Role Objective
The Assistant Director, Donor Engagement and Communications at the KCAU Foundation is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship strategies. The role involves leading communication initiatives that drive fundraising outcomes and support event-based programs, ensuring the university's impact is effectively communicated to stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
Donor Engagement Strategy
- Develop and implement comprehensive donor engagement strategies to cultivate relationships with individual donors, major donors, foundations, corporations, and other stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to personalize donor interactions and stewardship efforts to enhance donor satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborate with the resource mobilization team to establish donor recognition and stewardship programs, including acknowledgement letters, donor appreciation events, and personalized communications.
Donor Communication
- Oversee the development and implementation of donor communication plans, including email campaigns, newsletters, annual reports, and fundraising appeals.
- Create compelling content that effectively communicates KCAU’s impact, achievements, and funding needs to donors and supporters.
- Coordinate with the communications team to ensure alignment of messaging, branding, and storytelling across all donor communications channels.
- Collaborate with the communications and marketing team to create donor communications, acknowledgement letters, and impact reports.
Proposal, Offer & Donor-Case Development
- Coordinate cross-functional input to ensure proposals are rigorous, compliant, impact-based, and aligned with donor/investor criteria.
- Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle from lead identification to concept, submission, and negotiation.
Fundraising Appeals and Campaigns
- Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising appeals and campaigns aimed at acquiring new donors, renewing existing donors, and increasing donor contributions.
- Develop targeted fundraising messaging and collateral materials for various donor segments and fundraising initiatives.
- Monitor campaign performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed to optimize fundraising outcomes and donor engagement.
Relationship Management
- Cultivate and steward relationships with key donors, volunteers, board members, and other stakeholders to deepen engagement and support for the organization.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for donor inquiries, requests, and feedback, providing excellent customer service and responsiveness.
- Collaborate with programmatic and leadership staff to facilitate donor engagement opportunities, including site visits, events, and program updates.
Donor Database Management
- Oversee the maintenance and utilization of the donor database to track donor interactions, preferences, and giving history.
- Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with data protection regulations, including donor privacy and confidentiality.
- Leverage donor data and analytics to inform donor segmentation, targeting, and personalized communication strategies.
Reporting and Analysis
- Prepare regular reports and analyses on donor engagement metrics, fundraising performance, and trends for internal and external stakeholders.
- Utilize data insights to evaluate the effectiveness of donor engagement strategies and communications efforts, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
General Duties
- Perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Supervisor or Management.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Communication, Marketing, or a relevant field from an accredited/recognized institution.
- An advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CFRE) will be an added advantage.
- At least Five (5) years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, communications, or related roles, with a focus on donor engagement and stewardship.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong understanding of donor-centric fundraising principles, strategies, and best practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the KCAU’s mission, impact, and funding needs to diverse audiences.
- Creative storytelling abilities and a passion for crafting compelling narratives that inspire philanthropic support.
- Relationship-building skills, with the ability to cultivate and steward donor relationships effectively.
- Proficiency in donor database management and CRM systems, with experience in data analysis and reporting.
- Project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Knowledge of fundraising tools and technologies, including online fundraising platforms and donor management software.
- Demonstrated commitment and a passion for making a positive impact in the community.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the KCA University website or via the provided application link. Visit www.kcau.ac.ke for more information.
