Major Gifts (Corporate, Trusts & Foundations) Fundraiser

Position: Development Professional – Major Gifts (Corporate, Trusts and Foundations) Fundraiser

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Type of contract: Permanent (with Probation Period)

Start Date: Immediately

Application Deadline: 25 September 2022

Reporting to: Fundraising Manager

Number of positions reporting to this role: None

About the University of Witwatersrand (Wits University)

Founded 100 years ago, Wits University is distinguished for excellence in research, high academic standards, and an unwavering commitment to social justice in Africa and beyond. 2022 marks a significant historical milestone. It is an opportunity to celebrate the impact on lives and reflect on a future that firmly positions the University as a locally relevant and globally competitive higher learning institution.

Wits University is recruiting a Major Gifts (Corporate, Trusts and Foundations) Fundraiser to drive activities resulting in sizable investments for its ambitious plans and projects. Currently spearheaded via a Centenary Campaign, this role will be responsible for identifying and researching funding opportunities within the corporate, trusts and foundations sectors to execute approaches that secure significant funding for projects and initiatives. Working closely with the research team, the incumbent will make direct solicitations, identify and nurture prospective donor relationships and play an active role in contributing to the Development and Fundraising Unit’s donor intelligence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support fundraising processes and activities for the University’s priority projects and initiatives.
  


• Establish effective relationships across the donor community.
  


• Research, write and submit business and funding proposals.
  


• Identify and secure donor funding for the University’s priority projects and initiatives.
  


• Steward existing donors and actively re-engage past donors.
  


• Contribute to the continued expansion of the prospect database, its accuracy, quality, and data application.
  


• Monitor trends and innovations in the external environment.
  


• Identify fundraising and development opportunities aligned with the University’s focus areas.
  

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent.
  


• 3-5 years of related work experience (preferably in the University/donor environment).
  


• Ability to engage with high-level stakeholders.
  


• Excellent command of the English language (written and verbal).
  


• Experience securing significant funding resources for projects such as university infrastructure, research programmes and bursaries.
  


• Able to work quickly under pressure to meet changing deadlines.
  


• Able to work efficiently with data to support execution and reporting for fundraising activities.
  


• Have a valid Driver’s license and car.
  

Attributes

• High level of personal motivation, confidence, initiative, energy and creativity
  


• Ethical
  


• Enjoys engaging people and strives for customer service excellence
  


• A constructive and positive approach to work and to working closely with colleagues
  


• Ability to work independently, take ownership of relationships and projects
  


• Ability to respond quickly to internal and external environmental changes
  


• Willingness to participate fully in the life of the University through proactive engagement across the Wits community.
  

The following competencies will be advantageous:

• Knowledge of and experience working in the higher education environment.
  


• Understanding of the donor environment, both nationally and internationally.
  


• Deep understanding of fundraising processes and methods.
  


• A donor network and established relationships.