Development Director for Educational Initiatives

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Hybrid work model

Retirement savings plan contributions

Professional development & leadership

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Development Director for a senior leadership role based in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA. You will spearhead fundraising, cultivate major donors, and secure resources to sustain and expand educational programs for disadvantaged youth.

Lead development strategy, manage donor relations, and collaborate with the Board and senior staff. Hybrid work model, with focus on Gauteng and national partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a relevant field is a plus.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising with major gifts and institutional giving.
• Proven success in developing and implementing fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with persuasive proposal writing.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape, particularly within Gauteng, ZA.
• Experience cultivating and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate decision-makers.
• Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge).
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Commitment to improving educational access and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Write compelling grant proposals and reports for various funding opportunities.
• Manage donor relations with consistent engagement.
• Organize fundraising events and campaigns to maximize donor participation.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and senior staff on development initiatives.
• Oversee the donor prospect research process in Centurion and beyond.
• Manage the development budget and donor record-keeping.
• Stay abreast of trends in non-profit fundraising and philanthropy.
• Represent the client at key networking events within Gauteng, ZA.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts

Grant writing

Donor relations

Budget management

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser's Edge

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking foundation committed to enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth, is looking for an experienced Development Director. This senior leadership position, based in **Centurion, Gauteng, ZA**, is responsible for spearheading fundraising efforts and cultivating relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and grant‑making institutions. You will play a crucial role in securing the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand our client's vital educational programs. The ideal candidate possesses a strategic mind, a proven track record in development, and a deep passion for education. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's impact, working within a collaborative environment in **Centurion**. This role demands a blend of strategic planning, persuasive communication, and meticulous management, contributing significantly to the educational landscape of **Gauteng, ZA**. We seek a leader who can inspire confidence and commitment from potential funders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual and long‑term financial goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Write compelling grant proposals and reports for various funding opportunities.
• Manage donor relations, ensuring consistent and meaningful engagement.
• Organize fundraising events and campaigns to maximize donor participation and contributions.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and senior staff on development initiatives.
• Oversee the prospect research process to identify potential new donors and funding sources in **Centurion** and beyond.
• Manage the development budget and ensure accurate record‑keeping of all donations and donor information.
• Stay abreast of trends and best practices in non‑profit fundraising and philanthropy.
• Represent our client at key networking events and conferences within **Gauteng, ZA**.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a relevant field is a plus.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in non‑profit fundraising, with a significant focus on major gifts and institutional giving.
• Proven success in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for persuasive proposal writing.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape, particularly within **Gauteng, ZA**.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals and corporate decision-makers.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning related to development activities.
• Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge).
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission of improving educational access and outcomes.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape the future of educational support in **Gauteng**.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan contributions.
• Significant professional autonomy and impact.
• Access to ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• A dynamic and mission‑driven work environment in **Centurion**.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work‑life balance.