Fundraiser: Corporate Sector (Post Level 7) - Ref. DAR/151/0626 at Stellenbosch University

Duties/Pligte
Corporate and Public-Sector Fundraising

• Building, growing, and managing a portfolio of corporate and public-sector prospects and donors.
• Identifying new funding opportunities aligned with SU's Vision 2040 priorities and campaign themes.
• Developing and implementing cultivation strategies that move prospects through the full relationship cycle: cultivation - solicitation - stewardship.
• Securing corporate philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, and multi-year funding commitments.
• Translating academic research, innovation, and student success initiatives into fundable corporate and foundation-aligned proposals.
• Aligning funding propositions with CSI mandates, foundation interests, BBBEE, skills development, and research collaboration opportunities.
• Contributing directly to agreed annual income targets and pipeline growth benchmarks.

Campaign Pipeline and Portfolio Performance Management

• Developing and managing a measurable fundraising pipeline, including pipeline value tracking and conversion management.
• Being accountable for portfolio performance, including:
• Number of meaningful engagements/visits with prospects and donors.
• Progression of prospects through defined relationship stages.
• Conversion rates from engagement to proposal to secured funding.
• Achievement of annual income targets (within agreed ranges).
• Maintaining accurate and strategic use of CRM data to support forecasting, reporting, and campaign planning.
• Contributing to institutional campaign-readiness through disciplined prospect tracking and reporting.
• Internal Collaboration and Cross-Stream Income Alignment
• Collaborating closely with academic faculties, research centres, finance, legal,and institutional leadership to identify fundable priorities.
• Working in partnership with cross-stream income units, including Innovus, Stellenbosch University International (SUI), and the Division for Research Development (DRD), to maximise aligned corporate engagement opportunities.
• Coordinating institutional approaches to corporates where multiple income streams intersect (philanthropy, research collaboration, innovation, international partnerships).
• Contributing to coherent institutional positioning in the corporate sector.

Proposal Development and Stewardship

• Jointly developing compelling, tailored funding proposals and concept notes.
• Preparing budgets and supporting documentation aligned with donor requirements.
• Ensuring high-quality stewardship, reporting, and impact communication to corporate donors.
• Supporting the strengthening of long-term institutional partnerships beyond transactional funding.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• A relevant NQF 7 level qualification (e.g. business administration, marketing, communications, or related field).
• At least seven years' relevant experience in corporate fundraising, corporate relations, business development, or institutional advancement.
• Demonstrated track record of contributing to or securing corporate funding.
• Strong understanding of the South African corporate landscape, including CSI, foundations, BBBEE, and skills development frameworks.
• Exposure to campaign fundraising or capital campaign readiness processes.
• Established corporate or foundation network.
• The ability to build a portfolio from prospect identification to secured funding.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex academic initiatives into compelling funding propositions.
• Persuasive writing and presentation skills.
• Results-driven, with the ability to work towards and meet defined income* targets.
• Organised, disciplined, and comfortable managing a measurable pipeline.
• Professional, resilient, and has the ability to operate within a performance-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Experience within a university advancement environment.

Closing Date: 29-Jun-2026