Development Manager

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Retirement savings options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Development Manager to lead fundraising efforts for a prestigious charitable foundation in Cape Town. You will drive strategy, cultivate donors, and secure resources to sustain social initiatives across the Western Cape.

You will work with the board, staff, and supporters to shape the organization’s future, manage a team, and deliver impactful outcomes with opportunities for bonuses based on fundraising success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Marketing, Philanthropy, or Communications).
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive fundraising and development experience, preferably in non-profit or charity sectors.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong donor cultivation and stewardship knowledge.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and donor management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience in managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and current donors, building meaningful relationships.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and appeals.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals and reports for foundations and other institutional funders.
• Oversee the donor database and ensure accurate record-keeping and timely acknowledgments.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop fundraising collateral and messaging.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the development team and volunteers.
• Stay abreast of fundraising best practices and philanthropic trends relevant to the Western Cape.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious charitable foundation based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Development Manager. This pivotal role is responsible for leading fundraising efforts, cultivating donor relationships, and developing strategies to secure the financial resources necessary to support our client's impactful work across various social initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of philanthropic landscapes, exceptional networking skills, and a proven ability to meet ambitious fundraising targets. You will be instrumental in ensuring the long‑term sustainability and growth of our client's mission, playing a critical role in empowering communities and driving positive change throughout the Western Cape .

This position requires a strategic visionary with a deep commitment to philanthropy and a passion for social good. You will work closely with the board of directors, program staff, and a dedicated team of supporters to champion our client's cause. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of the organization and make a significant contribution to the well‑being of the communities we serve in and around Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and current donors, building meaningful relationships.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and appeals.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals and reports for foundations and other institutional funders.
• Oversee the donor database and ensure accurate record‑keeping and timely acknowledgments.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop fundraising collateral and messaging.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the development team and volunteers.
• Stay abreast of fundraising best practices and philanthropic trends relevant to the Western Cape .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Marketing, Philanthropy, or Communications.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in fundraising and development, preferably within the non‑profit or charity sector .
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of donor cultivation and stewardship principles.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and donor management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience in managing teams.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, generous paid time off, and retirement savings options. We provide a dynamic and supportive work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The chance to lead fundraising efforts for a well‑respected organization making a real difference in Cape Town is a significant draw. You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to achieving impactful outcomes. Regular performance reviews and potential for bonuses based on fundraising success are also included.