Development Officer; Fundraiser

Job Title

Development Officer (Fundraiser)

Little Eden

Edenvale, Johannesburg

Full time

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Development Officer (Fundraiser) to join our Business Development team. This is a strategic role for someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships, securing sustainable funding, and making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. This position reports directly to the Business Development Manager and is based at our Edenvale facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving diversified revenue streams, expanding our donor base, and executing innovative fundraising strategies that enable Little Eden to continue its vital mission.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents
• A supportive, values-driven work environment
• Professional development opportunities including approved seminars and conferences
• The chance to work with a dedicated team committed to excellence in care

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across multiple channels to meet organizational financial targets
• Identify, cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, trusts, and grant-making organizations
• Research and secure new funding opportunities
• Re-activate lapsed donors
• Write compelling grant proposals and funding applications with high success rates
• Design and manage recurring giving programs, appeals, and fundraising campaigns
• Develop corporate partnerships and promote planned giving/legacy programs
• Maintain accurate donor records and provide data-driven insights to optimize fundraising effectiveness
• Represent Little Eden professionally at networking events, donor meetings, and community engagements
• Assisting and participating in Business Development events after hours and over weekends as per operational requirements
• Produce high-quality donor reports, impact communications, and stewardship materials
• Collaborate with the Business Development Manager and cross-functional teams to achieve departmental goals

• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Communication, PR, Sales and Marketing, or Business) would be advantageous
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a fundraiser with proven track record of revenue generation and a further 5+ years’ work experience
• Valid police clearance certificate
• Valid divers’ licence with own reliable transport
• Clear ITC score
• Must be willing to work after hours and weekends
• Occasional travel for donor meetings, networking events, and conferences

• Comprehensive knowledge of the fundraising cycle, donor acquisition, and retention strategies
• Understanding of non-profit sector trends, donor psychology, and regulatory compliance (including SARS requirements)
• Donor development and relationship management in the NGO sector knowledge required
• Demonstrated experience in support of the funding cycle from identification of prospects to the development of proposals and relationship management
• CSI funding experience would be advantageous
• Budget and financial understanding is required

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking capabilities
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills tailored to different audiences
• Proposal writing and grant application expertise
• Digital fundraising skills including online platforms and social media campaigns
• Data analysis and campaign evaluation abilities
• Strategic campaign planning and donor stewardship
• Must have the presence and excellent communication skills to deal with senior representatives of donor organizations as well as presentation skills
• Problem-solving and creative funding solutions
• Intermediate MS Office experience required
• Excellent communication skills required
• Authored ability to use Zoom and Teams platforms as well as Canva; proficiency in Canva would be advantageous

• High emotional intelligence and cultural fit with Little Eden's ethos
• Confident, well-spoken and presentable
• Resilient in handling rejection and setbacks
• Ethical integrity with commitment to transparency and accountability
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Adaptable to changing funding landscapes
• Genuine passion for Little Eden's mission
• Organized, detail-oriented, and business-minded
• Flexible, energetic, enthusiastic, and proactive
• Empathetic and service-oriented with professional confidence

Interested candidates must submit a motivation letter highlighting your fundraising achievements & successes. We also want to understand your interest in working for Little Eden. Please submit your application to Marais Button & Associates. Email:  Contact will only be made with shortlisted applicants. Closing date: 23 January.

Date posted: 08 January 2026