Business Development & Partnerships Officer at Akili Dada

Job Description

Akili Dada is a non profit organisation registered in Kenya and an international award-winning leadership incubator nurturing a generation of girls and young women from underprivileged backgrounds whose commitment to the underserved will transform their communities.

Deliverables

Fundraising Strategy Development Activities

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with Akili Dada’s Strategic Plan - and institutional mandate. Identify and prioritize fundraising targets, including high-priority, medium-priority, and other priority prospects. Conduct market research (external) and needs assessment (internal) to identify new fundraising opportunities. Analyze market trends and donor landscapes to identify opportunities and threats. Build a pipeline of potential funders and partners that align with Akili Dada’s values and mission. Work with internal teams to use Akili Dada’s program impacts to boost fundraising efforts.

Business Development

Establish and strengthen donor and partner networks in Kenya, across Africa, and globally, including the United States and Europe (including Nordic Countries). Develop strategic partnerships with organizations that align with our values and mission. Create a systematic process for identifying, cultivating, and managing potential donors, allowing for better tracking and engagement from initial contact to becoming regular contributors. Work with Akili Dada’s team and volunteers to organize fundraising online and offline fundraising events and campaigns including donor round tables Monitor and evaluate the impact of fundraising projects and initiatives. Identify and lead Akili Dada’s participation in strategic conferences and events that align with our mission and objectives to enhance visibility and impact. Represent Akili Dada at conferences and events, actively engaging with stakeholders and potential partners to further our mission. Plan and host donor roundtables that bring together key stakeholders, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and fostering strong relationships with contributors.

Leadership & Reporting

Lead regular and timely donor reporting efforts, detailing the impact of contributions as well as the progress and outcomes of funded projects. Collaborate with the Communications department to develop and distribute newsletters and updates to keep Akili Dada’s stakeholders informed and engaged. Coordinate with internal teams to gather necessary data and information for donor reports. Schedule and conduct donor meetings to provide updates and discuss future opportunities. Maintain a donor database to track reporting schedules and donor preferences. Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Business Development & Partnerships. Prepare regular reports for Senior Management and the Board of Directors. Work with Finance to develop and manage fundraising budgets for the organization.

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

Organize appreciation events and recognition programs for donors to acknowledge their contributions. Respond promptly to donor inquiries and feedback to foster trust and satisfaction. Segment donors based on their interests and giving capacity to tailor engagement strategies. Conduct surveys and feedback sessions to understand donor preferences and improve engagement efforts. Utilize donor management software to track interactions, donations, and engagement history for better relationship management. Ignite and enhance alumnae engagement through targeted fundraising initiatives.

Proposal Development and Grant Writing

Research and identify potential grant opportunities that align with Akili Dada’s mission and programs. Prepare compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate the organization’s needs, goals, and impact. In collaboration with the Finance and Operations Manager develop budgets and financial plans for grant proposals, ensuring they are accurate and align with the project objectives. Collaborate with internal teams to gather necessary information and data for grant applications. Ensure all grant proposals are submitted on time and meet the requirements of the funding organizations. Provide oversight and capacity building to the internal team in the development of grant proposals, including training and mentoring staff in grant writing techniques. Track and manage the grant application process, including maintaining records of submissions and follow-up actions. Monitor and report on the progress of funded projects to ensure compliance with grant requirements and to demonstrate impact to funders. Build and maintain relationships with grant-making organizations and foundations to enhance future funding opportunities. Provide oversight and capacity building to the internal team in the development of grant proposals.

Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field. 5-7 years of proven business development experience in the non-profit, social impact, corporate and/or start-up space.

Skills and abilities

Strong network with the ability to proactively seek new financial and partnership opportunities both regionally and internationally including through crowdfunding and online campaign experience. Proven experience working with international donors, corporates and philanthropists and the ability to fundraise for annual budgets of USD 2 million+. Experience in building long-term relationships with stakeholders and networks. Proven experience working with senior leadership teams. Excellent communication and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate and work well with others regardless of position, background or geographical location. Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, be proactive, and manage risk and uncertainty. Ability to travel as needed and attend after-hours work events.