# Development Director

> Pathways · London, United Kingdom (Remote) · Full-time · Posted 2026-07-08

**Workplace:** remote

## Description

To deliver the high ambition policy we need to tackle climate change, we have to broaden and preserve consensus on action. Pathways works with local experts to co-design strategy, launch new initiatives and create conditions that favour action on climate. We are at a pivotal and exciting moment in our growth, and are seeking an experienced Development Director to support us to continue scaling.

The Development Director will set the high-level vision and approach of our proactive fundraising strategy, and will also lead the day to day activities and coordination required to achieve these goals. 

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the rest of our small and dedicated team, this is a highly collaborative and creative role. The Development Director will work together  with Pathways’ in-country directors and partners to support and enable them in their own fundraising activities and goals.

### Fundraising Strategy

-   Develop and lead implementation of a multi-year, proactive and comprehensive fundraising strategy
-   Build a diversified funding portfolio across institutional funders, foundations, and major donors, with a clear view of income targets by year and by funder type
-   Identify and assess new funding opportunities aligned with Pathways’ programmatic priorities and growth trajectory, with a focus on both regionally focussed and global funders
-   Support in-country directors with national and global fundraising efforts, and provide counsel, guidance, and connections to incubated initiatives and their fundraising efforts
-   Ensure all components of a strong and effective fundraising strategy are in place, and manage cross-organisational collaboration to deliver them

### Funder Stewardship and Relationship Management

-   Steward relationships with existing funders, ensuring they are well-informed, well-engaged, and feel invested in Pathways’ success
-   Develop and implement a structured stewardship programme that goes beyond reporting — creating meaningful touchpoints, sharing insights, and positioning Pathways as a trusted partner
-   Work with the Executive Director and country teams to ensure funders have regular access to the people, evidence, and stories that deepen their commitment
-   Manage the full grant cycle for key funders, from relationship-building and proposal development through to reporting and renewal

### Pipeline and Prospect Development

-   Build and maintain a strong, well-qualified prospect pipeline, drawing on sector knowledge, funder research, and network mapping
-   Lead outreach and cultivation of new funders, developing tailored engagement strategies for priority prospects
-   Track and manage the fundraising pipeline using appropriate CRM or tracking tools, ensuring the team has clear visibility of opportunities and risks

### Proposal and Communications Development

-   Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals, concept notes, and grant applications, working closely with country teams to ensure accuracy and relevance
-   Develop and maintain compelling fundraising materials, including organisational narratives, case for support, theory of change summaries, and impact communications tailored to funder audiences
-   Ensure Pathways’ external positioning is consistent, credible, and resonant with the priorities of strategic funders

### Network Strengthening

-   Map and actively develop Pathways’ networks to expand our reach and visibility among potential funders
-   Represent Pathways at relevant conferences, convenings, and funder forums
-   Identify opportunities for collaboration, co-funding, or introduction brokering with peer organisations and intermediaries

### Internal Collaboration and Reporting

-   Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure fundraising projections are reflected in financial planning, and that grant budgets and reporting deadlines are managed effectively
-   Collaborate with programmatic leads to understand priorities, gather evidence of impact, and translate programme work into fundable propositions
-   Provide regular fundraising updates to the Executive Director and board, including pipeline reports, income forecasts, and risk assessments

## Requirements

-   Significant experience in a senior fundraising role within the non-profit or NGO sector, with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure grants from institutional funders and foundations
-   Demonstrated experience developing and executing proactive fundraising strategies, ideally with new and start up organisations
-   Strong understanding of the climate, environment, and policy philanthropy landscape, with existing networks among relevant funders highly desirable
-   Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling narratives for funder audiences and represent the organisation externally with confidence
-   Proven ability to build and manage long-term funder relationships with care, consistency, and strategic intent
-   Experience working collaboratively with programme, finance, and leadership teams in a fast-moving environment
-   Highly organised, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines without close supervision
-   Proven experience of supporting and enabling external actors and partners in their own development activities and goals
-   Alignment with our mission and ready to think outside the box on how we advance climate policy progress
-   Must live in and work from a +/- 3 hours to GMT timezone

## Benefits

-   The starting salary range for this role is £100,000 - £115,000 and may have a location adjustment, depending on where the successful candidate resides
-   30 days holiday + local public holidays
-   10% employer pension contribution 
-   Co-working stipend
-   Life insurance
-   Private health insurance
-   Annual professional development stipend
-   Flexible working from day one.

### **Working with us**

Pathways is an equal opportunity employer, committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and without discrimination. 

We are building a dynamic, entrepreneurial and collaborative workplace. We foster a trust-based environment where diverse thoughts and perspectives are not only encouraged but essential to our success. 

Our small, but growing global team is united by a shared commitment to our mission, and we support each member to find the balance they need to excel both personally and professionally. While we work remotely, we recognise the importance of connection and collaboration. 

With Pathways, you will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission, in your own unique way, together with a team of highly experienced political and climate strategists who are dedicated to making a real difference in the world.

## Apply

[Apply at Pathways](https://apply.workable.com/pathways-7/j/199DC94F3C/apply)

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