The University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation is an independent trust dedicated to garnering resources for the advancement of the University. The role of UKZN Foundation is to build and sustain relationships with donors and potential donors and to negotiate donations to advance the interests of UKZN. The Executive Director is responsible for strategic leadership and management of the Foundation. The Board of Trustees is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to assume the position of Executive Director of the Foundation. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for a multi-skilled and innovative individual to make a mark in the higher education fundraising domain by leading the fundraising activities of South Africa’s largest residential university. The Executive Director of the Foundation will report strategically and functionally to the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.

Areas of responsibility:

• Oversee and spearhead the fundraising programmes of the University;
• Manage the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries within the University;
• Direct and manage the staff as well as manage the budget of the Foundation;
• Create new donor relationships and maintain existing ones on an ongoing basis;
• Prioritise the fundraising needs of the University in consultation with key stakeholders;
• Lead project and proposal development, donor research, solicitation and campaign planning;
• Represent the University and boost its profile within the donor community wherever possible;
• Ensure impeccable governance and management of the affairs of the UKZN Foundation Trus
• In addition, the Executive Director will:

Work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, DVC: Research and President of Convocation to develop and expand University endowment funds and resources.

Personal and Leadership Attributes

We are seeking an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities, who is an institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships across the institution and with stakeholders.

o  To provide strategic direction to the Foundation

o   Judgement

o   Analytical ability

o   Conceptual thinking.

o   To champion the delivery of greater results

o   Committing to action

o   Displaying resilience

o   Executing assignments.

o   To manage self and others

o   Self awareness 

o   Building talent

o   Managing teams.

o   To foster productive working relationships

o   Resourcing projects and assignments

o   Providing competent and respectful leadership

o   Living University Values - R.E.A.C.H. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation and Honesty).

o   Writing skills are critical.

• A Master’s degree or equivalent;
• Three (3) years’ experience in an academic or other relevant organisation i.e. large NPO or fundraising organisation;
• Seven (7) years management experience of which two (2) years must be at senior management level, working closely with executive management structures;
• The successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours and travel extensively, both nationally and abroad;