Fundraising Manager

Do you want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our planet? Acre is supporting the Organic Cotton Accelerator in recruiting a Fundraising Manager based in Amsterdam.

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The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) believes organic cotton is a catalyst for a truly sustainable textiles sector. As a multi-stakeholder organisation, OCA unites the sector to unleash the potential of organic cotton, from field to fashion, for people and the planet. OCA envisions a future where, every time a farmer switches to organic cotton, there is a ripple effect of positivity; farmers earn more, and their land and soils are fertile for future generations, protecting our planet. OCA calls this the Organic Cotton Effect.

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OCA is committing to enabling this future by creating a transparent, responsible and resilient organic cotton supply chain that prioritises delivering farmer prosperity and meeting the sector's shared sustainability goals. As an accelerator, OCA wants to get to this future, faster.

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About the role

Over the past years, OCA has been able to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of farmers by helping them switch to and stick with organic agriculture. Whilst driving change through its unique market-based approach together with key private sector partners from across the cotton supply chain, OCA also works with donors and foundations to deepen positive impact on farming communities, the climate, and biodiversity alike.

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OCA is now seeking a dynamic and experienced Fundraising Manager to further develop its network of donors and foundations and reach its ambitious targets for more impact. A unique and exciting opportunity, this role combines the development and implementation of a robust fundraising strategy and planning, with the management of OCA's own grant and funding programme which supports critical farm-level initiatives in line with OCA's vision and mission. This post will report directly to the Executive Director.

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Your responsibilities

Planning and development

• Develop and implement effective fundraising strategies and lead the annual planning process to achieve OCA's organisational targets.

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and other team members to align fundraising efforts with organisational priorities and initiatives.

• Identify new potential income streams and cultivate relationships with potential donors, including foundations, governments, and individuals.

• Convey the distinct value of OCA opportunities to funders and tailor OCA's material to approach donors as first contact.

• Lead proposal development to deliver compelling grant proposals, funding applications, and sponsorship packages tailored to the interests and priorities of potential funders, coordinating input from different functions/teams.

• Stay informed about trends and developments in the field of sustainable agriculture, organic cotton, and corporate social responsibility to inform fundraising strategies.

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Representation & reporting

• Manage relationships with existing donors, ensuring timely reporting and communication to maintain engagement and support.

• Ensure donor interests and priorities are well understood across the organisation, including different country teams and functional leads.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, tracking progress towards fundraising targets and adjusting strategies as needed.

• Represent OCA at relevant events, conferences, and networking opportunities to promote OCA's work and identify potential funding opportunities.

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Grant management

• Manage OCA's own (sub-)granting procedures and processes towards programme partners, including assessing applications, reviewing reports and managing relations.

• Capture and analyse information on the delivery of programmes and reporting on progress to the relevant stakeholders (incl. donors).

• Work closely with the OCA Programmes country teams to support their work with funded partners, including monitoring and verification, to ensure proper integration and coordination of grant management and programme review processes.

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About you

You have a proven track record in fundraising, strong communication skills, and a passion for sustainability and social impact. You possess excellent networking abilities and experience in coordinating content across different organisational functions whilst understanding how to align organisational goals and donor interests. You are well-organised and proactive and have the ability to inspire those around you with compelling written and verbal communication.

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What you bring

• Demonstrated experience of 3-5 years or similar in fundraising, development, or related roles, preferably in the nonprofit or sustainability sector.

• Proven track record of successfully securing grants, sponsorships, and donations from a variety of sources.

• A thorough understanding of the current donor landscape and fundraising environment, ideally for sustainability programmes, and an active network within the donor community.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals, outreach materials, and presentations.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, enjoys networking, public speaking, and presenting.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Experienced in analysing complex budgets and manipulating budget data.

• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture, international development, and/or supply chain sustainability is desirable.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

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OCA's offer

• A position for 32-40 hours per week, with a long-term perspective.

• Joining a passionate and collaborative international team committed to making a difference in the world.

• The opportunity to support significant sustainability impact, working from the bustling Fashion for Good Centre in Amsterdam in a flexible work environment.

• Meaningful work contributing to the advancement of sustainability and social impact in the textile industry.

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For more information about OCA, see: https://www.organiccottonaccelerator.org/

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Please note that this position would require you to be based in Amsterdam at least twice a week and be able to work in the Netherlands. The need for visa sponsorship can be discussed.

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​If you've realised this is the opportunity for you to bring significant impact or would like to know more, please apply directly via Acre's website/link.

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​If you have any questions, please contact Thaddeus Tan at thaddeus.tan@acre.com to enquire further.