Business Partner Resource Mobilization Fundraising and Alumni Support DVC RII at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

• Working closely with the Senior Director: Office of International Education, the purpose of the job is to lead the development and implementation of resource mobilisation, fund raising and alumni support for the International Office

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• To develop a resource mobilisation plan modelled along the Resource Mobilisation strategy of the University and manage the implementation of the plan.
• To work closely with all relevant stakeholders including the student finance management division of the International Office, assist in fostering a climate of sustainable financial stewardship.
• To establish fund raising mechanisms through which collective effort can be harnessed to support the funding of postgraduate students.
• To conceptualise and develop a plan for a structured and mutually beneficial relationship with the Alumni Relations Office and implement a comprehensive strategy for supporting the work of the Alumni Office, with specific focus on international student alumni.
• To champion the marketing of resource mobilisation approaches and avenues ensuring a significant increase in the visibility of the University, its work and the key areas of support for donors.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ability to build coalition and networks for resource mobilisation.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively in preparing grant proposals.
• Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and execute a fundraising drive.
• Demonstrated leadership with strategic, policy and budget planning experience in complex organisations.
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major gift prospects (individuals, corporations and foundations).
• Identify donor opportunities, develop donor database, respond to donor tenders and call for proposals, develop grant proposals, write appeals, represent the organisation at donor meetings and undertake follow-up of potential funding opportunities.
• Familiarity with alumni and donor database applications.
• Provide stewardship in recognition of donor philanthropy.
• Identify and utilise resource, including volunteers, faculty, staff, publications and the internet to identify linkage, ability and interest of major gift prospects.
• Demonstrated success in coordinating and attracting major gift funding.
• Manage annual and special campaigns, corporate and foundation support, major and planned giving.
• Assisting academic leadership in non-duplicative efforts to identify funding sources and prepare proposals to government, corporations, foundations and private granting agencies.
• Leading the strategic planning for communication activities that support relationships between the university and external stakeholders such as trustees, alumni, parents and donors.
• Proven ability to prepare project budgets, budget projections and monitor expenditure.
• Maintain a database of grant proposals and report deadlines for organisational grants.
• Maintain a funding register for auditing purposes.
• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation principles and processes.
• Excellent analytical evaluative skills required for planning, prioritising and organising work and to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to work within a multicultural team and within a diverse and challenging environment and still be able to meet deadlines.
• Good knowledge of the South African Higher Education Sector
• Ability conduct business analysis of the International Office and its contribution into the broader resource mobilisation strategy of the University
• Ability to make sound advice on the best techniques, digital solutions required for the International Office to develop digitalised and automated communication programmes.
• An understanding of resource mobilisation marketing platforms and demonstrable knowledge of how marketing and analytics tools, social media and content marketing can be used to expand the international visibility and positioning of the University.
• Understanding of philanthropic giving and managing encumbered funds responsibly
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including report writing.
• Strong facilitation and mentoring skills
• Excellent people management skills, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, learn continuously and adapt to changing internal and external environments.
• A service and humanising orientation

 
REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must hold a Masters qualification or equivalent in a related field and have 3 to 5 years of full-time, progressively responsible fundraising experience. Additional work experience includes:

• Working in the Higher Education sector
• A track record of working with students within an academic or administrative context, as well as working in the international office or with international students in any context.
• Good understanding of the existing information technology infrastructure of the university
• Good understanding of the international student mobility patterns and trends
• Detail oriented, excellent organisational and multi-tasking skills, ability to adhere to deadlines, punctuality and regular attendance
• Proven track record of project management, including the ability to manage, budget for and report on multiple projects.