Fundraising Director

Client / Mandate complexity

This was a global firm looking to hire a senior french speaking fundraiser at Director level or above. The challenge was identifying an exceptional capital raiser while working within a compensation structure that was not at the very top of the market. This required careful positioning of the opportunity and thoughtful negotiation. The French market was new territory for us, but we moved quickly to understand the landscape and identify the right candidates, ultimately delivering a successful outcome.

Key requirements

Candidates needed the right balance of technical credibility, fundraising ability, and cultural fit. Just as important was assessing long-term commitment, ensuring the individual would build and grow with the firm rather than treat the role as a short-term move.

Constraints or sensitivities

The French fundraising market is particularly challenging, with limited capital available and a relatively small pool of experienced talent. Accessing the right candidates required persistence and careful positioning of the opportunity, ensuring the role was presented in a way that resonated with the strongest individuals in the market.

Market mapping and intelligence

Mapping the market was relatively straightforward. The greater challenge was assessing quality within a limited talent pool. We ran a thoughtful and structured interview process, designed to test both fundraising capability and long-term fit with the firm.

Candidate evaluation process

We have deep experience in investor relations hiring, with a clear understanding of what strong fundraising talent looks like. This search added further complexity given the French market and its mix of nationalities and cultures, alongside the need to operate with discretion when approaching candidates.

Successful placement details (maintaining discretion)

The negotiation process was challenging, requiring careful handling on both sides. We stayed closely involved through the closing stage, working with the client and the candidate to reach an agreement that worked for both parties.