Development Director

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary and incentives

Comprehensive health and retirement

Professional growth opportunities

Leave allowance

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Development Director to lead all fundraising, build strategic partnerships, and cultivate donor relationships to sustain growth for vital conservation initiatives.

The role requires a proven track record in non-profit fundraising, exceptional strategic planning, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship within the Garden Route region. Travel and flexible hours for events are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years in non-profit fundraising with leadership experience.
• Proven track record in securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue goals.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with a portfolio of donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop compelling proposals and grant applications.
• Oversee planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to align fundraising with organizational objectives.
• Lead and mentor the development team and manage performance.
• Ensure timely reporting on fundraising activities and financial performance to stakeholders.
• Maintain donor database and ensure ethical fundraising practices and compliance.
• Represent the organization at events and networking opportunities within the Western Cape region.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relationship management

Strategic fundraising planning

Non-profit sector knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or CFRE (advantage)

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental conservation charity based in George, Western Cape, seeks an accomplished and visionary Development Director. This senior leadership position is responsible for spearheading all fundraising efforts, developing strategic partnerships, and cultivating donor relationships to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of our vital conservation initiatives. You will play a critical role in securing the resources needed to protect the unique biodiversity and natural landscapes of the Garden Route region. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in non-profit fundraising, exceptional strategic planning skills, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead fundraising efforts for a respected organization operating in the stunning George area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue goals, focusing on major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with a portfolio of prospective and existing donors, including high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Identify new funding opportunities and develop compelling proposals and grant applications.
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to align fundraising strategies with organizational objectives.
• Manage the development team, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance management.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on fundraising activities and financial performance to stakeholders.
• Maintain donor database and ensure compliance with ethical fundraising practices and relevant regulations.
• Represent the organization at public events, cultivation activities, and networking opportunities within the Western Cape community and beyond.
• Stay abreast of fundraising trends, best practices, and opportunities within the environmental non-profit sector.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and grants from diverse sources.
• Exceptional strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Experience in managing and motivating a development team.
• Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of environmental conservation issues and the non-profit sector.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends for events.
• Deep connection to and understanding of the George and Western Cape region's natural heritage.

Benefits

• Generous salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Lead a team dedicated to impactful environmental conservation.
• Work in a beautiful and inspiring natural setting in George.
• Direct impact on protecting the Western Cape's natural resources.
• Collaborative and mission-driven work culture.
• Generous annual leave allowance.