Transformational Gift Fundraiser (AD06)

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Identify and qualify individuals, families, and corporations with the capacity and propensity to make major and transformational gifts to the University.

• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-value prospective donors aligned with the University’s strategic fundraising priorities.

• Develop bespoke cultivation, engagement, solicitation and stewardship strategies for transformational gift prospects.

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, philanthropic organisations, corporate leaders and other key stakeholders.

• Work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, senior University leadership, academics and other institutional stakeholders to develop and execute high-level donor engagement strategies.

• Personally solicit major and transformational gifts and, where appropriate, prepare and support senior University representatives to undertake significant funding asks.

• Develop compelling philanthropic propositions and cases for support that effectively connect donor interests with the University’s strategic priorities.

• Facilitate the progression of prospective donors through the fundraising cycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation, gift closure and long-term stewardship.

• Negotiate significant philanthropic gifts and sponsorships in collaboration with relevant University stakeholders.

• Ensure appropriate stewardship and ongoing engagement of transformational donors to support enduring relationships with the University.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive donor and prospect information within the University’s fundraising and constituent relationship management systems.

• Monitor developments and trends in major-gift and transformational philanthropy nationally and internationally.

Requirements

• A postgraduate Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF Level 8, preferably in a field such as philanthropy, corporate social investment, marketing, corporate communications, business development or a related discipline.

• A proven record of success and substantial experience in transformational gift fundraising, including gifts of R100 million and above, from solicitation through to successful closure.

• Proven experience in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors, preferably within a higher education, philanthropic or comparable donor environment.

• Approximately 3-5 years' relevant fundraising or related experience.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, corporations and senior decision-makers.

• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex institutional priorities in a compelling manner.

• Demonstrated strategic thinking and the ability to develop and implement sophisticated donor engagement and solicitation strategies.

• The confidence, discretion and professional credibility required to engage with senior University leadership, academics, major donors and influential external stakeholders.

• A high degree of initiative, resilience, judgement, creativity and personal motivation.

• Strong organisational and portfolio-management skills and the ability to manage multiple high-value relationships simultaneously.

• Knowledge of national and international philanthropic trends, particularly in relation to major and transformational giving.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Closing Date: 31 October 2026

To apply:

Please submit a covering letter of motivation, detailed CV with the names and e-mail contact details of three referees, certified copies of degrees/diplomas and SA ID (or passport if not SA). Application profiles must be registered on Wits i-Recruitment at https://irec.wits.ac.za.

By applying for this post, the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home