Development Director

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Generous leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a Durban-based nonprofit client in finding a Development Director to lead fundraising, donor relations, and program funding. The role demands strategic oversight, robust donor cultivation, and the ability to manage a development team in a dynamic philanthropic environment.

The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of South Africa’s philanthropic landscape, oversee major gifts, grants, and events, and partner with the executive team to advance the

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising and development.
• Proven track record in securing major gifts and managing corporate and foundation relations.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and donor cultivation strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising plans.
• Experience in managing and mentoring a development team.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet financial goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Manage grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring timely submissions.
• Oversee donor relations and strategies to increase giving and loyalty.
• Lead and mentor the development team to drive results.
• Organize and manage fundraising events, campaigns, and appeals.
• Maintain donor records and manage the donor database effectively.
• Collaborate with executive team and board on fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the organization to potential donors and the wider community in Durban.
• Monitor fundraising trends and best practices to continually improve strategies.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Leadership

Grant writing

Strategic planning

Communication

Mentoring

CRM software

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE certification (plus)

Tools

CRM systems

Fundraising software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading charitable organization committed to poverty alleviation and skills development in Durban , is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Development Director. This senior leadership role is responsible for spearheading fundraising initiatives, cultivating donor relationships, and securing the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the organization's vital work. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, exceptional fundraising acumen, and a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape in South Africa. This is a unique opportunity to significantly influence the future trajectory of our client's impactful programs in Durban and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the organization's financial goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Manage all aspects of grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring timely and high-quality submissions.
• Oversee donor relations, implementing strategies to build loyalty and increase giving.
• Lead and mentor the development team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Organize and manage fundraising events, campaigns, and appeals.
• Maintain accurate donor records and manage the donor database effectively.
• Collaborate with the executive team and board members on fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the organization to potential donors and the wider community in Durban .
• Monitor fundraising trends and best practices to continually improve strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and development, with a proven record of success.
• Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts and managing corporate and foundation relations.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and donor cultivation strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising plans.
• Experience in managing and motivating a development team.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems.
• Experience working within the South African non-profit sector is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; a Master's degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• A passion for the mission of our client and a commitment to driving social change in Durban .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, generous leave, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• This role provides a chance to lead significant fundraising efforts that directly impact the lives of individuals and families in Durban , working within a dynamic and supportive organizational culture.