Donor Relationship Manager

Listing reference: ukzn_000869 Listing status: Online Apply by: 10 July 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training Job category: University and Academy Location: Durban Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: Yes

Introduction

CORPORATE RELATIONS DIVISION, DONOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGER (PERMANENT), (PEROMNES GRADE 7), UKZN FOUNDATION, HOWARD COLLEGE.

Job description

Job Purpose The key role of the Donor Relationship Manager will be to identify and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships for the University with corporates, foundations, trusts, alumni and/or individuals; in order to secure philanthropic and third-stream income generation for UKZN.

Key Responsibility Areas of the job include proactive fundraising; stewarding donors and building a network among corporates, trusts, foundations, alumni and individuals; the coordination of special projects and the active promotion of Foundation campaigns and the Annual Giving Plan; administration including meetings with college personnel; and donor events management.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, a proactive and empathetic approach to donor engagement, good project management skills, and a passion for advancing higher education through philanthropy.

Minimum requirements

• A relevant postgraduate degree.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in Fundraising/Sales, preferably in the higher education or non-profit sector.
• Traceable evidence of the ability to raise funds exceeding R5m per annum over a sustained period
• A valid driver’s licence

Knowledge of:

• Project management
• Events management
• The higher education sector

The closing date for receipt of applications is 10 July 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applicants when applying, are required to upload a detailed CV and copies of qualifications on the Career Portal:

To apply please click on the link https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php OR visit the career portal on https://ukzn.ac.za/

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavor to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

• Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.

• Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.

• The University is committed to Employment Equity.

• The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.

• Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful

• Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.