Director: Development and Fundraising N000436 at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To lead and direct the Development and Fundraising directorate regarding the North-West University’s (NWU) efforts to broaden its income streams, establish and strengthen relations with current and potential local and international donors or funders to increase donations to the University’s various causes/programmes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy Development

• Development and implementation of the NWU fundraising strategy linked to the NWU Strategy and the Corporate Relations and Marketing Strategy.
• Position the Development and Fundraising department as the crucial link in the NWU’s service value-chain in terms of relations with the donor community locally and internally.
• Development of the necessary performance measures for the Development and Fundraising Portfolio. 

Donor Relations and Fundraising Policy and Practices

• Development and implementation of policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines to ensure alignment, implementation, and effective management of fundraising activities across the NWU.
• In collaboration with the Director: Corporate Communication, plan and implement communication strategies and plans targeting current and potential donors.
• Develop efficient and effective ways to execute and monitor the fundraising proposals and the fundraising pipeline.
• Development of an effective donor stewardship programme.
• Review, monitor, and evaluate implementation of policies and practices.

Alumni and Convocation Relations

• Development of alumni relations policies, processes, and guidelines.
• In conjunction with the Director: Corporate Communication, compile communication plan for alumni and convocation across campuses and manage effective implementation thereof.
• Develop and strengthen alumni and convocation partnerships and utilise relevant channels to pursue mutually beneficial relationships.

Career Services

• Development of the NWU Employability Strategy.
• In conjunction with faculties, build relationships with industry and employers.
• Oversee the development, design, facilitation of relevant employability programmes including workshops, internships, and mentorships.
• Development of tools for job placement opportunities – locally and internationally.
• Management of the strategic integration of the career services, fundraising, and alumni relations activities to maximise NWU graduate employability.

Business Analytics and Stakeholder Relations

• In conjunction with the Director: Corporate Communication, establish means to communicate with identified internal and external stakeholders.
• Development and implementation of business analytics and date management capacity and capability.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of relevant databases of different stakeholder groups.
• Development and enhancement of NWU fundraising and related activities reporting framework.
• Represent the NWU at external committees and forums where applicable.
• In collaboration with other divisions/departments and faculties, implement stakeholder giving campaigns.

Management and Leadership Results Areas

• Team composition, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Stakeholder relationship development and effectiveness.
• Corporate governance conformance, reporting and risk management.
• Budgeting, cost management and cost-effectiveness.
• Unit processes and systems design, utilisation, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Personal effectiveness, wholeness and development.
• Values-based behaviour leadership and personal compliance.

Minimum requirements

• An Honour’s degree (NQF 9) with specialisation in Sales, Marketing, Communications, or relevant business-related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ operational experience in Sales, Marketing, Communications, Stakeholder Relations and/or Public Relations.
• A minimum of seven (7) years’ management experience in Sales, Marketing, Communications, Stakeholder Relations and/or Public Relations.

RECOMMENDATION:

• An Master’s degree (NQF 10) with specialisation in Sales, Marketing, Communications, or relevant business-related field.

KEY FUNCTIONAL / TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Computer literate in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proven knowledge of the higher education landscape.
• Excellence in public speaking.
• Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Have a sound knowledge of stakeholders of the University and understand the dynamics of different needs of stakeholders.
• The ability to produce and operate stakeholder events, conferences and related logistical tasks.
• Be strategically minded and aware of the complexities of stakeholder profiles.
• Knowledge and understanding of national issues in higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of University, government and general protocol.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research complex issues and synthesise large amounts of information into an effective stakeholder relation’s plan.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and adapt messages to be suitable for a variety of audiences across the University, whilst still ensuring consistency in messages.
• Strong analytical skills and keen intellect.
• Exemplary attention to detail.
• Excellent judgement and discretion.
• Good human relations as well as the ability to function effectively in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
• The ability to work irregular hours and travel long distances in the course of the work.
• Good organisational and leadership skills.
• The ability to function independently, as part of a team and to direct and motivate staff.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical and strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and innovative technical problem solver.
• Customer centric.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ethical and trustworthy.