Director of Philanthropy, Europe

The Safe Childhoods Initiative

Salary: Circa £95,000 plus benefits

Location: UK (prefered) or Europe

Closing Date: 29 March 2026

The Safe Childhoods Initiative is a philanthropically funded start‑up dedicated to ending childhood sexual violence. We believe the only acceptable level of harm is zero — and that philanthropy can, and must, do far more to prevent and respond to it.

This is a pivotal moment: awareness, evidence, and political attention are rising, but philanthropic investment has not kept pace. Our mission is to close that gap by moving significant, sustained funding into the wider ecosystem with coherence, confidence, and long‑term intent.

We are a small, ambitious, and entrepreneurial team working closely with thoughtful philanthropists, practitioners, and researchers. The work is evolving and requires judgement, curiosity, and comfort with ambiguity — and offers the chance to help shape how a historically neglected field is funded.

As Director of Philanthropy, Europe, you will lead our European fundraising strategy and work closely with the Executive Director and the Director of Philanthropy (US). You will represent the organisation in senior donor conversations and small convenings, building and stewarding relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations, and family offices across the UK and Europe. You will secure significant philanthropic commitments for work to prevent and respond to childhood sexual violence.

You will bring a proven track record of securing £1m–£5m+ gifts from foundations and ultra-high net worth individuals, along with an active network across UK and European philanthropy. You will be an exceptional communicator, credible with senior donors, and confident working on complex and sensitive issues. Candidates with a blend of philanthropic advisory and fundraising backgrounds or experience raising funds from Asia or Africa based foundations will also be considered. 

You’ll thrive here if you are a self‑starter who enjoys working in a small, entrepreneurial environment within a high impact donor collaborative. You will be motivated by long‑term impact and committed to ending childhood sexual violence.

Our preference is for candidates based in or near London, though strong candidates elsewhere in Europe will also be considered.

The Safe Childhoods Initiative was created in 2025 by a group of leading philanthropies, including the Carlson Family Foundation, the Indigo Trust, Oak Foundation, Phillips Foundation, Segal Philanthropies, and the World Childhood Foundation, to change the way the world responds to childhood sexual violence.

Timetable

Closing date:  29 March 2026

People Beyond Profit interviews: 13 – 17 April 2026

The Safe Childhoods Initiative interviews: 29 April 2026

Final Panel interviews: 12 May 2026

How to Apply

To find out more and to apply, please download the appointment brief below.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring equality of opportunity throughout our recruitment processes.  We encourage candidates of all ages, ethnicities, nationalities, religions or beliefs, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, and disability statuses to apply.