Senior Development Specialist - Department of Institutional Advancement at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

The Senior Development Specialist is responsible for developing and executing fundraising initiatives and programs to help achieve UP’s overall mission and goals. This position involves researching, prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and managing relationships with donors, as well as coordinating fundraising activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Planning and undertaking the cultivation and solicitation of donor prospects, involving colleagues within DIA and the wider University (including Fin Aid and the Vice-Chancellor) as necessary;
• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive, proactive annual development plan with identified annual outputs on expanding and enhancing by directing and coordinating activities related to obtaining financial support;
• Contribute to the overall planning and coordination of the fundraising team’s strategy and targets for maximizing philanthropic giving to the University of Pretoria;
• Identify emerging industry trends to inform the development and facilitate the management of cultivation strategies for current, lapsed, and prospective donors;
• Initiate and communicate fundraising opportunities for faculties, deans, and directors to interpret relevant interests in University constituencies;
• Work with faculties or support services department project leaders and those within DIA to develop the case for support for specific projects, and to prepare tailored proposals for prospects;
• Identify and initiate opportunities for strategic partnerships and relationships on the executive level between the university and relevant external entities;
• Identify potential donors in conjunction with the Prospect Researcher and reach out to encourage them to make contributions;
• Introduce UP to donors by supplying information, initiating visits to campus, and liaison between top management and donor interest groups/persons;
• Conduct fundraising, sponsorship, and project information sessions for UP staff, students, and donors and attend relevant faculty and other UP occasions with prospects;
• Mentor and coach intermediate and junior Development Officers to grow skills and experience.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree and or equivalent Fund-Raising qualification;
• A total of 4 (four) years of experience;
• Implementing Fundraising Plans;
• Project Development;
• Building business relationships;
• Administration related to fundraising;
• Database management in a fundraising environment;
• Experience in delivering business presentations.  

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Fundraising Life Cycle;
• Project Management;
• Creating and Developing Pitches;
• Strategic Planning;
• Computer skills (Word, Excel & PowerPoint);
• Administration skills (filling, time management, chairing various levels of meetings);
• Facilitation of project teams;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability and sophistication to interact with the business, government, individual donors, and both local and international foundations and trusts;
• Ability to build and maintain rapport with donors, including demonstrated experience in and ability to be successful in face-to-face solicitation;
• Ability to analyse financial and business market trends;
• Results driven.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Diploma or Certificate in PR and/or Marketing
• Diploma or Certificate in Fund Raising
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the Higher Education Sector
• Drivers License