Head of Development and Communications

Workplace Circumstances

• Environment: Office
• Languages: English
• Location: Phnom Penh

Position Summary

Contract Type: UDC (following successful completion of a three-month probation period).

You will be responsible for overseeing the organisation’s fundraising and communications strategy, at international level.

You will ensure sustainable income growth, strong donor and partner engagement, and clear, compelling communication of ISF’s impact. This role also oversees impact data and data collection, ensuring accuracy, credibility, and effective use across fundraising, reporting, and communications.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Accountability and Relationship:
• Reports directly to the Chief Executive.
• A member of the Senior Management Team
• Manages a combined Development and Communications team, including:
• 3 Fundraising Officers
• 2 Communications Officers
• Works closely with the Local Fundraising team to plan and deliver cross-functional fundraising activities and campaigns, ensuring alignment between local and international fundraising efforts
• Collaborates with Programme, Operations, Finance, and IT teams to align fundraising, communications, and impact data.
• Duties and Key Responsibilities:
• Fundraising & Development
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with ISF’s mission and funding priorities
• Identify, develop, and grow diverse income streams, including trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors, schools, individuals, and regular donors
• Lead new donor acquisition and long-term donor stewardship strategies
• Work closely with the Local Fundraising team to design and implement joint fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and events, ensuring coordination, shared messaging, and maximum impact across audiences
• Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals and grant applications in collaboration with programme teams
• Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality donor reporting in line with donor requirements and organisational standards
• Plan and oversee fundraising events and campaigns in collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Communications
• Lead and oversee ISF’s communications strategy to effectively promote impact, programmes, and organisational values
• Oversee the development of donor-facing, public, and digital communications, including reports, website content, campaigns, and social media
• Ensure consistency of messaging and positioning across fundraising, communications, and reporting outputs
• Impact Data & Oversight
• Oversee impact data and data collection processes to ensure quality, relevance, and usability
• Work closely with programme and M&E teams to translate data into clear, compelling insights for donors, partners, and stakeholders
• Leadership & Management
• Lead, manage, and develop the Development and Communications team
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and accountable team culture
• Budget & Planning
• Collaborate with the Finance team to develop and manage the development and communications budget
• Ensure effective use of resources aligned with organisational strategy and fundraising goals

Benefits

• 40 h/week with flexibility required to work evenings, weekends, and travel abroad when necessary to support events, donor engagement, and organisational priorities
• International health insurance
• Health and accident insurance through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
• Return flight per year (up to USD 1,200 gross)
• 18 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Seniority according to Cambodia Labour Law

Languages

• English - Fluent is required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in International development, communications, marketing, business, finance, or a related field

Work History

• Experience leading a fundraising team and cultivating donor relationships for 3 to 5 years as a minimum

General & Technical Skills

• Professional level English proficiency
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor relationship management (trusts, corporates, major donors)
• Strong financial acumen, with experience working on budgets, financial reporting, cost modelling, and donor-related financial information in collaboration with finance teams
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices
• Strong budgeting, financial management, and reporting skills
• CRM experience (e.g. Salesforce)
• Experience working with impact data and reporting
• Experience working on content creation
• Experience working in Cambodia or similar contexts

Soft Skills

• Demonstrated experience working with high-level boards, trustees, and senior professionals, including the ability to present clearly, manage expectations, and support strategic decision-making
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and leadership capability
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build long-term relationships
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proven experience working in multicultural environments, including collaboration across local and international teams
• Passion for education, sport, and social development