Director of Strategic Partnerships

About Ashesi University:

Our vision is a flourishing Africa whose leaders make ethical decisions in the best interests of their communities, and where innovation drives economic, cultural and social growth. We educate leaders who will make this vision a reality, and we collaborate with other institutions to multiply this work.

Joining Ashesi means becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and a transformed Africa. We provide opportunities for everyone to do their most meaningful work, through cross-functional collaboration in an environment that encourages intellectual and personal growth.

If you're seeking an environment that values diverse contributions, supports professional development, and enables you to work with purpose, come join our team.

About the Role:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships brings a passion for our mission and fundraising experience to help reach our goals. In this position, you'll work with an international team of staff, board members, and advocates to identify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward gifts, with a focus on gifts of $25,000 USD or more. Most of your time will be focused on gifts from individuals; however, the position may also include interaction with corporations and foundations.

Ideal candidates will be able to effectively operate in a high-volume, digital environment. You are resilient, adaptable, and highly motivated by Ashesi’s mission. You are described as an ultra-organized team player who can think strategically and execute operationally; deftly balancing independent work and team collaboration to reach the best outcomes. 

Reports to:  Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Ashesi University Foundation – with additional supervision from the Chief of Staff to the President at Ashesi University LBG.

Responsibilities- among other things, you'll be responsible for the following: 

• Represent Ashesi to globally minded individuals, foundations, and corporations who have an interest in cultivating ethical, entrepreneurial leaders who will be catalysts for systemic social and economic change in Africa.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of 100 major gift prospects with goals of at least 100 substantive conversations, and soliciting and closing at least 12 major gifts annually.
• Partner with the Ashesi Foundation Vice President, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Director of Advancement Services, and University Leadership to identify engagement opportunities and develop gift strategies.
• Prepare compelling proposals, endowment agreements, gift illustrations, and related materials needed to secure support for Ashesi’s missions.
• Contribute actively in Ashesi's prospect management and tracking system.
• Coordinate the involvement of university administrators, academic leaders, volunteers, and advancement staff in major gift fundraising activities and events.
• In consultation with the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, establish personal goals, objectives, and strategies for major gift fundraising.
• Contribute to advancement projects that build and deepen engagement with philanthropy within the Ashesi community.

Additional responsibilities may include one or more of the following:

• Work with the University’s Alumni Relations Office to grow alumni philanthropy.
• As a member of the Strategic Partnerships team, support the AUF Vice President, University Executive Team and leadership, faculty members, staff members and volunteer board members in their advancement efforts on behalf of the University.
• Help create engaging donor experiences for key stakeholders and high-profile guests visiting campus.
• Represent Ashesi University at conferences and events.
• Support award nominations for campus leadership and faculty.
• Participate in major gift fundraising training opportunities for advancement staff, academic leaders and volunteers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience, with proven track record in individual, corporate, and foundation major gift fundraising. Experience working in advancement in a higher education setting preferred.
• Deep commitment to Ashesi’s mission of educating ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong professional relationships across cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively convey information orally and in writing in a clear, succinct way and in a variety of communication settings and styles.
• Strong working knowledge of donor database programs; Salesforce preferred.
• Technically savvy, with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and ability to quickly learn and utilize systems.

Important information:

• This position is part of an Advancement Team comprised of staff of Ashesi University, Ashesi University Foundation (US) and Ashesi Foundation Canada.
• The position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Ashesi University Foundation – with additional supervision from the Chief of Staff to the President at Ashesi University.
• This role is primarily in-person, with the possibility of remote work during periods when on-campus presence is not essential.

What We Offer:
Our success is driven by our people, which is why we offer a comprehensive compensation package.
Compensation at Ashesi is regularly reviewed against industry benchmarks, and total compensation includes health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave, which are designed to support the holistic well-being of our staff. We also invest in continuous learning, development and research opportunities, allowing our teams to grow with the university and achieve meaningful impact.

Commitment to Diversity:
Ashesi is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive staff and faculty. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and academic diversity of our university.
Join us in shaping the future of Africa’s leadership.