Fundraising Manager at Action Appointments

Closing Date:Tuesday, 17 November 2026

About the Job

• The Fundraising Manager role reports to the Head of Institutional Advancement. The main purpose of this position is by co developing and executing the museum’s fundraising strategy, with a focus on securing donations from local and international organisations, foundations, and individuals.
• The Fundraising Manager will play a pivotal role in showcasing the museum’s excellence at key events, while building and managing strong donor relationships. The role demands strategic planning, relationship building, management, and exceptional proposal-writing skills to ensure the long term growth and sustainability of the organisation’s programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategic Plan Development

• Co create, manage and implement a strategic fundraising plan through engaging with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce a written fundraising plan with clear targets across donor segments (corporate, trusts, foundations, individuals, international donors).
• Solicit donations from individuals, corporates, trusts, and foundations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with alumni and current donors, re-engage lapsed donors annually, and secure new donor commitments.
• Review and update the strategic plan quarterly, adapting to donor trends and organisational needs.
• Align fundraising activities with budgetary requirements and programme priorities. 
• Manage donor pipelines, ensuring consistent prospecting and cultivation of new donors.
• Ensure all proposals align with donor guidelines and organisational priorities.
• Set annual income targets by donor category and report progress monthly.
• Monitor fundraising expenses to ensure ROI on campaigns and prepare quarterly financial reports to HOD.
• Flag risks to income targets and recommend corrective action.

Fundraising Campaigns & Events

• Work with Communications Team to create compelling donor materials (social media, newsletters, press releases).
• Secure sponsorships/partnerships for events.
• Monitor ROI of each campaign and document lessons learned for improvement.
• Work with Team to align funding proposals with programme needs and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Communications for donor visibility and recognition campaigns.
• Provide fundraising training or briefing sessions for staff when needed.

Donor Identification, Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Ensure timely acknowledgments, reporting, and impact updates to donors.
• Maintain relationships with existing donors through regular engagement (calls, reports, updates, appreciation letters).
• Develop tailored stewardship plans to ensure long-term donor retention.
• Track donor engagement in CRM system and report on interactions monthly.

Compliance & Ethical Standards

• Work with the Finance Manager to maintain compliance with local fundraising regulations and tax requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial records of donations and pledges.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, donor agreements, and ethical guidelines.
• Conduct due diligence checks on all new donors and partners.

Requirements

• Completion of Bachelor’s or Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in Fundraising, Development Studies, Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, or resource mobilization within the NGO, arts, culture, education, or development sector.
• Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding fundraising targets.
• Strong experience in grant writing, proposal development, and donor reporting.
• Solid track record in managing corporate partnerships, individual giving programmes, and/or philanthropic foundations.
• Evening and weekend hours at special events are required.
• The ability to speak a European language(s)preferably, German and/or French.
• A proven record of securing major donations in excess of ZAR 5 million.
• Knowledge of database management with exposure to any CRM application and proven ability to use these to develop and manage client relationships.
• Results driven.
• Strong interpersonal and persuasive skills.
• Entrepreneurial thinking and innovative planning and execution in European fundraising.
• A seasoned individual with proven leadership skills and an ability to effectively work abroad.