Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships Manager

PHAETHON seeks an experienced and results-oriented professional to lead the development and implementation of its fundraising and strategic partnerships activities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing a structured fundraising strategy targeting corporate partners, high-net-worth individuals, foundations and institutional donors to support:

• Named PhD scholarships and mobility schemes
• Research and innovation programmes
• Infrastructure and laboratory expansion
• Innovation Hub and community initiatives
• Education and training activities

The position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and operates at a strategic level within the Centre.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and donor engagement strategy aligned with PHAETHON’s strategic plan.
• Identify, cultivate and manage relationships with corporate donors, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Lead major campaigns and negotiate sponsorship and partnership agreements.
• Prepare tailored concept notes, impact reports and donor proposals (non-competitive funding).
• Establish structured donor tracking and stewardship mechanisms.
• Represent PHAETHON in high-level networking events, business forums and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate internally with research units and management to align fundraising priorities with institutional needs.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Economics, Management, International Relations, Communication or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in fundraising, development, corporate partnerships or donor relations.
• Fluency in Greek and English

Desirable Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in securing medium-to-large scale donations or sponsorship agreements.
• Strong negotiation, networking and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinking with results-oriented mindset.
• Experience within research, higher education, innovation or technology organisations.
• Established network within the Cyprus business ecosystem.
• Familiarity with philanthropic foundations and CSR frameworks.
• Experience designing performance-based fundraising strategies.

Key Benefits

• 13th salary
• 21 days of paid annual leave (for full-time employment)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Performance-based incentive scheme linked to secured funding
• Strategic role within a growing European Centre of Excellence
• Opportunity to shape the Centre’s long-term sustainability strategy
• Direct collaboration with senior academics and industry stakeholders

Applications

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Full CV including description of previous experience
• Copies of degrees and transcripts of Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree(s)
• Name and contact details of two referees for recommendation letters