Executive Director of Global Development

Overview

Position: Executive Director of Global Development

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

About Us

World Bicycle Relief mobilizes communities in rural regions around the world to thrive with life-changing bicycles. We partner with communities to expand access to education, markets, healthcare and other essential services. With our purpose-designed Buffalo Bicycles, individuals in low-income regions are a force for change, unlocking pathways to new opportunities for themselves, their families and entire communities.

We are a mission-driven, global non-profit social enterprise that manages a highly refined bicycle supply chain from design through final distribution. World Bicycle Relief uses an innovative business model to create sustainable bicycle ecosystems. Through World Bicycle Relief's 501(c)3, we provide transport solutions to those who cannot afford them, and through Buffalo Bicycle Ltd, we sell the rugged Buffalo Bicycle and spare parts.

Buffalo Bicycle Ltd also offers users repair and maintenance services via a retail network of shops and local mechanics. World Bicycle Relief has distributed over 950,000 fit-for-purpose bicycles and trained 4,000+ community-based mechanics. Girls with Buffalo Bicycles are 19% less likely to drop out of school; business owners see 53% more revenue; and health workers serve 63% more households.

Purpose of the Position

The Executive Director of Global Development will lead World Bicycle Relief’s global fundraising and funding partnership strategy—mobilizing the resources, relationships, and influence to power W ’s next era of growth.

This senior leadership role will build and inspire a distributed global team, cultivate transformational partnerships, and engage visionary funders to accelerate W ’s mission. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Team, they will drive strategic alignment across philanthropy, corporate engagement, and W ’s Affiliate Development Countries to ensure long-term financial sustainability and global impact.

This role oversees an annual revenue portfolio currently exceeding $20 million across North America, Europe, and Australia and guides a high-performing global fundraising team and affiliate network. The ambition is to scale this portfolio to more than $40 million in the next five years.

• Develops and implements a comprehensive global development strategy and a fundraising culture aligned with organizational goals to drive impact across W ’s Grow / Partner / Influence strategic framework.
• Inspires and leads a high-performing global team by strengthening collaboration, accountability, and innovation across regions and departments.
• Develops and reports on the global Development budget & OKRs and serves as the Development expert when setting global organizational goals.
• Provides strategic leadership across W ’s Affiliate Development Countries (UK, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia) to ensure coordinated fundraising, accountability, and shared learning, while cultivating and stewarding major donors, corporate partners, and foundations to secure long-term, mission-aligned support.
• Cultivates and stewards major donors, family foundations, and institutional partners, building long-term, trust-based relationships that fuel impact.
• Expands corporate and shared-value partnerships, aligning brands with W ’s mission and measurable social outcomes.
• Collaborates closely with the Marketing and Communications team to strengthen global brand presence and donor messaging.
• Collaborates with the Partnerships and Business Development department on the proposal development process to secure funds from key audiences.
• Leads the Development Operations team to implement innovative technologies, data analytics, CRM systems, and digital engagement tools that strengthen fundraising performance, elevate donor experiences, and improve the accuracy of revenue forecasting.
• Collaborates with the CEO, Board, and global ambassadors to engage influential networks and champion W ’s vision worldwide. Engages Board members in donor mapping and stewardship.
• Champions W ’s values—Relentless Learning, Accountable Empowerment, People-Driven…