Company Overview
An international organization dedicated to advancing global initiatives through strategic partnerships and innovative projects. Our work focuses on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, driving impactful programs, and supporting sustainable development goals. With a strong presence in Europe and global outreach, we aim to create meaningful change through leadership, research, and resource mobilization.
Position: Director
Location: UK Office
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Travel: Required approximately 1–2 times per month
Language: Fluent English; conversational Japanese preferred
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational guidance—with a particular focus on Europe. This leader will set priorities, drive key initiatives, and ensure alignment between day-to-day operations and long-term goals.
Partnering closely with the executive team, the Director will own regional, on-the-ground management in Europe. The role includes leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets and resources, strengthening internal processes, and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Candidates with experience in consulting (e.g., Deloitte, PwC) or similar fields are strongly encouraged to apply. International travel is expected.
Key Responsibilities
- Regional Leadership (Europe): Provide operational oversight and program delivery across European hubs and priority, ensuring consistent execution and measurable impact.
- Trusted Partner to Executive Leadership: Act as a reliable deputy for European operations, translating strategic intentions into pragmatic regional plans and disciplined execution.
- Fundraising & Resource Mobilization:
- Lead development and stewardship of a diversified funding portfolio.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with foundations, family offices, institutional donors, and sponsors, leveraging an existing network to secure multi‑year commitments.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including Japan‑based partners, and represent the organization in external forums, communities, and sector networks.
- Team Leadership & Organizational Development:
- Manage and develop teams across functions, building managers’ capability and establishing a culture of continuous improvement.
- Drive organizational development initiatives suitable for academic, nonprofit, or mission‑driven environments, with an emphasis on long‑term talent growth and retention.
- Process Excellence: Improve operating rhythms, governance, and cross‑regional workflows to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance.
- Program Delivery: Oversee planning and execution of projects that align with strategic priorities, ensuring milestones, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.
- Community Integration: Proactively embed in relevant communities and professional networks to broaden reach and deepen local engagement.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior leadership or director-level role with accountability for regional operations.
- Strong strategic planning and operational management skills, with a track record of translating strategy into execution.
- Demonstrated fundraising success at the £2M–£3M annual level (or equivalent), ideally across foundations, family offices, institutional donors, and sponsors.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-country projects.
- Team management experience of 20+ people; adept at building managers and developing talent at scale.
- Experience in organizational development in academic, nonprofit, or mission‑driven settings; consulting background (e.g., Deloitte, PwC) is valuable, with clear evidence of long-term people development.
- Excellent communication skills in English; conversational Japanese and cultural fluency with Japan‑based stakeholders are preferred.
- Comfortable with regular international travel (approximately 1–2 times per month).
- Calm, steady, and low‑ego leadership style, with disciplined execution and consistency over time.