Non-Profit Development Director

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive salary

Medical aid and pension

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Development Director for a Durban-based non-profit focused on environmental conservation and community empowerment. Lead fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and grant management to secure essential program funding.

The role requires 8+ years in non-profit fundraising, with a track record in major gifts and strategic leadership. Hybrid work model and benefits accompany this senior position in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; a Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and development, focusing on major gifts and grants.
• Proven success securing significant funding from diverse sources.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with fundraising CRM software (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual and long-term financial goals for Durban-based work.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring timely submissions.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and appeals to maximise revenue.
• Lead and mentor the development team to foster a high-performing environment.
• Develop compelling proposals and case statements to articulate impact and needs.
• Manage the annual development budget and provide financial reports to board and executives.
• Represent the organization to donors and the broader community as an ambassador.
• Stay informed about fundraising trends and philanthropic landscape relevant to environmental causes.
• Collaborate with program staff to communicate funding needs and successes.

Skills

Donor relations

Grant management

Strategic fundraising

Leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation

Campaign management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation and community empowerment in the Durban area, is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Development Director. This senior leadership position is responsible for all fundraising and development activities, ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of the organization. You will lead the charge in cultivating donor relationships, managing grant applications, and spearheading campaigns to secure vital funding for our client's critical projects. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in fundraising, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for environmental causes. This is a premier opportunity to significantly influence the trajectory of an impactful organization within the Durban community and beyond. You will play a key role in shaping the fundraising strategy and securing the resources needed to achieve ambitious conservation goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual and long-term financial goals for our client's work in Durban.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual givers.
• Oversee all grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and appeals to maximize revenue generation.
• Lead and mentor the development team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Develop compelling proposals and case statements that articulate the impact and needs of our client's programs.
• Manage the annual development budget and provide regular financial reports to the board and executive leadership.
• Represent the organization to potential donors and the broader community, acting as a key ambassador.
• Stay informed about fundraising trends, best practices, and philanthropic landscape relevant to environmental causes.
• Collaborate with program staff to understand funding needs and communicate program successes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and development, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and grant management.
• Proven success in securing significant funding from diverse sources.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in fundraising CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of the non-profit sector and environmental conservation issues.
• Experience working within the Durban or broader KwaZulu-Natal philanthropic community is a plus.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans.
• A commitment to the mission and values of our client.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension.
• Significant opportunity to shape the future financial health of a vital environmental organization.
• Professional development and networking opportunities.
• A dynamic and rewarding work environment in beautiful Durban.
• Hybrid work model for enhanced work-life balance.