Job Summary

The Aga Khan University is looking for a highly visionary individual to fill the position of Director, Advancement. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of fundraising in East Africa– revenue generation and execution of the university’s institutional prospecting, including corporate, foundation and national partnerships. They will also be responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive donor stewardship program in support of all fund development portfolios. including the annual fund as well as multi-year major gift initiatives, as part of an overall University campaign. The incumbent will develop fundraising models, project plans, tactics, and evaluation standards to maximize revenue growth, reach and sustainability for the overall fundraising strategy while identifying avenues for new revenue growth. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the fundraising plan with the Chief Advancement Officer, setting KPIs and objectives for each portfolio;
• Manage the annual individual fundraising budget, including weekly revenue and expense reports;
• In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, develop the operations plan and budget;
• Develop and implement strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets for all institutional giving;
• Build a prospect pipeline and actively cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic and sponsorship prospects;
• Create a corporate engagement strategy with strategic and tactical partnership engagement plans;
• Prepare compelling proposals and grant submissions for corporations, foundations, and industry partners;
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop organizational communications and strategic fundraising messaging;
• Prepare progress/stewardship reports, high-value donor reports, and regular financial giving dashboards and reports to inform strategies;
• Implement creative stewardship programs and communication tools to enhance current recognition activities;
• Oversee training, development, performance evaluation, and engagement of direct reports;
• Engage alumni, volunteers, and senior staff in institutional fundraising; and
• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the team and across the organization.

Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Communication, or equivalent from an accredited university;
• 10 years of relevant experience in major and principal gifts fundraising for higher education, with 5 years in senior management in not-for-profit fund development, and a proven track record in securing grants and individual gifts;
• Hands-on knowledge of public and private fund development, annual campaigns, budget management, and special events production is essential for this position;
• Must have experience in developing proposals and materials for major gift fundraising, with excellent project management skills;
• Strong practical fundraising experience, including successfully closing major gifts and donations;
• Demonstrable success in cultivating and working collaboratively with board volunteers, donors, and community organizations; and
• Able to meet deadlines and work effectively in a multi-tasked environment.

Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviour

• Highly proficient English written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely;
• Proven ability to work independently, managing prospect identification, multiple solicitations, and stewardship activities simultaneously;
• Entrepreneurial, creative, strategic-minded, and energetic;
• High degree of judgment, political sensitivity, and problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, including effective networking, relationship building, and active listening;
• Understanding of trends in corporate social responsibility/community investment, and sponsorship;
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and ability to liaise with and inspire senior management, staff, and faculty;
• Discretion, compassion, and emotional resilience; and
• Embodiment of AKU core values: Impact, Quality, Relevance, Access (IQRA).