Transformational Gift Fundraiser (AD06)

Job Summary

Department: Development Office

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify individuals, families, and corporations with the capacity and propensity to make major and transformational gifts to the University.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-value prospective donors aligned with the Universitys strategic fundraising priorities.
• Develop bespoke cultivation, engagement, solicitation and stewardship strategies for transformational gift prospects.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, philanthropic organisations, corporate leaders and other key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, senior University leadership, academics and other institutional stakeholders to develop and execute high-level donor engagement strategies.
• Personally solicit major and transformational gifts and, where appropriate, prepare and support senior University representatives to undertake significant funding asks.
• Develop compelling philanthropic propositions and cases for support that effectively connect donor interests with the Universitys strategic priorities.
• Facilitate the progression of prospective donors through the fundraising cycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation, gift closure and long-term stewardship.
• Negotiate significant philanthropic gifts and sponsorships in collaboration with relevant University stakeholders.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship and ongoing engagement of transformational donors to support enduring relationships with the University.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive donor and prospect information within the Universitys fundraising and constituent relationship management systems.
• Monitor developments and trends in major-gift and transformational philanthropy nationally and internationally.

Requirements

• A postgraduate Bachelors degree or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF Level 8 , preferably in a field such as philanthropy, corporate social investment, marketing, corporate communications, business development or a related discipline.
• A proven record of success and substantial experience in transformational gift fundraising , including gifts of R100 million and above , from solicitation through to successful closure.
• Proven experience in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors, preferably within a higher education, philanthropic or comparable donor environment.
• Approximately 3-5 years' relevant fundraising or related experience .
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, corporations and senior decision-makers.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex institutional priorities in a compelling manner.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and the ability to develop and implement sophisticated donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• The confidence, discretion and professional credibility required to engage with senior University leadership, academics, major donors and influential external stakeholders.
• A high degree of initiative, resilience, judgement, creativity and personal motivation.
• Strong organisational and portfolio-management skills and the ability to manage multiple high-value relationships simultaneously.
• Knowledge of national and international philanthropic trends, particularly in relation to major and transformational giving.