Development Director

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 86,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level benefits

Relocation assistance may beConsidered

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development andNetworking

Job summary

Our client, a prominent national charitable foundation, is seeking a visionary Development Director to oversee fundraising, donor relations, and resource mobilization for long-term sustainability. The role leads a team to cultivate major donors, foundations, and corporate partners while shaping innovative fundraising strategies.

The candidate will drive campaigns, manage grants, and collaborate with communications to articulate the mission.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and development.
• At least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of success in securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising ethics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience with fundraising CRM systems and data analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan to meet annual and long-term financial goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the fundraising and development team.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic foundations.
• Oversee the grant writing process and ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals.
• Plan and execute successful fundraising campaigns, events, and donor appeals.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring financial stewardship.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling fundraising materials and messaging.
• Analyze fundraising performance data and provide regular reports to the board and senior leadership.
• Represent the organization at fundraising events and community engagements.
• Stay informed about best practices in philanthropy and non-profit development.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Team management

Grant writing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Philanthropy

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Donor analytics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national charitable foundation headquartered in East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking a visionary and strategic Development Director. This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and resource mobilization to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization. The Development Director will lead a dedicated team, cultivate relationships with major donors and foundations, and develop innovative strategies to increase philanthropic support. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in fundraising management, exceptional leadership qualities, and a profound commitment to our client's mission. This is a key leadership role with the potential to significantly amplify our client's impact across the Eastern Cape and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan to meet annual and long-term financial goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the fundraising and development team.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic foundations.
• Oversee the grant writing process and ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals.
• Plan and execute successful fundraising campaigns, events, and donor appeals.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring financial stewardship.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling fundraising materials and messaging.
• Analyze fundraising performance data and provide regular reports to the board and senior leadership.
• Represent the organization at fundraising events and community engagements.
• Stay informed about best practices in philanthropy and non-profit development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and development, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of success in securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising ethics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience with fundraising CRM systems and data analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, Philanthropy); Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the East London, Eastern Cape area, with flexibility for hybrid work.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits.
• Opportunity to lead a critical function for a leading foundation.
• Significant influence on organizational strategy and growth.
• Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
• Professional development and networking opportunities.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.