Director of Development
Balmer Dawson Executive Search is proud to partner with The Mater Hospital Foundation in the search for their next Director of Development.
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Location: Dublin (Hybrid working)
Salary: Circa €90,000 depending on experience
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
This is a remarkable opportunity for a visionary and strategic fundraising leader to join one of Ireland's most respected healthcare charities. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping and delivering the Foundation's long-term strategy, driving philanthropic growth, and strengthening its impact on patients, families, and the wider community.
About the Mater Hospital Foundation
The Mater Hospital Foundation exists to give every patient, and their family members, the very best care at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH).
As a registered charity and the official fundraising body of the Mater Hospital, the Foundation raises vital funds to support the hospital's lifesaving work. Through the commitment of their supporters, they invest in state-of-the-art medical equipment, new services and hospital redevelopment, research and innovation initiatives, and by offering essential support to patients, families and staff when it is needed most.
About the Role
The Director of Development will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping, driving, and delivering the Foundation's fundraising and communications strategy. They will be responsible for building the resources, relationships, and visibility required to achieve ambitious growth, ensuring the Foundation's continued impact and reputation is strengthened.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and leading a talented team of fundraising, marketing and communications professionals, they will design and implement a comprehensive and sustainable development strategy aligned with both the hospital's priorities and the Foundation's new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, they will collaborate closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, clinicians, hospital leadership, and key supporters to build enduring partnerships that drive philanthropic investment and measurable impact.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, strategic, and hands-on leader who is passionate about advancing healthcare through purposeful development and meaningful relationship-building.
The Team
The Director of Development will lead and inspire a skilled team across fundraising, marketing and communications, including:
1. Marketing & Communications Manager
2. Individual Giving & Legacy Fundraising Manager
3. Corporate Partnerships Manager
4. CRM Manager
5. Community & Events Specialist
Together, they will deliver excellence in supporter engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and brand visibility.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
6. Contribute to the Foundation's future strategic direction as part of the Senior Leadership Team, aligning with the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
7. Work with the Chief Executive to design and implement an ambitious, sustainable Fundraising and Communications Strategy.
8. Ensure strong governance, performance, and risk management across all activities.
9. Partner with the Director of Finance on forecasting, planning, and financial performance management.
10. Foster a high-performing, collaborative culture that values innovation, accountability, and shared success.
Fundraising Excellence
11. Lead all fundraising operations, maximising existing programmes and developing new income streams.
12. Deliver a diversified, sustainable fundraising portfolio including corporate partnerships, major gifts, individual giving, community and event fundraising, and digital engagement.
13. Achieve and exceed income targets, ensuring performance is measured, evaluated, and optimised.
14. Champion best practice in supporter experience, stewardship, and engagement.
15. Ensure compliance with all fundraising and data protection legislation, maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Philanthropy and Relationship Management
16. Lead the development of a transformative major gifts and philanthropy programme.
17. Build and nurture relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners.
18. Engage clinicians and hospital leaders in identifying and nurturing high-value supporter relationships.
19. Create compelling cases for support and high-quality proposals that inspire giving and demonstrate impact.
20. Strengthen long-term relationships with existing and potential supporters, grateful patients, and key stakeholders.
Marketing and Communications
21. Oversee the Foundation's marketing and communications strategy, ensuring strong visibility, engagement, and trust.
22. Guide brand development, media relations, and digital communications to amplify the impact of fundraising.
23. Work closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager to deliver powerful storytelling campaigns that highlight compassionate care, impact and innovation at the Mater Hospital.
24. Ensure all communications align with organisational objectives and elevate the Foundation's public profile.
Team Leadership and Development
25. Inspire, lead, empower, coach and support a talented team to deliver exceptional results.
26. Lead recruitment, retention, and training, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
27. Promote creativity, collaboration, and accountability within a supportive and high-performing environment.
Candidate Profile
The Foundation is seeking a strategic, dynamic, solutions oriented and results-focused leader with the experience and passion to make a difference. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in philanthropy, a strong record of income growth, and the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
28. Degree-level qualification in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
29. Minimum 5 years' senior leadership experience in fundraising or development (in a not-for-profit environment), with a track record of achieving income growth.
30. Experience designing and delivering integrated fundraising strategies across multiple income streams.
31. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams and volunteers.
32. Experience managing an organisation's marketing and communications function.
33. Strong financial management, budgeting, and reporting capabilities.
34. Understanding of governance, fundraising regulation, and strategic planning in the Irish charity sector.
35. Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge) and digital tools.
36. Experience with major donor, corporate, and regular giving programmes.
Essential Skills
37. Strategic thinking with strong analytical and planning capabilities.
38. Excellent communication and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire diverse audiences.
39. Strong influencer with excellent networking and relationship building expertise.
40. Skilled project manager capable of balancing multiple priorities and delivering under pressure.
41. Commercially astute, creative, and innovative in identifying growth opportunities.
42. Experienced in digital marketing and online engagement.
Personal Attributes
43. Confident, positive, self-motivated, and proactive, with a solutions-focused approach.
44. High emotional intelligence with the ability to inspire trust and collaboration.
45. Resilient, adaptable, and energised by challenge.
46. Approachable and passionate about teamwork, excellence, and purpose.
47. Committed to continuous improvement and the mission of the Mater Hospital Foundation.
Benefits and Terms
48. Salary: Circa €90,000 commensurate with experience
49. Hours: 35 per week
50. Hybrid working (remote options available by agreement)
51. Annual leave: 30 days + 4 gifted days (2 at Christmas, 1 for Good Friday and 1 Wellbeing Day)
52. Pension: 7% employer contribution
53. Access to Employee Assistance Programme, Bike to Work, TaxSaver, and training & development opportunities