Fundraising Associate at African Entrepreneur Collective (AEC)

About the Opportunity

African Entrepreneur Collective (AEC) in 2030 is a different organization than what it is today. In 2030, the communities in which AEC works are thriving centers of private sector activity. People living there have access to services, decent work, economies conducive to growing businesses, and the ability to live independent and productive lives.

Powered by the belief in entrepreneurship to drive private sector development in secondary cities and refugee communities, we need a team of talented, experienced, connected, and courageous professionals who are inspired to grow AEC into a world-class business support organization.

AEC’s Fundraising Associate position, under the guidance of the Development Manager, will be a key role to ensure AEC’s fundraising efforts are effective, efficient and World Class, to achieve our ambitious financial growth targets, securing more than $400M USD to build thriving communities across 8 countries in Africa by 2030.

Responsibilities

The Fundraising Associate is a very dynamic role for an energetic, self-starter who is not afraid to take on big challenges leading to revenue growth and donor satisfaction. Below is a non-exhaustive list of specific responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy Support

• Support tactical achievement of fundraising strategy, and revise strategy to meet changing scenarios informed by research/data.
• Support the implementation of AEC’s donor engagement strategy.
• Develop individual donor research profiles to inform approaches to take with each donor and mechanisms to track the relationship.
• Support the grant proposal development and due diligence process as needed.
• Draft relevant fundraising policies as needed.

Research

• Support in researching new funding prospects through online research and networking to map connections to fundraising leads.
• Identify strategic events to position AEC and coordinate engagement processes accordingly.

Donor Management Support

• Manage real-time proposals and reporting calendars and internal communications about donor reporting requirements.
• Draft donor reports and coordinate all relevant supporting documents, in collaboration with the Grant Writer.
• Research new individual donors and draft their communications as well as implement appropriate follow-up.
• Draft donor thank you letters and other compliance documents as well as process all gift matching requests.
• Support coordination and scheduling of fundraising activities, including meetings, events and donor site visits.
• Support the annual audit and other financial tracking and reporting of philanthropic funds.
• Maintain annual representation in third-party fundraising sites (Benevity, Global Giving, etc.).
• Prepare and manage employee engagement activities.

Fundraising Data Tracking & Management

• Support the creation, implementation, and maintenance of a fully operating donor database to meet fundraising needs.
• Ensure that data is accurately entered and managed within AEC’s data management system (Knowledge of Odoo/Pipedrive/Salesforce is a plus).
• Forecast targets and ensure they are met by the team.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of fundraising initiatives and campaigns.

Minimum Qualifications

AEC has found that the happiest and most effective colleagues are proactive, resourceful, self-motivated go-getters with a can-do attitude, who support their teammates with sincerity. They are strategic, but also willing to roll up their sleeves. They give and receive feedback freely. Successful candidates will also demonstrate:

• Bachelor's degree in Administration, Communication, Business, Marketing or a related field.
• Strong  administration and excellent multiple projects coordination skills, with a minimum of two years of experience, preferably in a development/fundraising environment.
• Basic experience in fundraising strategies and processes is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, database management experience – knowledge of Odoo, Pipledrive is a plus.
• Skillful interpersonal and communication abilities are essential, both written and verbal, for diverse audiences, with high-level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Top notch work ethic, with confidence, initiative, and ability to rapidly adapt to changing situations and creative approach to problem-solving and industry trends.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Motivated self-starter, data and deadline driven, and ability to multi-task with solid organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software such MailChimp, Canva, Square, and other tech-enabled communications would be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving is a plus.

What You'll Get

• Fun, collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to work with a talented, passionate, and committed team of professionals
• Challenging work and the opportunity to grow and develop your skills
• Ability to make a significant social impact and contribute to economic growth 
• Competitive benefits package - health insurance, staff savings program, parental leave, sabbatical program, and more.

COMPENSATION

Compensation includes salary and potential KPI-based bonus, healthcare, retirement benefits, flexible annual leave, possible travel in East Africa, professional development opportunities, and the chance to connect with colleagues across East Africa in a supportive and inclusive environment. In addition, this role is a tremendous opportunity to work in a high-growth, mission-driven organization.