Fundraising Lead (Kickstarting For Good)

Role Overview

The Fundraising Lead plays a pivotal role in securing financial support for the Kickstarting For Good programme and its alumni. This position involves managing and expanding existing relationships with donors and foundations, as well as identifying and pursuing new funding avenues to diversify the organisation's financial resources.

Key Duties

• Lead efforts to obtain essential funding to ensure the growth and sustainability of Kickstarting For Good.
• Manage key donor relationships and funding pipelines with significant impact on organizational and programmatic planning.
• Secure substantial funding—ranging from $5 to $8 million annually for initiatives and approximately $600,000 for the Kickstarting For Good core programme.
• Administer re-grant funds under €50,000, including allocation decisions and fund utilization tracking for supported initiatives.
• Provide fundraising mentorship to participants and graduates, keeping them informed of relevant funding deadlines and opportunities.
• Continuously develop and adjust a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy across multiple funding streams, including philanthropic and institutional sources and emerging sectors.
• Explore innovative funding mechanisms, particularly in cross-sector and related cause areas lacking previous funding precedent.
• Represent Kickstarting For Good at various events and in online communities to uncover new fundraising opportunities.
• Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality grant applications punctually and with complete documentation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of five years' professional experience in fundraising.
• Strong alignment with Kickstarting For Good's mission to transform food systems toward healthier, sustainable, plant-based options.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
• Experience engaging with major philanthropic donors and a strong understanding of the discretion such relationships require.
• Expertise in the funding landscape related to food systems, dietary change, or animal welfare initiatives.
• Self-motivated with the ability to independently plan and achieve goals in a fast-evolving environment.
• Proficient in IT applications relevant to the role.

Preferred Attributes

• Established network within the plant-based funding sector.
• Background knowledge and experience in movements focused on food systems, dietary change, or animal-related causes.
• Understanding of the principles of Effective Altruism.
• Interest or experience in startups or entrepreneurial ventures.
• Willingness or experience in mentoring and public speaking.
• Familiarity with adjacent funding sectors such as environment, climate, public health, and welfare.

Work Benefits

• Flexible working hours with overtime compensated by time off.
• Fully remote work option with access to the Berlin office available.
• Temporary remote work from abroad permitted within 183-day annual limit.
• Generous leave policy starting at 25 days per year plus additional holiday accrual and salary options for extra days.
• Supportive and motivated team environment.
• Emphasis on personal development with designated training budget.
• Provision of work laptop and access to well-equipped Berlin office.
• Mindfulness and mental health programs including memberships to wellness platforms.
• An inclusive workplace embracing diversity worldwide.
• Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a future of delicious, healthy food for people, animals, and the planet.

Additional Information about Kickstarting For Good

Kickstarting For Good is a 15-week incubator program comprising virtual learning and in-person sessions in Berlin. Participants gain skills and guidance from expert mentors and advisors culminating in a pitch event. In 2025, 18 initiatives were incubated, receiving over $200,000 in grants and seed funding. Collectively, supported initiatives have raised $10 million in philanthropic funding since 2022.