.
• Lead the preparation and submission of high‑quality funding proposals, concept note sand expressions of interest.
• Ensure delivery against agreed fundraising targets and contribution to the overall Oceana Europe budget.
• Manage donor engagement and stewardship, including meetings, events, briefings, reporting and ongoing communications.
• Ensure effective grant management across the full funding cycle, from proposal development through to final reporting.
• Coordinate accurate financial and narrative donor reporting in close collaboration with the Finance and delivery teams.
• Monitor fundraising pipelines, maintain accurate records, and identify and escalate financial, delivery or partnership risks as required.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure fundraising activities support campaign objectives and organisational impact.
• Provide regular fundraising updates and insights to senior management.
• Lead and support development staff, consultants or contractors, while promoting ethical fundraising practices, strong accountability and continuous improvement.

Education and work experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree preferred in International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Fundraising, Non‑Profit Management or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in fundraising or development roles with in non‑profit organisations.
• Proven track record of meeting fundraising targets in international non‑profit organisations.
• Experience working within governance frameworks and donor compliance regimes.
• Experience engaging with senior leadership on fundraising strategy and performance.
• Experience in proposal writing, donor steward ship and effective reporting.

Skills and knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and development best practice.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple funding streams and competing deadlines.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Oral and written proficiency in English isa must; fluency in other European languages, such as Spanish, Dutch, French or German, is an advantage.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience building and motivating high‑performing development teams.
• Solid understanding of donor engagement, stewardship and moves management.
• Strong financial awareness, including budget management and income forecasting.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and adherence to ethical fundraising standards.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in international or multicultural environments.