Fundraising / Endowment Manager

universalai; India; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal AI University in Karjat, near Mumbai, India, seeks a Fundraising / Endowment Manager to own and drive fundraising initiatives for the university and to build a durable donor pipeline. The role targets long-term sustainability and deep engagement with philanthropic funders.

The candidate should have 7+ years in fundraising, a proven track record of raising funds, and strong relationship-building, donor management and reporting skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of fundraising/resource mobilisation experience.
• Proven track record of raising funds with ownership of targets.
• Mature and confident in engaging high-value donors independently.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to develop and manage a structured fundraising pipeline with clear targets and timelines.
• Strong proposal development, donor management and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the university.
• Build and maintain relationships with HNIs, philanthropists, corporates, family offices, foundations, trusts, and other funders.
• Identify and cultivate prospective donors to build a sustainable fundraising pipeline.
• Develop sustainable funding opportunities for the university's initiatives and beneficiaries.
• Maintain donor documentation, utilise reports, and keep leadership updated on progress.
• Track progress, donor engagement and pipeline conversion with regular reports to leadership.

Job description

Universal AI University is India’s first AI University, located in Karjat, near Mumbai. Established in 2009 as a premier business school and becoming a university in 2023, the institution combines AI-integrated education with experiential learning and industry partnerships. The university offers programmes across areas including AI and technology, management, liberal arts, design, music and sound, and other emerging disciplines.

The university is looking to hire a Fundraising / Endowment Manager who can take ownership of developing and executing fundraising initiatives for the university and has a demonstrated track record of delivering fundraising targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the university.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with HNIs, philanthropists, corporates, family offices, foundations, trusts and other potential funders.
• Identify and cultivate prospective donors and funding partners to build a strong and sustainable fundraising pipeline.
• Develop sustainable funding opportunities for the university’s initiatives and beneficiaries.
• Ensure fundraising proposals, agreements, utilisation reports and donor documentation are appropriately maintained.
• Build and maintain a strong fundraising pipeline, with clear targets, timelines, conversion plans and regular reporting to university leadership.
• Take ownership of fundraising targets and drive initiatives towards achieving agreed goals.
• Regularly track fundraising progress, donor engagement and pipeline conversion, and provide updates to university leadership.
• Maintain strong donor relationships and support long-term engagement and stewardship.

Desired Candidate Profile

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in fundraising/resource mobilisation, preferably in education, higher education, social impact or the nonprofit sector.
• Proven track record of having successfully raised/ garned significant funds in previous employment(s), with demonstrated ownership of fundraising targets.
• Mature and confident in independently approaching and engaging high-value donors.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to develop and manage a structured fundraising pipeline with clear targets, timelines and conversion plans.
• Strong proposal development, donor management and reporting skills.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office and ability to effectively use relevant AI tools to enhance productivity and fundraising efforts.
• Should be a graduate and alumni of the India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS).
• Should have access to a two-wheeler and be comfortable with travel for donor and stakeholder engagement, as required.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate ownership and operate with maturity while engaging senior stakeholders and high-value donors.