The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and the National Organising Committee (NOC) of the IAU General Assembly 2024 (IAU GA 2024) are recruiting a fundraiser for a fixed-term contract of one year based in Cape Town where the event is being held. The Fundraiser is responsible for the development, coordination and execution of activities around fundraising for the GA 2024, designed to build a pipeline of prospects and contacts to support astronomy in Africa for the GA 2024 and beyond.

Location: Cape Town

Reports to: Head of Secretariat, AfAS

Line management responsibilities: none

Key Responsibilities

Develop a fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy and associated targets in line with the GA 2024 and AfAS’ vision and mission
Work closely with the AfAS Secretariat, Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and NOC to implement the fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy
Research and develop a pipeline of institutional and major gift prospects (with an especial focus on African donors) interested in funding astronomy research, outreach and development across the African continent (including governments, bilateral and multilateral funders, major donors, trusts and corporates), coordinating with OAD Regional Offices where appropriate
Draft and deliver proposals for funding and attend meetings with the the AfAS Head of Secretariat, OAD Director and others where appropriate to lead on fundraising asks
Lead on special event design and management at the GA 2024 for high value prospects
Support the OAD Director with IAU liaison on potential contacts within astronomy
Proactively approach and build relationships with local business contacts to engage with the GA 2024
Develop and build relationships with high value prospects, cultivating contacts for the GA 2024 and pan-African programmes
Develop relationships with external partners and networks and ensure that any new networks are identified to maximise fundraising opportunities, including proactively approaching other organisations such as iNGOs to build coalitions
Managing budgeting and reporting of grants and KPIs
Develop fundraising materials where appropriate such as Cases for Support
Managing individual giving opportunities such as crowdfunding campaigns

Records Management

Lead management, responding to enquiries by phone and email, ensuring contacts are followed up in a timely manner and recorded
Manage donor contacts and communications through the CRM and ensure records are maintained and kept up to date
Produce regular reports on progress and targets for the AfAS Secretariat and NOC
Provide effective customer care, ensuring all donations are thanked at the appropriate level
Ensure meticulous recording of data relating to fundraising following appropriate South African and EU regulations (GDPR)
Liaise with the communications team for the GA 2024 and IAU press office to follow up and promote fundraising activities as necessary
Assisting the NOC with ad hoc support for the GA 2024 as and when required
Carry out other tasks consistent with the general remit of the post as and when required by the AfAS Secretariat

Person specification

Degree educated or equivalent experience
At least five years experience in high value fundraising and partnership management
Familiarity with multi-channel fundraising
Experience with a CRM, preferably Salesforce
A strong network of peers and solid understanding of the nonprofit sector in South Africa
Ability to both inspire and work collaboratively within a team
Ability to work independently
Ability to easily build rapport with a diverse range of people
Excellent communication skills, creativity and the ability to develop compelling written and verbal narrative to inspire people to donate to astronomy
Proven ability to motivate and inspire others
Ability to work well under pressure
Extensive relationship management expertise with a broad range of stakeholders
Experience with presentations and public speaking
Proactive, able to take initiative and be innovative
Excellent organisational and time management skills

All applications should be submitted electronically. Interested persons who meet the requirements should email their detailed Curriculum Vitae with a letter of motivation and the names and contact details of at least 3 referees to the head of the AfAS Secretariat, Charles Takalana ( ). The selection process will begin after 31st March 2024. For any queries about this position, please contact the AfAS Secretariat or the Chair of the NOC, Kevin Govender ( ).

Correspondence will be conducted with short-listed candidates only.

The filling of this role will be in line with the AfAS Employment Equity goals.

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