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.
2. Steward strategic Philanthropy relationships
- 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.
3. Deliver on revenue targets
- 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.
4. Build FA brand within targeted philanthropy markets
- 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.
5. Budget Management and Administration
- 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.
6. Collaboration and Communication
- 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.
7. LMA – Leadership + Management = Accountability
- 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).
How to apply
- All interested candidates should send their CVs’ to the following email address: recruitment.sa@forafrika.org
- Closing Date: 10th May 2024
- Disclaimer: Candidates who do not meet the minimum criteria will not be shortlisted.