Development Officer

Duration of contract: Initial two-year fixed-term appointment. Further renewals may be given subject to satisfactory performance.

1. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate and research university established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Professional Development Courses (PDCs) with the highest standards in maritime and oceans education and training. WMU also has a highly respected research programme supported by specialized research groups across the maritime and ocean fields. The Development and Marketing Officer position is located in the Administration unit at WMU’s headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.

2. MAIN PURPOSE

The Development Officer (DO) will work with the University Vice President of Advancement and Operations, and the overall supervision of the President, to develop a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising plan focused on the creation of a giving platform that benefits the University and its students.

The DO will be an effective front-line fundraiser who will help drive revenue growth by strategically growing and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving at any level. The DO will serve as a relationship manager throughout the donor life cycle to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward six and seven-figure gifts, using donor-centric fundraising practices and deploying WMU leaders. S/he will also build a strong pipeline of principal gift donor prospects and increase revenue across the board.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial professional who excels at front-line relationship building and devising prospecting strategies. As a collaborative and strategic problem-solver, the DO will work closely with the Vice President of Advancement and Operations to handle high-level partnerships and opportunities. The DO will also collaborate across the WMU community to secure proposals, donor engagement communications and touch points, and stewardship reports.

The Capital Campaign, “Stewards of the Sea” was launched in 2018, with the main goal to raise USD 30M by 2033. The campaign has so far raised USD 11.8 M. The DO will ensure continued success of the campaign through strong engagement from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), maritime sector, high-value partners (BHVPs) and other potential donors in order to meet targets. 

The DO will serve as the lead fundraising officer for planning, organizing, implementing, and directing philanthropic and nonprofit fundraising activities and programs, including the major gifts program, strategic prospect cultivation initiatives, annual giving, targeted approaches, and special campaigns.

3. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal contacts – Incumbent liaises and interacts with the University President, university leadership, Communications Officer and Conference & Events Coordinator and all faculty members on a regular basis as well as with support staff as required.

External contacts – Incumbent liaises with current and prospective donors, Development Committee of the Endowment Fund, Marketing and Communications Working Group of the Executive Board, Executive Board, and other constituents as necessary.

4. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement and Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Identify, research, and develop funding proposals for potential high net worth individuals (HNWI) and business and high value partners (BHVP) and secure funds from individuals, companies, and their foundations that will maximize long-term income and multi-year commitments in support of WMU’s strategic objectives, with a particular focus on building the WMU Endowment Fund and securing student fellowships.
• Provide effective account management, partnership recognition and ensure efficient reporting on the outcomes of all partnerships.
• Design tactical and creative, long-term engagement strategies to deepen donor dedication and increase six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Update and drive the fundraising strategy 2025 – 2033.
• Travel and meet with the portfolio of donors and prospects, or deploy WMU leaders accordingly.
• Work cross-functionally with WMU colleagues to identify funding opportunities, secure strategic partnerships, and ensure philanthropic activities are coordinated with other fundraising initiatives; engage with relevant teams to contribute technical inputs to develop and present funding proposals, reporting, or other necessary information for HWNIs/BHVPs.
• Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events/campaigns/activities that will generate income and encourage engagement in support of WMU’s strategic objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of decisions and action plans, maintaining workflow and information flow, preparing resource mobilization and partnership strategy, budget, and revenue forecast, and preparing fundraising reports and maintaining control records.
• Create and disseminate donor-oriented content, designing impactful fundraising and lead generation campaigns, in close collaboration with the Communications team.
• Lead and design, in close cooperation with the Communications team, the main fundraising and lead-generation campaigns to achieve digital fundraising objectives through social media and other digital channels, in a donor-centered perspective.
• In close cooperation with the Communications team, produce campaign assets, including multi-channel toolkits, pitch presentations, and social media content; prepare direct mail initiatives, email appeals, and a quarterly newsletter to support fundraising efforts.
• Create innovative and attractive donor acknowledgement and recognition opportunities and ensure all gifts are appropriately and promptly acknowledged and recognized. 
• Assist in the development and management of the Development Committee of the Endowment Fund and other volunteer fundraising committees that may be established from time to time by supporting:
  • Regular communication;
  • Developing clear and realistic goals for the members of the committee;
  • Regular meetings; and
  • Detailed briefings and follow-up for cultivation and/or solicitation activities.
• Carry out additional tasks and other responsibilities as required to support the team’s work.

5. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & LANGUAGE SKILLS

EDUCATION

Essential

• University degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Economics, Business Administration/Management, public administration, Social Sciences, or related fields.

Complementary/desirable

• Coursework or other structured training in fundraising principles and practices.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven track record and experience in all aspects of fundraising and donor relation management.
• At least 7 years of progressive fundraising experience and demonstrated expertise (preferably within an environmental or advocacy-based organization) in private sector engagement with corporations, private philanthropists and/or foundations, as well as donor insight in order to develop approaches that are evidence-based, endorsed, and actionable.
• Consistent track record of closing multiple 6- and 7-figure gifts or contracts from a dynamic portfolio, including qualifying prospects and upgrading donors or clients.
• Consistent record of developing blended and multi-year funding opportunities.
• Expertise and up-to-date knowledge in existing and new fundraising techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating with and, when appropriate, soliciting highnet-worth individuals (HNWIs) and business and high-value partners (BHVPs).
• Understanding of WMU, its structure and mission and an ability to explain this to others.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly for, and speak articulately to, a wide range of audiences and diverse communities.
• Knowledge of social media platforms.

Desirable

• Proficient user of data bases (Salesforce or others).
• Familiar with prospect research tools (open source and others).
• Familiar with following a rigorous data driven approach to implement marketing online strategies and analytics.
• Understanding of international fundraising; experience working within an international organization.
• Knowledge of the maritime and oceans industry.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Essential

• Excellent command of English both spoken and written. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.

6. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Strong commitment to WMU’s mission and core values.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Keen attention to detail, highly organized, and can prioritize effectively.
• Strategic thinker, problem-solver, creative, and innovative.
• Able to work independently on a wide range of projects with minimal supervision.
• Thrives in an achievement-oriented, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced environment.
• Able to build effective working relationships with key internal and external project stakeholders at all levels of seniority, and to thrive in a team environment.
• Able to deliver compelling presentations to audiences with different degrees of awareness about the subject.
• Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving in the areas of corporate and major gifts.
• Excellent communication skills including oral, written and presentation skills, with strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and an ability to work with staff members of different cultural backgrounds.
• Can cope well under pressure, work to tight deadlines and is self-motivated.
• Proven ability to work independently, without administrative support.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Desirable

• Multilingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Strong negotiating and organizational skills.
• Experience using a non-profit CRM.

See https://www.wmu.se/about/careers for WMU’s recruitment diversity statement.

Application

The position offers an attractive salary (P4 Grade of the ICSC salary scale), free of income tax in Sweden, a benefits package and relocation expenses. Applicants must fill in the Personal History Form, which can be found at https://www.wmu.se/docs/personal-historyform. Should send a letter of interest, a complete CV, and the contact information of three referees to Marco Batista, Head of Human Resources (mb@wmu.se).

Deadline for Applications: 31 December 2024