The oceans connect us all. They cover two-thirds of our blue planet and sustain most of the life on Earth. Yet they face unprecedented threats – from overfishing and habitat destruction to plastic pollution, offshore drilling, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks.

Oceana is the world’s largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. We campaign around the globe to win science-based policies that rebuild abundant, biodiverse oceans – and we’re winning. With the help of our allies, Oceana has achieved more than 325 policy victories that protect marine life, habitats, and coastal communities.

Why Join Oceana

Oceana is a fast-paced, mission-driven organization filled with passionate professionals committed to protecting the oceans and the communities who depend on them. We value collaboration, creativity, diversity, and measurable impact. Here, your work will contribute to winning campaigns and creating real, lasting change for the planet.

Position Overview

Oceana is seeking an experienced and strategic Development Director to lead and deliver fundraising and partnerships activities across Europe. Reporting to the Head of Executive Affairs, this senior role is critical to securing the long-term financial sustainability of Oceana’s work in the region. The Development Director is responsible for designing and implementing the European fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on building and managing relationships with institutional donors, foundations, major donors, and strategic partners.

The Development Director manages a team of two senior development managers and operates with a high degree of autonomy within an established governance framework. The role works closely with teams across Europe and globally to ensure fundraising activities are aligned with campaign objectives, organisational capacity, and financial sustainability goals.

The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of experience in fundraising or development roles within non-profit organisations, with a proven track record of meeting fundraising targets in international settings. A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Fundraising, Non-Profit Management, or a related field is preferred. Strong proposal writing, donor stewardship, budget management, and people leadership skills are essential. Oral and written proficiency in English is required; fluency in additional European languages such as Spanish, Dutch, French, or German is an advantage.

This position is available as remote within the Netherlands, or office-based in Madrid, Spain or Copenhagen, Denmark. For office-based staff, in-person work is required on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The role involves regular travel, primarily within Europe, with occasional intercontinental travel.

The salary range for this role is €80,000.00 To €90,000.00 Annually. The actual salary offer will depend on the candidate’s exact work location, qualifications, relevant experience, and internal pay equity relative to current employees in similar roles.

Candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to be considered.

Applications will be assessed upon receipt; early submission is encouraged. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. Please submit your application by June 29, 2026.