Head of donor, relations and fundraising services

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Head of Donotm Relations and Fundraising Services to direct resource mobilization and grants management efforts to sustain CIMMYT's mission to advance a more food- and nutrition-secure future and develop and implement a fundraising plan for donor research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, grants management and reporting, ensuring donor diversity and long-term impact. The successful candidate will be part of the Engagement Chapter and will report to the Chief Engagement Officer (CNO).

The location of this position will be Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

Strategy

• Implement maintain annual plan to achieve an operating budget of $250 million USD annually through 2027.

• Lead planning processes, ensuring that the Donor Relations & Fundraising Service plan aligns with CIMMYT's 2030 Strategy and Engagement Chapter Strategy.
• Achieve Engagement Chapter key performance indicators include: 20% increase in existing and new donor growth, 50% growth for funding new projects or initiatives, 80% of donor retention and 20% cross-program funding.
• Build and maintain robust internal and external networks, collaborating with CIMMYT leadership and scientists to align targets, approaches, methods, and tools, with a focus on larger, cross-Program proposals.
• Identify ways in which CIMMYT can collaborate with partners, key stakeholders, and maximize the policy, research, and implementation impact of its work globally and operating regions – Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Provide strategic direction in maintaining grants management processes that align with CIMMYT policy, ethical standards, and global best practices. Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees, leadership team and executive team on fundraising activities, performance, and progress towards goals. Participate in Board meetings and committees as needed.
• Liaise and coordinate with the CGIAR Resource Mobilization and Business Development COP in areas of cross- collaboration related to Resource Mobilization/Development.
• Promote fundraising and grants management as a key function across CIMMYT, by initiating appropriate training and development activities for key staff to build their talents, in collaboration with the CIMMYT Academy.
• Ensure application of policies and procedures are in place to meet legal, statutory, and financial regulations to reflect fundraising best practice.

Research, Prospecting & New Donor Engagement

• Manage approach to identifying diverse types of donors and new, innovative approaches to diversify the current donor pool and network.
• Lead the development of sustainable and predictable funding sources, ensuring that prospects are researched, risks are identified, analyzed, and mitigated.
• Develop compelling grant proposals, identify potential grant opportunities, and build strong relationships with donors/ funding agencies.
• Represent the organization at fundraising events and meetings, donor meetings/events, building awareness and promoting fundraising efforts.

Cultivation & Stewardship

• Lead cultivation and stewardship of donor network through strategies that build relationships, secure major gifts, and ensure donor satisfaction and engagement.
• Direct the development of personalized cultivation plans for key donors and prospects to deepen their engagement and understanding of the organization's mission and needs.
• Oversee a comprehensive stewardship program that includes regular communication with donors, such as newsletters, impact reports, and event invitations.
• Collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, including Senior Staff and Board members, to develop and implement effective solicitation strategies, including grant proposals and direct mail campaigns.

Grant Management & Reporting

• Ensure an effective grant management process that strengthens long lasting relations with donors, based on program execution and impact, delivering donor satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including data privacy, financial guidelines and fundraising regulations and best practices.
• Lead analysis of results looking for leading measures that drive more efficient and effective fundraising and stewardship. Report progress, highlighting risk and mitigation measures.
• Lead the consolidation of the project management structure to ensure efficient and effective implementation of projects and reporting.

Administration & HR

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development professionals, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.
• Develop and manage the DFS department budget, track fundraising performance, and report on progress to the Board and leadership.
• Lead annual plans, regular 1:1s and annual appraisals to ensure objectives and targets are accomplished.
• Develop and lead the development of strategic and annual plans, regular 1:1s with managers, and annual appraisals to ensure objectives and targets are accomplished.
• Promote collaborative work across the department.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor and evaluate the objectives and activities of the team including reporting on performance.
• Develop and utilize systems to monitor and evaluate the achievement of objectives and activities of the Department including reporting on performance.
• Drive the accepted application of values and behaviors among the members of the DFS Department, promoting adherence to CIMMYT’s culture.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Public Relations, Communications, International Relations, Non-Profit Management, Sociology, Political Science or a similar related field.
• Relevant work experience of at least 10 years (of which at least five years’ experience in comparable executive position on a strategic level) with proven and successful fundraising results against metrics.

• Significant experience in effectively leading and managing high performing departments.
• Strategic fundraising experience, with the ability to think ahead, set clear direction and formulate realistic strategic objectives.
• Extensive experience of business development and demonstrated success in growing income through a diverse range of fundraising activities.
• Experience overseeing and managing a fundraising portfolio.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, across a range of audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience in developing senior stakeholder relationships across organizations and sectors.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in project management and project administration.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Affinity with or understanding of agriculture, research and/or the Sustainable Development Goals would be considered a plus.
• Demonstrated gravitas and credibility in order to represent CIMMYT and build confidence internally and externally.
• Good command of English and Spanish (preferable).
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, Team Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Communication.

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS25121_Head of Donor, Relations and Fundraising Services.

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on Wednesday , May 28th, 2025. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.