Regional Development Director, Europe

Location: Europe (UK, Germany, Switzerland, or Netherlands preferred)
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Type: Full-time, remote, with travel

Organization Description

StrongMinds is a pioneering nonprofit organization that treats depression at scale in Africa. Since 2013, we have delivered free, group-based talk therapy to more than 1.2 million individuals across Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Our innovative, community-based approach is highly cost-effective, evidence-driven, and designed for scale through governments and local partners. Our mission is bold: to treat depression for 100 million people by 2030. To achieve this, we are expanding our global fundraising footprint — with Europe as a critical new pillar.

About the Role

StrongMinds is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial Regional Development Director, Europe to build and lead our European fundraising efforts. Based in Europe (with preference for the UK, Germany, Switzerland, or the Netherlands), this role will establish StrongMinds as a recognized leader in mental health among European philanthropists, family foundations, and institutional funders. This position is central to our global growth strategy, helping to deliver on our ambitious $50M revenue target by end of 2028. The successful candidate will be an inspiring relationship-builder, a confident solicitor of major gifts, and a strategic thinker who can shape StrongMinds’ presence in a growing market.

Responsibilities

Major Gifts & Foundations

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and foundations capable of making 5- to 6-figure+ gifts.
• Develop tailored cultivation strategies, donor journeys, and proposals aligned with donor interests.
• Personally lead solicitations and close significant gifts to advance organizational goals.

Market Development

• Build upon StrongMinds’ current profile in European philanthropic circles, including networks, associations, and events.
• Represent StrongMinds at high-level convenings, salons, and donor forums.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer and global leadership team to craft the long-term European market strategy.

Donor Engagement

• Design and deliver exceptional donor experiences, including site visits, curated briefings, and events in London, Geneva, Zurich, and other hubs.
• Collaborate closely with the U.S. and Africa-based fundraising teams to align global donor engagement and messaging.

Internal Collaboration

• Work hand-in-hand with StrongMinds’ Innovation Lab, Programs, and Communications teams to generate compelling donor materials.
• Ensure accurate donor records, metrics, and pipelines through CRM and reporting systems.

What Success Looks Like

• By 2026, you will have secured multi-year commitments from at least 3 new European funders (major donors or foundations).
• You will have raised $1–2M annually from Europe within 2 years.
• StrongMinds will be recognized in key European philanthropic circles as a leading mental health organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record of cultivating and closing major gifts (€/$50,000+).
• 5–7+ years of fundraising experience, with a strong network in European philanthropy and foundations (UK, Switzerland, Germany, or Netherlands strongly preferred).
• Exceptional relationship skills; able to engage confidently with high-net-worth individuals and senior leaders.
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to work independently and drive results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluent English required, additional European languages (e.g., German, French) highly desirable.
• Passion for global health, mental health, or social impact.
• Comfort working in a fully remote, international team with colleagues across the U.S. and Africa.

Why Join Us

At StrongMinds, you’ll join a fast-growing, ambitious, and values-driven team tackling one of the world’s most urgent health challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to shape our European fundraising strategy from the ground up, build lasting partnerships, and directly contribute to transforming millions of lives across Africa.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to smus.jobs@strongminds.org. Use the subject line “Regional Development Director, Europe”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.