Director, University Advancement Job USIU

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The Director, University Advancement is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the university’s fundraising and partnership efforts in order to support its goal of providing superior teaching, learning, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Director’s role provides a bridge between the university and its alumni, donors, and the business community, focusing on long-term funding relationships that diversify revenue streams beyond tuition.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Advisory in University Advancement

• Lead the development and execution of the University’s advancement strategy, policies, and priorities.
• Align fundraising and partnership efforts with institutional goals.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on funding, partnerships, and emerging trends.
• Drive long-term revenue diversification beyond tuition.

Fundraising & Resource Mobilisation

• Lead identification, cultivation, and acquisition of funding from donors, foundations, and development partners.
• Oversee development of competitive grant proposals and funding applications.
• Build and sustain long-term relationships with corporate partners, high-net-worth individuals, and donors.
• Drive diverse revenue streams (grants, donations, endowments, contracts, entrepreneurial ventures).

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Establish and formalize strategic partnerships with universities, government, private sector, and international organizations.
• Serve as the bridge between the University and external stakeholders (donors, business community, partners).
• Strengthen institutional visibility, positioning, and external relations.

Alumni Relations & Engagement

• Develop and manage systems for alumni engagement in fundraising, mentorship, and institutional development.
• Strengthen alumni relations through meaningful and sustained engagement initiatives.
• Leverage alumni networks to support advancement goals.

Grant Management, Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee administration of donor-funded programs.
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements and donor conditions.
• Manage reporting obligations and ensure accountability in fund utilization.

Leadership, Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Advancement Division team.
• Drive performance, accountability, and team capability development.
• Engage and influence high-level stakeholders and partners.
• Represent the University in advancement networks and forums.

Operations, Performance & Systems Management

• Develop and oversee annual work plans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Ensure efficient resource utilization and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee CRM systems and donor/prospect databases for pipeline management and reporting.
• Use data and analytics to track performance and inform decision-making.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Communications, or related discipline).

Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years’ relevant experience, with at least eight (8) years in senior leadership or management roles.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development, including active participation in regional and international advancement networks such as the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
• Proven track record in securing high-value, multi-year grants and donor funding from diverse sources.
• Experience managing donor-funded programs and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• Demonstrated record of achievement as evidenced by strong performance and results delivery.

Skills

• Strong strategic, analytical, and quantitative skills, with the ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities, with attention to detail and timelines.
• Exceptional communication, proposal development, and marketing skills.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and use of donor/prospect databases for pipeline management and reporting.

Competencies

• Proven ability to identify, attract, negotiate, and secure competitive grant funding from diverse sources.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management, including mentoring and team development.
• Ability to develop and execute fundraising, partnership, and alumni engagement strategies that deliver measurable impact.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience within an institutional context.

How to Apply

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