Development Director, UK

Development Director, UK 20 May Written By Ami Jenick  

EMpower, The Emerging Markets Foundation

Salary: £85,000 - £95,000

Location: London, hybrid. 4 weeks a year from anywhere in the world

Hours: Full Time

EMpower is a global philanthropic foundation that partners with organisations across 15 emerging market countries who are focused on solutions that integrate the voices and experiences of marginalised young people, especially girls, aged between 10–24 years. We provide grants and capacity building support to local organisations working to strengthen education and livelihoods of young people across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Turkey.

EMpower’s fundraising proposition is proven and highly differentiated – we invest in local partner organisations for 10 years; a long-term approach that dramatically improved outcomes whilst also demonstrating short term progress. Significantly, we have the unique advantage that our fundraising, administration and management costs are covered by our Board of Directors, which means that every penny donated goes to where it is needed most.

This proposition and our recent investment into fundraising means that our income has tripled over the last 10 years. We are raising more money than ever before through our flagship annual dinners in New York, London, Hong Kong and Singapore; in London last year we raised £2.2m in 20 min! We have attracted new large-scale corporate donors on top of maintaining our traditional areas of relationship-based fundraising success, including HNWI from the finance sector. Yet we know we are still only scratching the surface of what’s possible. 

This Director of Fundraising, UK role will take responsibility for all UK income streams including corporates, trusts and foundations, institutional funders, events and HNWIs. You will inherit a small but strong existing UK team, a burgeoning pipeline and a passionate and well-connected Board of Directors and volunteer network.

In this role, you will drive the highest level of strategy discussions within the team, whilst still providing hands-on leadership, vision and accountability to push forward existing and new business opportunities. The position is a key member of the fundraising senior leadership team, sharing collective responsibility for delivering income to achieve the organisation’s strategy and vision.  

When thinking about the profile of individuals who would be well suited to this role and who will bring our fundraising in the UK to the next level, it is likely you will have substantial fundraising and leadership experience, with a clear track record of securing funds from high value donors. Your expertise may come from any of the major donor income streams, including statutory foundations, private trusts, corporates or HNWIs.

You will bring strategic thinking, ambition and excellent people leadership skills, alongside the ability to successfully (and comfortably) move between strategic spheres and hands-on operational delivery, holding strong personal accountability to drive results. Experience of successfully operating within a complex global context or team structure would be highly advantageous.

To read more about our work and the specifics of this role and team plus how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing date:  21 June 2026

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 24 June until 3 July 2026

EMpower 1st Interviews: 15 July 2026

EMpower 2nd Interviews: 22 July 2026

Final meeting: 27 Juy 2026

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