Strategic Fundraising Lead

Do you believe in the power of collaboration to change the future for South Africa’s children?

The Do More Foundation is seeking a bold, visionary fundraiser to drive our next phase of growth. As the Strategic Fundraising Lead, based in Durban (Westville), you will work alongside our Partnerships Operations Lead and Business Development Manager to unlock new corporate, philanthropic, and global partnerships that ensure the sustainability and expansion of our impact.  The role focuses on driving resource growth by identifying and pursuing funding prospects, cultivating relationships with potential donors and partners, and converting opportunities into secured commitments that advance DMF’s mission and long- term sustainability.

The Strategic Fundraising Lead plays a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of the DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF). This individual is responsible for identification, cultivation and conversion of funding and in-kind opportunities, with a primary focus on:

• Nurturing and managing the relationship with RCL Foods, the foundation’s founding partner, to maximise shared value and align DMF’s impact with RCL Foods’ corporate social investment goals.
• Unlocking value for RCL Foods business units by identifying partnership opportunities with DMF that support both commercial and social impact objectives.
• Developing new funding streams within South Africa and the UK, securing sustainable partnerships that amplify DMF’s long-term impact.

This role is for a connector, a strategist, and a builder, someone who can open doors, forge high-value relationships, and inspire others to do more.

Duties and responsibilities:

Fundraising and partnership management:

• Develop New Funding Streams: Secure financial and in-kind partnerships with corporate stakeholders, ensuring sustained funding for DMF’s initiatives.
• Primary Liaison with RCL FOODS: Build and maintain a strategic relationship with RCL Foods to ensure DMF’s initiatives align with and add value to RCL FOODS business and corporate social impact objectives.
• Collaborate Across DMF Team: Coordinate with the CEO, DMK UK team, management team and project leads to maximise funding and partnership opportunities.
• Engage Internal RCL FOODS Stakeholders: Ensure clear communication and alignment between DMF and RCL FOODS business units to foster mutual benefits.
• Foster Long-Term Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with CSI teams, corporate donors, and philanthropic partners.

Strategic growth and value creation:

• Develop and Execute Partnership Strategies: Align funding and engagement strategies with DMF’s growth goals.
• Leverage Existing Partnerships: Optimise current relationships to increase funding, collaboration, and long-term commitment.
• Unlock New Opportunities: Identify and propose partnership models where DMF’s work can create shared value for RCL Foods business units and their stakeholders.
• Explore Innovative Funding Models: Implement creative funding solutions that align with DMF’s mission and the commercial goals of corporate partners.

Stakeholder engagement and thought leadership:

• Represent DMF in Corporate and Philanthropic Networks: Position DMF as a trusted partner for corporate social investment and shared value initiatives.
• Engage in Public Speaking and Advocacy: Advocate for DMF’s mission at industry events, panels, and strategic meetings to elevate its profile.
• Collaborate with RCL FOODS Business Units: Act as a connector, identifying collaboration opportunities between DMF and RCL Foods teams to drive both social impact and business value.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications: Ensure consistent messaging that highlights the shared value created through partnerships.

Budget management:

• Develop and Oversee Partnership Budget: Prepare, manage, and track the budget related to partnerships, ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively to support DMF’s growth.
• Optimise Resource Allocation: Ensure that partnership and fundraising activities are cost-effective and aligned with financial targets.
• Set and Monitor Fundraising Targets: Establish annual fundraising targets and track progress, ensuring that financial goals are met.
• Collaborate with the Operations Lead: Ensure accurate financial reporting, maintain budget compliance, and provide financial updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Financial Accountability: Ensure all funding and expenditure comply with DMF’s financial policies and donor requirements.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (business or social science related).
• Proven track record of successful fundraising.
• 8 - 10 years’ experience in a fundraising/CSI environment.
• Proven project management experience.
• Experience in the corporate/corporate social investment space preferred.
• Experience in commercial roles partnering with senior leaders and a passion for customer centricity would be preferable.

Key skills:

• Strategic fundraising and income diversification
• Relationship-led donor development
• Translating programmes into compelling investment cases
• Grant and proposal leadership
• systems thinking

Posted on 23 Dec 13:20, Closing date 20 Jan