Director Fundraising & Communication

Director Fundraising & Communication

Just a quick note: We’re not handling applications submitted through our website. We’ve partnered with Daryl Upsall to manage the recruitment process and help us find the right match. Please apply via their website here.

Location:  Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Location type: Hybrid (50% in the office)
Reporting to:  Managing Director
Manages: Team of 9 and growing (6 communication; 3 fundraising)
Annual salary: €80,000 – €90,000 EUR
Contract type: 1-year contract with the option for permanent after
Candidate level: Senior Executive

Background
All over the world, local organisations are working to restore the natural ecosystems we all depend on, and shift society towards a regenerative future. Commonland is an international non-profit organisation that works closely with these organisations to strengthen their work, spark collaboration, and share best practices. By connecting them with funders, policy actors, businesses, and fellow changemakers, we amplify their impact at local, regional and global scale. The result: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and communities for generations to come.

We are entering a new phase of growth, guided by our 2040 strategy, which focuses on scaling up landscape restoration globally. To help lead this transformation, we are looking for a Director Fundraising & Communication to join our management team.

Purpose of role
Are you a senior, strategic professional with deep expertise in philanthropic fundraising and communications for ecosystems restoration. Do you have an extensive network among high-net-worth individuals and foundations, and experience leading teams to turn complex ideas into compelling stories?

As Director Fundraising and Communications, you will guide and collaborate with a passionate, skilled team of nine people from a thought leadership perspective, positioning Commonland as a trusted systems change actor in the field of large-scale landscape restoration. Your role will be to understand the systematic context in which we work, ensure our communications strategy has impact, and identify and engage funders whose vision aligns with Commonland’s mission and commitment to long-term, trust-based partnerships.

You will lead a team of three fundraising professionals working to expand Commonland’s funder base and maintain relationships, as well as brand credibility and integrity, among funder networks.
Commonland has already attracted a number of committed funders, with a growing presence in Europe, including the Netherlands and Switzerland. We are also exploring opportunities in other European countries, where we have ongoing conversations, and Australia and India, where we work with established partners. You will help to expand and strengthen our European fundraising network and identify strategic opportunities in selected international markets.

As a Director Fundraising and Communication, you will be responsible for cultivating and sustaining enduring relationships with major donors and philanthropic foundations. This work goes beyond inspiring and connecting, it involves constructively challenging traditional funding models and encouraging approaches that are systemic, collaborative, and regenerative. We are looking for someone who can bring vision and inspiration, while also daring to challenge the status quo, and who excels at building authentic, trust-based relationships that lead to a strong growth in our funders base.

You will also lead a team of six communications professionals working to elevate Commonland’s global communications strategy, shaping the narrative around holistic landscape restoration and the 4 Returns Framework. You will set strategic direction for brand positioning, impact and policy communications, media relations, digital content, and storytelling across platforms to engage diverse audiences — from local communities to policymakers. Working closely with landscape partners and the leadership team, you will ensure communications are aligned, impactful, and rooted in Commonland’s mission to create thriving landscapes and communities worldwide.

In addition, the Director will serve as a strategic advisor within our management team, ensuring that fundraising and communications strategies are closely aligned with Commonland’s broader organisational goals and international growth ambitions.

Primary responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Fundraising & Communication Team, fostering a culture of collaboration, organisational learning, reflection, storytelling, and continuous improvement.

• Bringing expertise in landscape restoration, conservation, systems change, regenerative agriculture and related topics, and on the ball with following the latest updates in the field, to guide and manage organisational reputation/license to operate.

• Ensure that processes are well-organised and efficient to facilitate an action-oriented, pleasant working environment.

• Hold a deep understanding of how Commonland works, and act as the key liaison point between the Fundraising & Communication Team and other teams, as well as the management team and the board, to build trust and ensure integration.

• Represent Commonland at international events, donor meetings, and field visits.

Fundraising responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy focused on major donors, family & corporate foundations, and philanthropic networks.

• Securing and expanding the current budget by attracting new donors and improving donor retention. Additionally, focussing on diversifying and growing the overall funding base.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, acting as a trusted advisor and guide throughout their philanthropic journey.

• Support the fundraising team to translate holistic, systemic work (landscape restoration and management) into accessible and compelling funding proposals and narratives.

• Collaborate closely with landscape and knowledge teams to co-create funding opportunities and ensure alignment with field realities.

Communication responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy—covering thought leadership, advocacy, corporate communications, and media engagement—in alignment with our strategic goals. Set strategic direction across communications workstreams in collaboration with other teams; inspire the team with a clear and motivating vision.

• Secure measurable impact based on clear objectives and target audiences.

• Ensure communications team is working at the cutting edge across digital communications and campaigning, branding, public relations and editorial, advocacy and public affairs, and corporate and internal communications.

• Support the team to build strategic relationships that support communications and wider organisational objectives across European and wider “eco-bubble.”

Experience

• At least 10 years of senior-level experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in the fields of nature restoration, systems change, or impact-driven philanthropy.

• A strong network of philanthropic, media, and strategic contacts and the ability to open doors and build trust.

• Deep affinity with Commonland’s mission, and the ability to speak credibly about landscape restoration, management and regenerative development.

• Proven experience in leading strategic communications, including media relations, brand positioning, and advocacy campaigns.

• A strategic mindset with the ability to zoom in and out, connecting the dots between fieldwork, external audiences, and global impact.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; you are a natural storyteller and a good listener.

• Experience working in international, multi-stakeholder environments.

• A collaborative leadership style that empowers others and builds bridges across teams.

• Fluency in English (Dutch is a plus).
  

Relocation and benefits

• Commonland is willing to support relocation to Amsterdam.

• The opportunity to create long-term ecological and social impact across continents.

• 31 vacation days, a competitive pension scheme, and a yearly training budget.

• A hybrid work environment with a beautiful, sustainable office in Amsterdam and support for your home office.

• A dynamic, international team of passionate professionals.

• Healthy Monday lunches, monthly drinks, inspiration sessions, and more.

Please contact Ruth Gardner at ruth@darylupsall.com for any queries you may have.
The deadline for application is Monday 8th September 2025, 9:00 am CET 

Commonland and Daryl Upsall International are actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required; irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Reminder: we’re not handling applications submitted through our website. We’ve partnered with Daryl Upsall to manage the recruitment process and help us find the right match. Please apply via their website here.