Strategic Fundraising & Stakeholder Relations Lead

Old School Ties; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

St Stithians College is seeking an experienced Stakeholder Relations and Strategic Fundraising Manager to mobilise philanthropic support for the College and the Thandulwazi Maths & Science Academy. The role starts January 2027 and requires building meaningful donor relationships and securing sustainable investment in education.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, event planning experience, and a track record in ethical fundraising.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Event and reunion coordination and planning skills and experience.
• Proven ability to build trusted stakeholder relationships.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities.
• Initiative, sound judgement and personal accountability.
• A commitment to ethical fundraising and stewardship.
• A genuine alignment with the ethos and values of an independent Methodist school.
• Support safeguarding practices and obtain all required police and offender-registry clearances.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Cultivate and steward donors, prospective donors and partners.
• Identify new philanthropic and funding opportunities.
• Prepare compelling cases for support.
• Communicate the College’s priorities and impact with clarity.
• Collaborate across the Advancement Office the Old Stithian Association and the wider College community.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality and donor care.
• Have a sound understanding of and commitment to the ethos of an independent school.
• Support the College’s safeguarding practices and obtain all required police and offender-registry clearances.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Event planning

Relationship building

Planning and organisation

Ethical fundraising

safeguarding compliance

Job description

St Stithians College is seeking an experienced Stakeholder Relations and Strategic Fundraising Manager to mobilise philanthropic support for the College and the Thandulwazi Maths & Science Academy. The role starts January 2027 and requires building meaningful donor relationships and securing sustainable investment in education.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, event planning experience, and a track record in ethical fundraising.