Head Fundraising and Partnerships at Amref International University (AMIU)

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

The primary purpose of this position is to increase the University’s capacity to fulfil its educational mission through strategic donor relations and partnerships that result in new funds and sources of funds. The Head Fundraising and Partnerships is accountable to the Vice Chancellor for executing fundraising strategy and overseeing alumni relations. The primary accountability of this position is to implement fundraising strategies to raise funds from individuals, the private and voluntary/non-profit sectors. Primary responsibilities include prospect identification, evaluation, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of corporate, foundation and individual donors. This role works closely with the Amref Health Africa Partnerships, Fundraising and Communications offices and the E/NA offices to establish funding relationships and secure resources that support the school’s mission and long-term strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategy to deliver philanthropic and sponsorship income and other forms of fundraising to support the AMIU’s ongoing activities including scholarship, education programmes, the provision of learning resources, research opportunities, networking and support for innovation.
• Lead in setting up the advancement office on communication, alumni association, Strategic partnerships and fundraising.
• Develop and maintain a very good working knowledge of AmIU activities, priorities, and needs in both teaching, research, and student success.
• Propose fundraising strategies to the Vice Chancellor for priority prospects that may include corporations, foundations, individuals, and alumni.
• Plan, develop, and evaluate a strategy for an effective Annual Fund program in coordination with the Alumni and Vice Chancellor office.
• Create fundraising materials suitable for presentation to prospective donors, including obtaining technical content from staff and faculty as necessary and ensuring materials are complementary to AmIU visual identity and brand.
• Propose, recommend, and/or advise on project or program ideas that are both tailored to the specific interests of corporations, foundations, individuals, and associations and to AmIU mission.
• Recommend and manage agreed stewardship plans and appropriate recognition of gifts for select major donors.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Communication or related field;
• Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Public Relations, Communication or related field.

Experience

• Extensive experience of income generation with a demonstrable track record of raising financial resources through philanthropy and corporate sponsorship;
• Proven experience in developing long term (strategic) partnerships
• Experience of developing effective relationships across an organisation to achieve mutual objectives to maximise income generation opportunities.
• Experience in a management role is ideal
• Understanding of university fundraising
• Familiarity with fundraising in the higher education sector and university administration

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and practices, including campaign experience.
• Demonstrated ability to implement fundraising principles to raise significant funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations and to steward and recognize donors.
• Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office Skills, including Excel.
• Demonstrated Alumni Relations experience or equivalent.
• Excellent communications skills in writing, presentations, and conversation.

Personal Attributes

• Team oriented with ability to build and lead teams
• Ability to drive a culture of commitment, innovation and engagement
• Commitment to the University’s mission and ethos
• Possess vision, energy and passion
• Personal commitment to diversity and equality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills