Who We Are – About DRC
DRC is a leading international NGO delivering impactful programming in complex and crisis-affected contexts. While much of our fundraising is decentralized across country offices, our Global Foundations team plays a central role in strengthening, coordinating and aligning our approach to philanthropic partnerships.
This team consists of dedicated professionals based in Copenhagen, Brussels and London, and sits within the Global Foundations and Institutional Donor (GFID) section. GFID is responsible for DRC’s strategic partnerships with global foundations and institutional donors and operates as part of our broader HQ Department for Partnerships, Advocacy, Engagement, and Resource Mobilisation (PAER).
The Opportunity – Why This Role Matters
We are seeking a highly connected, strategic relationship-builder to support DRC’s engagement with corporate philanthropy, and directly with corporations when relevant. The role offers the opportunity to shape and grow DRC’s presence in the corporate philanthropic ecosystem working closely with peers across DRC HQ. regional Hubs and country offices. Depending on the specific qualifications of the selected candidate, the role may also focus specifically on Swiss and/ or German philanthropy.
The primary responsibility of the selected candidate is to initiate, strengthen, and manage meaningful partnerships with corporate foundations aligned with DRC’s programming. While fundraising is a core outcome, this role is not about transactional development – it’s about building relationships that deliver long-term impact.
You’ll join a global, agile, and mission-driven team at an exciting time of strategic growth and positioning.
Key Responsibilities
Contribute to and shape DRC’s partnerships strategy for Global Foundations, identifying key networks, stakeholders, and strategic entry points. Lead partnership engagement and act as the primary relationship manager with a select portfolio of foundations, with a focus on corporation philanthropy, serving as a trusted representative of DRC and our programming Map and cultivate relationships with new philanthropic partners while deepening engagement with existing corporate Foundations foundation contacts. Stay abreast of trends, giving priorities, and engaging networks within corporate philanthropy and provide strategic insights to DRC’s leadership. Collaborate with colleagues across DRC countries, regions, and HQ to ensure compelling engagement materials and high-quality proposals. Support and advise field offices and program teams on how to build and maintain partnerships with corporate Foundations. Depending on profile, coordinate proposal development and onboarding for secured partnerships.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
Who You Are
You’re a connector — a strategic and intuitive relationship-builder who knows and understands the philanthropic landscape. Whether you’ve worked in a private foundation, corporation, wealth advisory, family office, or philanthropic fund, you bring a deep understanding of how high-value giving decisions are made and what drives them.
You know how to open doors, nurture relationships, and align partner interests with organizational goals. You bring credibility, curiosity, and a genuine passion for global impact.
You Bring:
A strong and relevant network within corporate, and/ or Swiss, and/ or German philanthropy – whether from the giving or advising side Significant experience working with or within private foundations, HNWIs, family offices, or similar entities A strategic mindset, with the ability to identify and pursue partnership opportunities and adapt messaging to different audiences Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to represent DRC credibly and confidently at all levels Professional fluency in English; German and/ or French is a valuable asset A flexible, cross-cultural approach and willingness to collaborate across teams and geographies
Nice to Have (But Not Essential):
Previous experience in or with the humanitarian or development sector Experience coordinating proposals or developing program concepts in partnership with technical and field teams Understanding of compliance and reporting requirements when working with institutional or philanthropic funders Experience with donor communications
What We Offer
Contract Length: one year contract, with the possibility of extension should funding permit
Work Location: Copenhagen (preferred location), Brussels, or Berlin
Start Date: As soon as possible, but can of course be negotiated for the right candidate
Work Conditions: A flexible work setup (remote/hybrid; full-time depending on your profile
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees according to the country applicable. Please refer to our website for more details. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday, February 17, 23:59. For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.