Job Description

The University of the Free States Vision-130 aspires for the University to be a research-led and regionally engaged university that contributes to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge. With this vision, the University of the Free State (UFS) commits to continuously renewing itself to ensure the retention of our vitality and relevance, beyond merely seeking to survive current and future change. The UFS aims to continue to grow and extend its influence and impact locally, regionally, and globally.The role of the Senior Director: Institutional Advancement is crucial in driving the university's Vision-130 and strategic goals forward by securing financial support, building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, and elevating the institution's reputation and visibility. In doing so, he/she coordinates an integrated approach consisting of three primary components:
Institutional development/advancement
Fundraising
RelationshipsThe Senior Director: Institutional Advancement will report to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and will serve on various University structures, including the Senior Leadership Group, the Reputation Management Group, and various executive committees.KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAllDuties and responsibilitiesInstitutional development
Support the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the academic and administrative leadership in aligning strategic planning and oversight with:
Development and fundraising strategies.
Coordination of institution-wide fundraising.
Relationship building.
Image-building communications and marketing.
Willingness to participate fully in the life of the University by attending events and programmes and by representing the institution to outside constituencies.Fundraising
Ensure a sustainable fundraising strategy for the University that involves a rounded approach to raising donor support in keeping with best practices in this field. This will include:
Good internal communication with faculties relating to fundraising.
Assistance to faculties relating to the fundraising component of project development.
Proposal writing.
Research on prospective donors, including matching proposals to donor prospects. This will include the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive development database that includes donor and prospect management and project tracking.
Cultivation of prospective donors and current donors through sound relationship-building strategies.
Integration of alumni relationships with fundraising and development by ensuring that our graduates are involved in opening doors and giving back to the institution.
Ensure that publications and other media are produced to support all aspects of development, fundraising and alumni relationships.Relationship building
Ensure that the University develops and deepens relationships with key stakeholder constituencies, institutions, business, government bodies and the city. This will include:
Close cooperation with the Department of Communications and Marketing to ensure alignment of approaches.
Becoming acquainted proactively with the various publics with whom the University should be interacting.
Keeping the University leadership abreast of issues and events in which the institution may wish to have a presence.
Overseeing special events, hospitality and visitors programmes at the University relating to donor activities.Alumni relationships
Build a dynamic link with the graduates of the University by nurturing alumni nationally and internationally and keeping the constituency active in the affairs of the University. This will include:
Ensuring a comprehensive alumni database and tracking their progress.
Developing a most interactive sector among alumni that can be drawn into active support for the University.
Developing activities, products and communications that will assist in bringing alumni back into a stronger relationship with the University.
Extending the bequest programme.
Supporting the convocation and any other alumni formations.Marketing and communication
Cooperate with the Department of Communication and Marketing to ensure the promotion of a consistent institutional image, aligned with the institutional advancement strategy.Inherent Job RequirementsA postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8.
A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience, of which five (5) years must have been in a senior and strategic leadership position.
Experience in strategic and operational planning and execution.
Demonstrated success in fundraising initiatives.
Proven history of establishing networks and fostering relationships.Key Competencies Required:Strategic thinking
o Recognition of the values of the University and an understanding of its role in South Africa and its responsibilities to the people, communities and organisations of the country, the province and the city.
o High-level strategic thinking and planning skills, with a focus on integrating the Universitys educational, fiscal and development goals.
o The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
o The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
Business acumen
o Fundraising skills.
o Excellent writing and reporting skills.
o The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
o Knowledge of customer relationship management programmes.
Leadership
o Excellent communication, external relationships, advocacy, coordination and leadership skills necessary to ensure the success of a results-orientated development programme.
o The ability to motivate, mentor, inspire and lead dedicated staff.
o The ability to cooperate with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
o The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
Building coalitions
o The ability to work effectively with corporate representatives at the highest level.
o Skills to encourage and build collaborative relationships among the University community, the public, external stakeholders, donors and alumni.
Results orientation
o The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing ones task.
o The ability to be reliable, responsible and dependable, and to fulfil obligations.Required DocumentsPlease ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application.A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
Proof of registration with a professional body (if applicable).
A copy of your drivers license (if applicable).
Confirmation of employment from current employer/last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).Assumption of duties
As soon as possible.Closing date
31 July 2024Salary
Salary is available on request.Fringe benefits
Subject to specific conditions: pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.Enquiries
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9737 or email JonesEY@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9848/ 9012 for assistance.General
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its employment equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdfThe University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

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