The International Press Institute (IPI) is looking for a strategic and creative fundraiser to support our global efforts to defend media freedom and support independent journalism.
IPI was founded in 1950 by 34 editors from 15 countries who believed in the power of the free flow of information to promote peace. Today it is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives from over 100 countries who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. Our members include award-winning journalists, Nobel laureates and editors at some of the most prestigious media outlets around the world. Together we work to promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfil its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation. Our mission is to defend media freedom and support independent journalism wherever they are threatened.
Today journalists and media are facing a multitude of threats and this is a rare opportunity to be part of a dynamic international team working on solutions to some of our societies’ most pressing problems.
The Fundraising Manager is a member of the senior management team, reporting to the Executive Director. They will develop and implement IPI’s fundraising strategy, and work with the management team to secure multi-year funding commitments from a range of donors and supporters. They will manage reporting requirements for donor-funded projects and ensure timely preparation of relevant documentation including audits. They will also nurture existing networks and build relations with potential donors to develop strong and sustained partnerships.
The right candidate will have substantial fundraising experience, interpersonal skills to build relationships, a track record in securing funds from public sources, foundations, trusts, corporations or individual donors and the ability to present IPI to potential supporters. They will also have significant experience in writing funding proposals and submitting these to potential donors.
On many projects, IPI works in consortia with other press freedom and media development organisations as well as with independent media outlets. The Fundraising Manager plays an important role in maintaining these relationships and networks.
If you don’t have all the experience and skills, but think you are a good fit, and are passionate about defending human rights, media freedom and independent journalism, we would love to hear from you.
Main Tasks:
- Take the lead in developing and implementing IPI’s fundraising strategy.
- Coordinate and prepare proposals to funders, ensuring quality and timeliness.
- Be the main liaison with the donors and funders, preparing reports, ensuring timely data collection and financial audits if necessary.
- Identify new revenue streams, then develop and implement action plans to access them.
- Establish good relationships with major donors, and understand their priorities and needs.
- Maintain and grow networks within the media freedom and media development communities.
Experience and skills:
- Substantial fundraising experience with a track record in securing funds from public sources, foundations, trusts, corporations or individual donors.
- Demonstrated track record of managing relationships with key stakeholders.
- Excellent attention to detail and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work to deadline, while balancing overlapping priorities.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills to articulate an organisation’s vision and mission in discussions with donors and in funding proposals.
- Understanding of the human rights funding landscape would be an advantage.
Education:
- University degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
Location and term
The location for this position is Vienna, Austria, which is regularly ranked as the most liveable city in the world. Hybrid work arrangements are possible. All nationalities are eligible to apply. A successful candidate who is not a citizen of the European Union/European Economic Area will be eligible for a work permit in Austria.
The start date for this position is 1 July 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Remuneration
The salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications. The salaries of IPI employees are not subject to income tax in Austria. Net (take-home) salaries are paid 14 times per year in accordance with Austrian employment law. IPI employees are able to benefit from Austria’s national health and other social insurance programmes.
Holiday allowance is 25 days per year, in addition to Austrian national holidays.
Application procedure
If you wish to join IPI’s dedicated team, please send a cover letter and CV.
The cover letter should not be longer than 2 pages where you let us know why you would like to work for IPI, what skills, qualities and strengths you would bring to the position, and provide 1 or 2 examples of your fundraising achievements.
Please include the names and contact information of at least two professional references.
The application should be sent by email to hr@ipi.media with the subject line “Fundraising Manager”.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received. We will only contact potential candidates, usually within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Due to the high volume of applications we are unable to reply to unsuccessful candidates.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted online or at IPI’s office in Vienna. Kindly note that IPI is unable to reimburse travel costs for those wishing to have an in-person interview in Vienna.
