Salary: £ or € Competitive (based on experience)

Contract Type: Full time permanent contract with frequent travel involved

Location: UK or Europe

Flexibility Policy: Hybrid working (if based in London or Berlin) or fully remote if based elsewhere in Europe

The Thomson Foundation Story

At Thomson Foundation we are driven by a singular mission: to foster a free, independent and thriving media landscape across the world. For over 60 years we have been at the forefront of empowering journalists, strengthening media organisations, working with communicators and championing the principals of ethical journalism. Our work is more vital than ever in a world where access to reliable, accurate information is crucial for informed decision making, democratic governance and the protection of human rights. In a year when nearly half the world’s population will vote and when we have already seen evidence of how generative AI can be used to create disinformation, our work has never been more important.

Our funding comes from a diverse array of sources including government institutions, philanthropic foundations and corporate partnerships. As our Director of Group Development, you will play a crucial role in securing the resources necessary to fuel our mission. Your expertise will ensure that Thomson Foundation will continue to thrive in an increasingly complex world. 

As the Director of Group Development, you will take responsibility for:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for securing funding from major institutional donors, especially the FCDO and the EU.
• Identifying and exploring new areas for project development aligned with Thomson Foundation’s strategic goals and donor interests.
• Negotiating and concluding contracts for projects with new and existing donors and partners.
• Recruiting and managing partners for consortia bid submissions to enable Thomson Foundation to work with impact, globally.
• Participate as a member of the executive management team. 

To qualify as the Director of Group Development, you must have demonstrable experience of:

• Global Media Development, international development, NGO, Institutional (government) procurement or diplomatic communications environments.
• Business Development activities in a business to institutional / government environment.
• Engaging with and influencing institutional development offices such as FCDO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sweden), Federal Foreign Office (Germany) or the EU.
• Interpreting geopolitical events / trends on how any changes might affect / impact Thomson Foundation’s programmes / potential to further our aims and support new projects.
• Managing partners / consortia through the various stages of bid acquisition and programme delivery.
• Demonstrating your exceptional communications skills when representing and organisation and furthering Thomson’s aims across a broad stakeholder group. 

To apply for the role of Director of Group Development with The Thomson Foundation:

For more information on the opportunity of Director of Group Development for the Thomson Foundation please see the attached job profile, job description, and person specification.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Tom Ewen on thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk

To apply please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a covering statement which highlights your motivations towards this opportunity and capabilities in a position of this kind. Please simply click on the Apply for this Role button on this page.

The close date for your application is set for 23:59 on Friday 26th July.

If you have difficulties applying online, please contact response.manager@odgersberndtson.com