Director of Philanthropy

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Professional development opportunities

Networking opportunities

Cape Town work setting

Job summary

Placements24, in partnership with a respected charitable foundation in Cape Town, seeks a visionary Director of Philanthropy. You will lead fundraising strategy to secure major gifts and grants, while guiding a high-performing development team and cultivating lasting donor relationships.

The role requires strategic leadership, strong communication, and deep knowledge of philanthropic trends to grow funding across the Western Cape and beyond.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years in fundraising with leadership experience.
• Proven track record of closing major gifts ($100k+).
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans.
• Strong donor cultivation, stewardship and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to meet revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Oversee grant applications and reporting processes to ensure program funding.
• Build and maintain strong donor relationships and partnerships.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the fundraising and development team.
• Create compelling proposals and fundraising materials for campaigns.
• Plan and run high-level fundraising events and campaigns.
• Monitor performance, analyze data, and report to Board and senior management.
• Stay informed on philanthropic trends and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and regulations.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relations

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Donor cultivation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Salesforce

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected and established charitable foundation based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Philanthropy. This senior leadership position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure significant financial support from major donors, foundations, corporations, and government grants. The successful candidate will cultivate and steward donor relationships, identify new funding opportunities, and lead a dedicated development team. This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and a deep understanding of philanthropic trends. The Director of Philanthropy will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of the organization, enabling it to expand its vital services across the Western Cape and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to achieve ambitious annual and long-term revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Manage and oversee the grant application and reporting process.
• Build and maintain strong, meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the fundraising and development team.
• Develop compelling proposals, case statements, and fundraising materials.
• Plan and execute high-level fundraising events and campaigns.
• Monitor fundraising performance, analyze data, and provide regular reports to the Board and senior management.
• Stay abreast of philanthropic trends and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all ethical fundraising standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising and development, with a significant portion in a leadership role, preferably within a large non-profit or foundation.
• Proven track record of successfully soliciting and closing major gifts ($100k+).
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans.
• Exceptional skills in donor cultivation, stewardship, and relationship management.
• Strong understanding of foundation and corporate grant processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• Proficiency in fundraising CRM software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce).
• Ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and achieve results in a dynamic environment in Cape Town.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary and performance incentives.
• Opportunity to lead fundraising for a significant charitable cause in the Western Cape.
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team committed to making a difference.
• Access to professional development and networking opportunities.
• Work in a beautiful and inspiring setting in Cape Town.