Development (Fundraising) Officer – Grant Writing at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Purpose:

The selected candidate will play a critical role in advancing the University’s fundraising and resource mobilization agenda by identifying, sharing and working on funding opportunities – developing competitive grant proposals, cultivating donor relationships, supporting fundraising campaigns, coordinating corporate social responsibility initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities/Tasks/Duties:

• Research and identify local, regional and international grant opportunities aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Develop high-quality grant proposals, concept notes and funding applications.
• Coordinate proposal development with academic schools, research teams and administrative departments.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, corporate organizations, development agencies, alumni and all strategic partners.
• Support the implementation of fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives.
• Prepare compelling fundraising cases for support, donor reports and impact stories.
• Maintain accurate donor, grant and fundraising databases and monitor fundraising performance.
• Coordinate fundraising events, corporate social responsibility programmes and donor stewardship activities.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers supporting fundraising initiatives.
• Conduct due diligence on prospective partners to ensure strategic alignment and compliance with University policies.
• Serve as a liaison with community organizations and promote positive stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare periodic reports on fundraising performance, grants and partnership outcomes.

Key Internal Stakeholders

The successful candidate will work collaboratively across the University to secure funding that supports scholarships, research, innovation, infrastructure development, student success, and institutional strategic priorities.

Knowledge: Skills and Experience required for the Role:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Communications, Marketing, International Relations, Public Relations, Project Management or a related field from a recognized university.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, partnership development, business development or resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience in developing successful grant proposals and fundraising initiatives.
• Experience working with donor-funded programmes, NGOs, higher education institutions or development organizations will be an added advantage.

Competencies required for this role

• Excellent grant writing and proposal development skills.
• Strong fundraising and donor stewardship capabilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent relationship management and networking abilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems.
• A proactive, self-driven and results-oriented approach to work.