Job Description: Development Fund Director

Featured Image: Provided by Apex2100

Organization: Apex2100 International Ski Academy (Apex) 

Location: Hybrid with travel to Apex sites and donor events as required Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / Chair of Development Fund Board Start date: January 2026 

About Apex 2100: Apex is an international ski academy with a mission to develop and support the world’s  most promising young alpine athletes, nurturing excellence both on the slopes and in the  classroom. The Apex Development Fund is being established to provide sustainable  financial support for athlete scholarships, facility development, innovation in performance  science, and community outreach. 

The Role: 

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Development Fund Director to lead  the creation and growth of the Apex Development Fund. This is a unique opportunity to  design and deliver a fundraising strategy from the ground up, building a network of  supporters, partners, and donors who share our vision for global excellence in skiing and  education. 

The ideal candidate will be both a strategic thinker and hands-on fundraiser,  comfortable operating in a small, agile team and motivated by the challenge of scaling a  high-potential organisation. A passion for sport, particularly skiing, and an understanding  of what drives philanthropic engagement in elite and youth development contexts will be  key. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Fundraising Leadership:  

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Apex  Development Fund, targeting individual donors, corporates, trusts, and  foundations. 
• Set and deliver clear fundraising targets for year one and beyond (e.g., £1M+ in  pledged or secured funds within 12 months). 
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with major donors, sponsors, and  strategic partners. 
• Identify new funding opportunities and build a sustainable donor pipeline.

Development Fund Management: 

• Work closely with the Development Fund Board to drive strategic direction and  fundraising activity.
• Develop clear financial reporting, impact measurement, and stewardship  frameworks. 
• Support the board in cultivating networks and engaging potential supporters. 
• Oversee the creation of donor materials, proposals, and recognition initiatives.

 

Communications & Engagement:

• Collaborate with the communications and marketing team to integrate fundraising  messaging into the website, campaigns, and events. 
• Plan and deliver fundraising and cultivation events, both at Apex and in key donor  markets. 
• Champion the Apex story, communicating the impact of support on athletes,  innovation, and the wider ski community.

Team & Operations:

• Operate effectively within a small team, combining strategic oversight with hands on delivery. 
• Build internal systems and processes to support effective fundraising operations.
• Line-manage or mentor junior fundraising or communications staff as the function  grows. 

The top 3 things we want you to achieve in your first year are:  

1. Launch the Apex Development Fund with clear fundraising and stewardship  frameworks in place. 

2. Secure between £500-£1M in pledged or confirmed funding from major donors  and partners. 

3. Establish a visible and trusted Apex donor community — with repeat engagement  from key supporters. 

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven track record in setting up or scaling a fundraising programme within a  charity, school, academy, or sports organisation. 
• Demonstrable success in major donor fundraising (six- or seven-figure gifts).
• Experience of working closely with boards or high-profile ambassadors to  leverage networks and secure funds. 
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, persuasive, authentic,  and mission-driven. 
• Strategic mindset with the ability to work independently and execute operationally  in a small team.

Desirable Attributes  

• Passion for skiing, winter sports, or performance development.
• Knowledge of international giving, sports philanthropy, or education fundraising.
• Entrepreneurial approach and comfort with start-up environments.
• Ability to represent Apex with credibility and enthusiasm to diverse audiences.
• French speaking

Terms:

• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience. 
• Contract: Full-time, permanent (flexible or part-time options considered).
• Location: Hybrid with travel to Apex sites and donor events as required.

The Interview Process:

We aim to keep our process short and personable – moving quickly while ensuring every  candidate gets a genuine sense of our culture and mission. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Introductory video call with the CEO (30 minutes). 
2. A short take-home or presentation exercise, focused on your approach to  fundraising strategy or donor engagement. 
3. Follow-up discussion with key members of the Apex leadership team and  Development Fund Board (45–60 minutes). 
4. Final in-person meeting with senior leadership and board members, likely in  London or Tignes. 
5. Offer

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their relevant  experience and motivation to sarah.tiernan@apex2100.org by 30^thNovember 2025.