Vacancy: Head of Philanthropy & Impact Funding (32 – 36 hpw)
Location: Wageningen / Hybrid. Travel is required.
Deadline: Rolling basis, but no later than October 31st.
Salary: Up to 100.000 euro gross per year (for 36 hours per week)
At Foodvalley, we believe transforming food systems is not just about vision — it’s about rethinking how capital drives change. We are redesigning the food innovation landscape in Europe, and capital is the engine powering that transformation.
We are looking for a strategic leader and relationship builder who can connect bold funders with bold ideas. Someone who thrives at the intersection of philanthropy, systems innovation, and trust.
This is not a typical fundraising role. It is a strategic, system-level position shaping how long-term, aligned capital enables deep change across regenerative agriculture, circular food chains, and game-changing innovation.
Why this role matters
Food is personal: it is identity, culture, community, and power. Yet our global food system is under extraordinary strain — from climate change and biodiversity loss to public health challenges and inequality.
Foodvalley accelerates the transition to a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food system by:
· Empowering innovators and entrepreneurs
· Forging unexpected partnerships across public, private, and civil society
· Scaling ambitious solutions that challenge the status quo
The Head of Philanthropy & Impact Funding will play a critical role in mobilising the kind of capital that makes this possible: blended, trust-based, long-term, and systemic.
Your role
Foodvalley is evolving from reliance on public innovation grants to a multi-stream funding architecture. We already have strong relationships, an early capital strategy, and compelling narratives in place. Now we need someone to take it to the next level.
As Head of Philanthropy & Impact Funding, you will:
· Position Foodvalley as a partner of choice for progressive funders in Europe and beyond
· Shape and steward deep, multi-year partnerships with foundations, family offices, and catalytic funders
· Co-create new coalitions and blended finance structures that accelerate system change
· Translate Foodvalley’s programmatic vision into compelling investment opportunities
· Represent Foodvalley in European donor forums and funding networks
· Work closely with our CEO, Innovation Leads, and Board to align funding with strategy
· Inspire and support internal teams to connect funder relationships with programme delivery
This role combines strategy, partnership building, and innovation in capital design.
What success looks like (first 2 years)
· Build and manage a strong portfolio of trust-based, multi-year funder relationships
· Establish at least one major blended capital structure with aligned partners
· Position Foodvalley as a recognised voice in the emerging field of systems philanthropy in Europe
· Secure and steward significant long-term commitments that support our three priority fields:
o Protein Transition
o Circular Agrifood
o Food & Health
What you bring
· 10+ years’ experience in strategic philanthropy, fundraising, impact funding, or capital mobilisation
· Proven track record of securing and managing significant partnerships with foundations, family offices, or catalytic funders
· Strong networks in philanthropy, impact investing, or blended finance in Europe
· Ability to think systemically and communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence
· Entrepreneurial drive: comfortable with uncertainty, creative in finding solutions, resilient in building new pathways
· Excellent relationship skills: able to engage senior funders as peers and build trust over time
· Strong communication skills in English (Dutch a plus)
What we offer
· A senior strategic role at one of Europe’s leading ecosystem organisations for food system transformation
· Direct access to decision-making: work closely with the CEO, Board, and innovation leaders
· Competitive salary (up to 100.000 euro gross per year) and benefits, plus budget for professional development and engagement
· Freedom to innovate and lead: space to shape Foodvalley’s capital strategy and partnerships
· A European stage: represent Foodvalley in high-level donor and funding networks
· Impact that matters: contribute to systemic solutions for one of the world’s most urgent challenges
· Supportive culture: a collaborative, mission-driven team grounded in trust, courage, and curiosity
· Hybrid working model with flexibility for travel across Europe
· Competitive salary and benefits, plus budget for professional development and engagement
Please send your motivational letter and curriculum vitae to HR@foodvalley.nl, addressed to Marjolein Brasz, before 1 September 2025.
About Foodvalley
Foodvalley is a Dutch-based, non-profit ecosystem organisation founded over 20 years ago in Wageningen. We convene public and private actors, knowledge institutions, financiers, and civil society to accelerate systemic food innovation at scale.
We focus on three priority innovation fields:
· Protein Transition
· Circular Agrifood
· Food & Health
Our programmes are mission-driven, multi-year, and embedded in European and national agendas.
How to apply?
If you are excited about driving change for wetlands and believe you are the right fit for this role, please send your motivation letter and CV to our recruitment team at recruitment@hvfc-international.com.
HVFC International is exclusively supporting Foodvalley in this search. For any questions, you can also contact us at the same email address or call Han Valk (+31 647 661 881)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis but no later than October 31st, and early submissions are strongly encouraged. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.