Director of Development – Philanthropy, Foundations and Corporate

Overview: ForAfrika is the largest African
humanitarian and development organization working for an Africa
that thrives. In 2023 alone, we directly reached 4 million people
across 6 countries.

Our vision is to enable 20 million Africans to sustainably
provide for themselves by 2032. In working towards this, we are
looking for a dynamic, passionate leader to join the organization
as Director of Development – Philanthropy, Foundations and
Corporate.

As the Director of Development, you will hold a strategic
leadership role at ForAfrika, responsible for orchestrating and
implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies in alignment with
the organization’s vision and financial goals. Reporting directly
to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), this position collaborates
closely with the Director of Development – Faith-based and the
Director of Development – Grants and Institutional Foundations.

Your core objective will be to drive forward organizational
initiatives, elevate our presence, and establish a strong brand
identity within the philanthropic, foundations, and corporate
sectors.

Responsibilities:

1. Execute Group Philanthropy fundraising
   strategy

• Together with the CDO, develop the organization’s philanthropy
  fundraising strategy, and convert this into actionable work
  plans.
• Drive the execution of the strategy across the group with an
  initial focus on North America and the United Kingdom.

• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential high net
  worth donors, trusts, foundations and corporates, creating a robust
  network and pipeline for sustainable funding.
• Work closely with Group CEO and CDO to incubate and convert
  strategic relationships within the philanthropy sector.
• Strengthen relationships with affiliate offices outside of
  North America and UK to strengthen their ability to generate
  funding within the philanthropy sector.
• Ensure effective donor management, including donor stewardship,
  accurate and timely reporting, with a focus on donor growth and
  long-term funding commitments.

• Develop specific targets for each quarter across our focus
  geographies, and secure funding in line with set targets.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising performance, regularly
  assessing the effectiveness of the strategy, and making data-driven
  adjustments to maximize revenue generation, while ensuring
  alignment with the organization’s long-term financial objectives
  and growth.

• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to position
  ForAfrika with targeted prospects and strengthen the organization’s
  brand within the wider philanthropy sector.
• Leverage fundraising campaigns and program activities to tell
  compelling stories and showcase the impact of the organization’s
  work.
• Represent the organization in relevant philanthropy spaces and
  forums, as a thought leader and partner of choice.

• Develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring efficient
  use of resources.
• Report on fundraising performance against budget goals (at
  departmental, organizational and board levels).
• Establish and maintain the systems and tools to: I) support
  evidence-based donor outreach, and II) manage and track donor
  cultivation efforts.

• Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment of
  fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Communicate the impact of donor contributions to inspire
  ongoing support within the faith-based community.
• Maintain an excellent knowledge of industry fundraising trends,
  sharing insights with relevant team members to inform decision
  making.

• Establish and maintain a collaborative and results-driven work
  environment.
• Empower and mentor team members, promoting a culture of
  accountability by providing clear expectations, and setting
  performance standards in line with our core values (Deep Love for
  Africa, Dependability, Compassion, Initiative, and
  Discipline).

Experience, Skills, and Technical
Knowledge:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in philanthropy roles at
  senior levels.
• Success in conceptualising and executing fundraising
  strategies
• Proven track record in developing, networking, and cultivating
  philanthropic relationships at high giving levels.
• In-depth understanding of the philanthropy and funding sectors,
  coupled with a working knowledge of key social issues affecting
  Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering high-level stewardship of
  donors, including effective retention strategies.
•  Successful history of collaborating with senior
  stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker capable of envisioning and executing
  long-term fundraising goals.
• Results-oriented individual with a drive to achieve fundraising
  targets.
• Commitment to and understanding of ForAfrika’s values and
  mission.
• Desirable: experience working in at least two of ForAfrika’s
  eight focus countries (Angola, Central African Republic, Ethiopia,
  Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda).
• Desirable: proven, substantive knowledge in at least two of
  ForAfrika’s six focal areas (emergencies, food, water, health,
  education, economy).

Educational Background and Skills:

• MSc/MA in Marketing, Development Studies, International
  Relations, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a relevant
  field (preferred but not mandatory).
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
  skills, with the ability to engage and negotiate effectively with
  diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of program development and design, resource
  acquisition, major donors, and donor relations.
• Experience working with fundraising databases; Salesforce
  experience is advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing, and
  relationship-building skills.
• Outstanding communication abilities.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with a meticulous
  follow-through.
• Diplomatic, analytical, trustworthy, and characterized by the
  highest personal and professional integrity.
• Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic and changing
  environment.
• Entrepreneurial, problem-solving mindset.

A ‘doer’ – who can juggle the differing demands of the role
daily (strategic, external, and operational).