Chief Manager - Fundraising at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of University Advancement, the Chief Manager - Fundraising is charged with the responsibility of developing strategic and operational goals of the Fundraising Department; ensuring effective implementation of the fundraising programs among corporate organizations, foundations and other strategic segments.

The Chief Manager - Fundraising will provide leadership and supervision to the Principal Fundraising Officer, Fundraising Officer, University Advancement staff and volunteers in prospect research, database management, stewardship and donor recognition.

The Chief Manager - Fundraising will work closely with the Departments of Alumni Relations, Partnerships and External Linkages, and Marketing and Communications; Deans of Schools, departmental heads, student government, Divisions of Finance, and ICT; and the other key functions of the University.

Key responsibilities

Development and implementation of the Fundraising strategy

• Conduct appropriate research and develop sufficient intelligence on the donor market;
• Spearhead thought and planning for effective engagement with the prospective and current donors;
• Engage key stakeholders in developing and acquiring approval of the overall university fundraising strategy;
• Harness resources for effective implementation of the university fundraising strategy.

Managing the Fundraising Team

• Set, monitor and support the team in achieving fundraising targets;
• Create an enabling environment and culture for staff to manage their tasks;
• Lead the team to plan, implement, monitor and report on their responsibilities;
• Coach, mentor and train the fundraising team to deliver superior results;
• Engage the team in seeking and running large gifts acquisition campaigns.

Managing Fundraising programs

• Ensure effective planning and implementation of fundraising programs;
• Researching and approaching trusts, foundations, government agencies, development partners and other potential donors to support advancement of USIU-Africa;
• Writing and presenting funding proposals, grant applications and donor-acceptable requests that will yield desired resources to support USIU-Africa development programs
• Managing the grant application process and ensure effective monitoring and reporting to meet donor requirements;
• Monitor effectiveness of fundraising programs and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired results;
• Developing relationships with major donors, identifying potential donors and nurturing strong long term relationships.
• Develop, manage and report on fundraising budgets
• File periodic reports of fundraising team activities

Managing the annual campaign

• Employ cutting edge strategies to acquire donors and sponsors mainly through face to face, phone marketing and online activities;
• Develop relevant collateral and giving tools to support the acquisition activities;
• Host events and other activities that will help acquire donors and partners for the annual campaign;
• Work closely with Advancement staff to appreciate, recognize and build strong relations with donors.

Development and implementation of innovative fundraising tactics

• Continually study market trends and donor preferences to develop creative, productive donor engagement strategies;
• Market test ideas to ascertain productivity in building long lasting relations to donors;
• Develop and manage bequest program, community fundraising program, corporate and philanthropic fundraising program, web acquisition program and all other foreseeable fundraising programs.

Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Graduate degree in Business-related studies, communications or international relations from an accredited university;
• Five years’ experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education settings;
• Demonstrated management experience of at least three years in a multi-level and cross-cultural relations in an international environment.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results;
• Confidentiality and integrity;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Relationship builder & effective negotiator;
• Good communication skills;
• Self-motivated;
• Attention to detail;
• Adaptability and reliability

Incumbents will be expected to continue upgrading their knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes and trends in higher education.