Head of Fund Development & Communications at SOS Children's Villages

Job Summary:

Reporting to the National Director, the Head of the Fund Development & Communications (FDC) provides leadership and spearheads fundraising initiatives in the organization. S/he is responsible for the subsidy related financial self-sufficiency targets of the organization. S/he is expected to achieve growth in local income generated from corporates, individuals, trusts and philanthropic foundations. S/he is to develop/update a strategic vision for the Fund Development and Communications function and roll out a strategy for diversification of income to ensure a growing and diversified income to increase the financial self-sufficiency of the organization. S/he will take the lead in making contact with potential corporate supporters, major donors, individual givers and funders. S/he will spot opportunities to engage, making full use of all our networks and experience as well as carry out rigorous monitoring and evaluation of activities to measure financial return on investment and the impact in relation to our strategic aims. In addition to defining, implementing and fulfilling the medium-term FDC strategy reflected in the National Strategic Plan of the organization.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:

In collaboration with the leadership and staff of the organization, effectively manage the FDC department to increase funding and diversify sponsorship opportunities by providing strategic direction and management, which include the following areas:

• Corporate fundraising (campaigns/cause related marketing activities, donations in kind)
• Individual fundraising (sporadic and committed donations via direct mailing, online marketing, face to face, digital, telephonic, bequests)
• Digital Fundraising
• Local and International sponsorships
• Data Management and Analysis
• Retention and engagement of existing donors

Key responsibilities:

Strategy Development, Implementation and Evaluation

• Study market trends and adapt to drive funding growth
• Define, implement and fulfil the middle-term FDC strategy reflected in the National Strategic Plan and prioritise organisation wide efforts to implementation.
• Ensure the maintenance of the vision, objectives and values of the Member Association (MA).
• Conduct research and analyse trends to conceptualise and formulate innovative ideas and identify new opportunities for the fund development department.
• Periodically evaluate, review and recommend amendments to the fundraising strategy and plan
• Lead and direct the proactive fund development management and understanding of best practices and trends and provide insight and guidance to organization Leadership.

Income Growth and Diversification

• Grow existing local annual fundraising net income by a minimum of 5% annually. This will be by among others carrying out fundraising campaigns, donor servicing, donations in-kind, new pursuits to individual and corporate donors
• Recruit new donors both individual and corporate donors to raise additional local annual net income. This will be among others engaging corporates to give for specific causes/campaigns either in cash or donations in-kind and recruiting individuals for either sporadic and committed donations via direct mailing, online marketing, face to face, digital, telephonic, bequests
• Develop partnerships with grant making trusts/Foundations representatives and oversee the preparation of proposals and funding applications to meet funders’ needs
• Service existing donors and retain at least 60% of existing cooperate and individual donors annually

Financial Management

• Provide input into the annual budget through feasibility calculations.
• Manage actual versus forecasted budgets monthly.
• Analyse variances between income and expenses, and between targets and actuals monthly.
• Manage Fundraising targets and activities monthly.
• Compile and submit monthly FDC reports to the National Director and Quarterly to the Board Committee of FDC.

People Management and Development

• Provide strong leadership and direction to FDC team and communicate vision and values t team.
• Set medium to long term goals and objectives for subordinates and actively monitor progress of the achievement of objectives.
• Develop and maintain a high-performance team, and regularly evaluate performance of subordinates to ensure functional objectives are met or exceeded according to established policies and objectives.
• Foster national capacity building in all areas of Fundraising.
• Assure stable employee relations by managing conflict and creating a positive working environment

Minimum Qualifications & Experience Required

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Resources mobilization, Marketing, Sales, Business Admin, International Business Development.
• Master’s Degree would be an added advantage.
• 10 years’ experience in Fundraising / Marketing / Sales
• 5 years managerial experience with core knowledge of various fundraising streams
• Understanding NGO`s programmes, operations, best practices and market trends.
• Understanding of the Child and youth development principles (Acquire on the job).
• Good understanding of Giving and Sponsorship.
• Strong negotiation, communication and networking skills.
• Good knowledge of Children`s rights (Acquire on the job).
• Good Knowledge of the sales and fundraising process.
• Understanding of Quality Management principles.
• Knowledge of business and financial practices.
• Knowledge of relevant Kenyan legislation.