Introduction

The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa and generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) (https://the.akdn/en/home).

AKU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and aims to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

About the Aga Khan University Advancement Office

The Aga Khan University’s Advancement Office (UA) is a global division devoted to nurturing relationships and financial sustainability with the University’s community of alumni, donors, and partners.

Job Summary

The Director of Fundraising will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support Aga Khan University (AKU). The role involves cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, foundations and alumni across Canada and the United States. The primary goal is to raise significant philanthropic support to ensure the continued growth of the university, its scholarships, patient welfare and research initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in fundraising, ideally within higher education, healthcare or nonprofit sectors. The incumbent will develop fundraising models, project plans, tactics, and evaluation standards to maximize revenue growth, reach and sustainability for the overall fundraising strategy while identifying avenues for new revenue growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy:

Develop, implement, and manage a robust fundraising strategy focused on individuals, foundations, corporations at the major/principal giving level across the USA. Diligently work on delivering on the agreed KPI’s.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

Build and nurture relationships with key donors and prospects, including alumni, corporations and philanthropic foundations. Lead efforts to engage with high-net-worth individuals and maintain long-term donor relations. Work closely with the Stewardship team to share the impact of giving.

Corporate and Foundation Relations:

Identify and secure funding from corporate sponsors and foundation grants to support University’s academic and research programs, as well as scholarship endowments.

Major Gifts:

Solicit major gifts (six-figure and above) from individuals and organizations. Manage a portfolio of key prospects to meet annual and long-term fundraising targets.

Alumni Engagement & Fundraising:

Collaborate with the alumni office to engage AKU alumni in the US, organize events and involve them in philanthropic opportunities to contribute towards University’s priorities.

Event Planning:

Organize and attend fundraising events and donor meetings. Serve as the key representative for AKU at fundraising and networking events across the US.

Reporting and Analytics:

Track, report and analyze donor data and fundraising results. Provide regular updates to the UA’s leadership on progress towards fundraising goals.

Partnership Development:

Develop partnerships with external organizations to leverage resources for fundraising and strategic partnerships.

Compliance and Ethics:

Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal, financial and ethical standards.

Financial Planning & Reporting:

In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, develop the operations plan and budget. Manage the annual individual fundraising budget, including weekly revenue and expense reports,

Requirements

Education:

At least an undergraduate degree in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Business Administration, Communication, or equivalent from an accredited university;

Experience:

At least 10 years of relevant experience in major and principal gifts fundraising for higher education, with 5 years in senior management in not-for-profit fund development, and a proven track record in securing grants and individual gifts;

Skills:

1) Hands-on knowledge of public and private fund development, annual campaigns, budget management, and special events production is essential for this position;

2) Must have experience in developing proposals and materials for major gift fundraising, with excellent project management skills;

3) Strong practical fundraising experience, including successfully closing major gifts and donations;

4) Demonstrable success in cultivating and working collaboratively with board volunteers, donors and community organizations;

5) Able to meet deadlines and work effectively in a multi-tasked environment.

6) Strong network of philanthropic contacts in the US especially with Pakistani and East African Diaspora

7) Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

8) Knowledge of US philanthropy, corporate giving and tax laws related to donations.

9) Proficiency in donor management systems (CRM software like Raisers Edge).

Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviour

Passionate and Committed:

Deep commitment to the mission of AKU and higher education in Pakistan and East Africa.

Strategic Thinker:

Ability to develop long-term fundraising plans and align them with organizational goals. Entrepreneurial, creative, strategic-minded, and energetic.

Relationship Builder:

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors, stakeholders and colleagues. Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and ability to liaise with and inspire senior management, staff and faculty.

Results-Oriented:

Goal-driven and motivated by achieving and surpassing fundraising targets.

Culturally Aware:

Understanding and appreciation of US, Pakistani and East African cultures, with the ability to navigate diverse donor expectations.

Adaptable and Resilient:

Ability to work in a dynamic environment and handle multiple priorities under pressure. Proven ability to work independently, managing prospect identification, multiple solicitations and stewardship activities simultaneously.

Language:

Highly proficient English written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Values:

Embodiment of AKU core values: Impact, Quality, Relevance, Access (IQRA).

Aga Khan University

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