Development & Fundraising Director

About the role

The Development & Fundraising Director will lead CADY’s fundraising and development activities, securing the capital needed to launch the institution and ensure its long‑term sustainability. Reporting to senior leadership, the role combines strategic planning, donor cultivation, and partnership development across philanthropy, corporate, and private‑capital sources.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement CADY’s overall fundraising and development strategy.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities across philanthropy, corporate partners, private capital, and grant programmes.
• Build and manage a pipeline of development partners and funding prospects.
• Develop relationships with major donors and secure significant commitments.
• Lead the growth of the CADY Endowment Trust and obtain seed contributions.
• Coordinate sponsorship and private‑capital deals aligned with programme milestones.
• Maintain donor reporting and ensure grant‑compliance requirements are met.
• Collaborate with the finance team to align fundraising with the five‑year financial model and capital needs.
• Prepare compelling proposals, grant applications, and other development materials.
• Track fundraising progress and manage targets.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in institutional advancement, fundraising, development finance, or grants.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts or large‑scale grants.
• Extensive networks across philanthropy, corporate organisations, and development partners.
• Experience raising funds for education, the arts, or the creative economy is an advantage.
• Familiarity with African philanthropy and development‑partner processes.
• Relevant university degree or professional qualification in fundraising, advancement, or a related field.

Required skills

• Excellent proposal and grant‑writing abilities.
• Strong pipeline management and opportunity conversion skills.
• Effective donor stewardship and relationship‑building capabilities.
• Confidence to engage senior leaders, boards, donors, and funding partners.