CEPS is seeking a dynamic Head of Development to shape our fundraising vision, which is crucial for pursuing our founding mantra to ‘think ahead for Europe’ over the next few years. We’re looking for candidates who love to build meaningful relationships, identify new opportunities for collaboration and drive growth with purpose and passion.
About us
Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) is a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 best think tanks. One of CEPS’ distinguishing features is its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international network of partner institutes. CEPS’ funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants and service contracts, but also from membership and conference fees.
Description of the role
The Head of Development (HoD) will lead CEPS’ Project Development Office (PDO) and Membership Team and will play an essential role in strengthening CEPS’ visibility, network and financial sustainability.
The HoD will drive a brand-new CEPS fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on developing new relationships, expanding our membership and reinforcing strategic partnerships to amplify the organisation’s research excellence and impact among policymakers, members, partners and the wider public.
This position thus requires a deep understanding of the EU and global policy landscape, the think tank ecosystem and the funding landscape, especially with respect to public institutions (including international organisations), philanthropic organisations and the private sector. They should ensure that all outreach, brand positioning and stakeholder engagement activities reflect CEPS’ independence, excellence and long-term sustainability.
This function combines strategic direction-setting together with overseeing daily operations and ensuring that the team delivers high-quality results. It requires strong people leadership, with an emphasis on coaching, mentoring and developing team members, and fostering a supportive, high-performing environment where individuals can grow and contribute to the very best of their abilities.
This role will work in close cooperation with the members of the Executive Committee and senior leadership to ensure full alignment with CEPS’ priorities, mission and vision.
Main tasks
Strategic Leadership and Business Development
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You will shape and implement CEPS’ strategic positioning and brand in line with organisational goals.
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You will identify, evaluate and launch new projects, funding opportunities and partnerships to strengthen CEPS’ visibility and financial sustainability.
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You will expand CEPS’ network of institutional, corporate and philanthropic partners, while preserving its commitment to independence and excellence.
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You will represent CEPS at high-level meetings, conferences and policy forums, acting as a credible ambassador for the organisation.
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You will set the strategic direction of the PDO, aligning it with CEPS’ funding priorities and research capabilities.
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You will provide strategic direction for the planning and positioning of high-level events with key members and sponsors, including our flagship annual conference, the CEPS Ideas Lab.
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You will leverage CEPS events to reinforce partnerships with policymakers, members and key external stakeholders.
Membership Relations
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You will lead the membership strategy and outreach, ensuring ongoing communication to corporate and institutional members.
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You will ensure the optimal use and customisation of CEPS’ CRM database to support stakeholder relations and membership.
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You will identify opportunities to enhance membership engagement.
Team Leadership and People Management
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You will lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of professionals (project management and membership).
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You will promote a collaborative, creative and inclusive working culture within the team.
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You will report regularly to the CEO and the Executive Committee on activities, performance and development priorities.
Your background and qualifications
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You have a minimum of ten years of experience in fundraising, (European) policy project management and stakeholder engagement.
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You have a visionary and strategic mindset and can link development and visibility objectives.
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You are driven by a strong passion for policy and European integration, with a clear ambition to advance the role of a think tank, in particular CEPS, in shaping a better Europe.
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You have an in-depth knowledge of the EU institutions, policy processes and the dynamics of the Brussels and national policy ecosystems.
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You have proven experience in partnership development and business outreach.
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You have proven leadership and people management experience in a cross-cultural environment.
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You have strong analytical and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
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You have excellent communication and networking abilities, utilising diplomacy and integrity.
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You have a collaborative mindset, fostering teamwork and alignment across departments.
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You are proactive, adaptable and have a results-oriented approach.
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You are fluent in English (oral and written); proficiency in other European languages is an asset.
Profile of the ideal candidate
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You can work in a research environment, involving junior and senior colleagues, and can organise your own workload.
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You can respect deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
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You possess a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
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You are proactive, self-motivated, result-oriented, creative and enthusiastic.
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You have absolute respect for diversity and an inclusion-oriented mindset.
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You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback.
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You are enthusiastic to contribute towards the success of the whole of CEPS as an organisation.
What CEPS can offer
We offer full-time employment for an indefinite duration. We also offer a benefits package (group and hospitalisation insurance, meal tickets, public transport reimbursement, 20 days legal holiday entitlement per year plus an additional two weeks during the Christmas-New Year period when CEPS is closed, as well as the possibility to telework in Belgium and 20 days per calendar year of teleworking from abroad).
We would like the preferred candidate to ideally start as soon as possible. The role will be based in Brussels.
Career development prospects
This position will give you the opportunity to gain valuable skills, training and experience in a multidisciplinary setting. CEPS offers a Learning and Development Programme for all staff to develop the necessary skills for their position.
More information
Further questions/information regarding the position can be e-mailed to Karel Lannoo, CEO, at [email protected].
Application and deadline
CEPS strongly values and actively pursues diversity. We encourage applications especially from female, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates belonging to ethnic groups that are under-represented at CEPS.
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Complete and submit this recruitment form by 18 January 2026, 23:59 CET.
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Send their CV (drafted in English, using the Europass template) in pdf format to [email protected] by 18 January 2026, 23:59 CET with ‘Head of Development’ in the subject line. Please include the names and contact details of at least two referees (including your current or last employer).
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to produce one or two letters of recommendation. Pre-selected candidates are invited to a short online interview in the week of 26 January 2026. Based on these first interviews, shortlisted candidates will be invited for another round of online interviews and to an in-person interview in the third round. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. CV and personal data of non-selected candidates are not shared with anyone outside CEPS and will be deleted immediately after the recruitment process. For more information, read our privacy policy available on the CEPS website.
Even if you do not strictly have all the necessary competences for this role but you believe your experience and skills could be valuable and enable you to fulfil the tasks required, we would still highly recommend that you submit an application. If you are successful but not an EU citizen, CEPS will work closely with you to ensure that all relevant documentation and immigration processes are completed to enable you to work in Belgium.
