Position: Head of Fund Development and Communications

Type of contract: Permanent

Working location: Kigali/ National Office

Direct supervisor position: National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda

This position supervises the following direct reports:

You may also like:

– Local Fundraising and Communications Manager,

– Institutional Partnerships Development Manager,

– National Sponsorship Manager

Background:

SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda is part of a Federation of more than 120 National Associations (NA), that make up SOS Children’s Villages International. The latter is the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children without parental care and families at risk. SOS Children Villages Rwanda was established in 1979 and currently operates from four Programme Locations: Kigali, Nyamagabe, Gicumbi and Kayonza.

The Function of Fund Development and Communications has the mission to support SOS Rwanda by positioning it as a credible and valued organization that meets the needs of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) at both a national and local level. This is achieved by setting clear operating frameworks; presenting clear and consistent messaging, including protecting and promoting the brand; securing new funding opportunities and ensuring fund development is prioritized in terms of both resources and planning.

The Position of Head of Fund Development and Communications has been established to provide leadership in all areas of fund development and communications, which includes i) individual giving ii) corporate partnerships iii) trusts and foundations iv) digital fundraising and v) online communications and print material. This includes responsibility for developing sustainable fundraising strategies and effective communication channels to engage stakeholders and potential donors.

Main duties and responsibilities including key tasks

  • Provide a lead role in the development of a national fundraising and communications strategy through consultation with experts, market research and internal stakeholders. This includes effective implementation and if necessary, adjustments in alignment with changing market dynamics
  • Contribute to the strategic development of global and regional functional networks through providing the latest information on national trends; opportunities for income generation and bringing in the localized view on FDC-related topics of interest
  • Drive the development of strategic partnerships and ensure their implementation is supported through organizing NA orientations, identifying donor recognition opportunities and scheduling events that add value to the partnership
  • Identify potential sources of sustainable funding and new income streams to grow and diversify the NA’s fundraising portfolio in alignment with market opportunities and networking referrals
  • Ensure the availability of quality communication material and access to online platforms through the ongoing development of consistent messaging, engaging news articles/stories and marketing channels specific to targeted audiences
  • Manage the Fund Development and Communications function and pro-actively work with the team to unlock the potential to build a solid programme of FDC initiatives. This includes playing an active role in the Senior Management Team, bringing in the functional expertise to steer discussions and provide advice
  • Interactions with National Director, Board Members, Senior Management Team, National / location NA colleagues, International and Regional FDC colleagues, Donors, partners and external stakeholders.
  • Functional competencies (e.g. knowledge, skills, understanding, abilities…) LEAD competencies

Essential

  • Communication skills (ability to create innovative, inspiring messages for donors and sponsors) Commitment to the mission and role model for others
  • Strong experience in fundraising or sales and marketing Communicating effectively
  • Understanding of working under financial targets Decision taking
  • Organization/planning skills People development/management
  • Strategic thinking and setting direction
  • Experience in leading a team and managing personnel
  • Experience in emergency/crisis communication
  • Results-orientated

Desirable

  • Understanding of varying donor types and ability to deal with a wide range of clients/service-providers
  • Strong presentational skills and ability to listen
  • Education qualifications Educated in social / behavioral sciences (or a related discipline) to Masters / degree level

Experience

  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience with at least 5 years’ experience in fundraising or sales and marketing in a mid-level managerial position (with line management responsibility)

Language skills

  • Essential: English (fluent in oral and written communication)
  • Desirable: Local / native language (French, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili)

Note: This job description outlines only the general scope of activity and the basic tasks and responsibilities associated with his/her position. It may be supplemented with a more detailed definition of tasks, responsibilities and work-plan and is subject to change at the discretion of the direct superior. Applications from qualified women are strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

If you believe you are the right candidate for the above position, please send your detailed application (including application letter, CV and copies of education qualification) and an employment application form well filled in. (Available at the National Office).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications should be submitted not later than 19 June, 2020 at the latest by 17:00 hours Kigali time to sosbnc@sos-rwanda.org with a copy to marierose.nyiraneza@sos-rwanda.org Late applications will not be accepted.

Please Share to