INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

By | May 11, 2019
0 Comment

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

The Institutional Advancement Officer works in collaboration with the Director, Advancement and Public Affairs, to implement efforts to identify and cultivate donors as well as solicit and deliver gifts to Africa University from a variety of African sources, including alumni, friends, corporations, NGOs, governments, foundations, and The United Methodist Church. The Institutional Advancement Officer plans, executes and coordinates fundraising projects, activities and donor stewardship processes.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

  • Bachelor’s degree in Development/Institutional Advancement or related field; a master’s degree would be an advantage.
  • Five years’ experience with fundraising, external or stakeholder relations in a higher education or non-profit organization
  • Proven success in securing gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other charitable funding sources.
  • Ability to planning and execute successful short and long-term fundraising initiatives.
  • Expertise in conducting research, gathering and managing data, analyzing information, and preparing effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support advancement objectives.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with university students, faculty, prospects, donors, and volunteers in a wide range of roles.
  • Expertise in supervising and training volunteers, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of /and respect for the code of ethics related to advancement, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
  • Excellent process management skills, financial operations experience and computer proficiency with institutional advancement software (e.g. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office products.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of fundraising objectives.
  • Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
  • Highly-developed listening, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
  • Enthusiasm, sense of humor and the ability to be flexible.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct research to identify donor prospects and create strategies to match prospects’ interests to the priorities of the university.
  • Assist the Director in establishing and strengthening relationships that ensure that philanthropic investment in Africa University increases progressively, to provide scholarships, equipment, monetary gifts, and academic support.
  • Research, write, edit, or oversee the preparation of persuasive and accurate solicitations, proposals, case statements, reports, correspondence, and other advancement-related materials in support of the OAPA’s fundraising activities and goals.
  • Manage the gift acknowledgement and stewardship process to ensure timeliness, efficiency, accuracy and an appropriate degree of donor engagement.
  • Keep accurate records of contributors, gifts, donor correspondence, calls and visits.
  • Assist with the production of reports that summarize results of fundraising efforts of the OAPA, listing names of donors and contributions by category.
  • Prepare and update files on all donor-supported projects, offices, activities, staff positions and students that document progress, outcomes and beneficiary appreciation (such as photographs, video testimonials, biographies, CVs, and letters of thanks.
  • Recommend gifts, story ideas, and donors to the Director for special announcements, publicity, and recognition.

 

TO APPLY
Applications together with six (6) copies (If application is in hard copy format) of Curriculum vitae, certified copies and certificates, academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their e-mail, phone numbers and postal addresses should be forwarded to:

Assistant Registrar, Human Resources & Administration 
Africa University 
P. O. Box 1320
Mutare
Zimbabwe

or email to: careers@africau.edu

The closing date for applications is 8 April 2019 by 1200hours. 
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be responded to.