Senior Director, Philanthropy & Major Gifts (Cape Town)

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

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.