DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Full Time
Mbabane, Eswatini
Posted 2 days ago

Website Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA

Waterford Kamhlaba United World College Southern Africa Logo

JOB TITLE:	DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
REPORTS TO:	Principal
DEPARTMENT:	Advancement Office
DATE:	December 2025

Main Purpose of Job	The Director of Advancement is a key member of the School’s senior leadership team, responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive advancement program that supports the School’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. This role requires a strategic thinker, strong manager, and skilled frontline fundraiser with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders. This work encompasses the following responsibilities: Oversee advancement operations, including a small professional staff, contractors, budget and reporting Lead and manage the overall advancement effort and map the pathway to success Establish and grow an effective an efficient annual giving campaign Mentor and teach staff, including the planning and execution of individual professional development pathways Develop strategies for increasing giving and donor participation within all sectors of the constituent base Create an advancement communications plan to influence giving and participation Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospective donors in the region Coordinate closely with the Director of the Global Campaign for WK Support the Principal in major gift solicitations
Minimum Qualifications	Commitment to the mission and values of the School Bachelor’s degree At least six years of progressively responsible advancement experience, including supervision of staff, major gift fundraising, team leadership and work with governing boards Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing five-to six-figure gifts Demonstrated skill at integrating annual and major gift campaigns, corporate fundraising, and foundation proposals to form an efficient, coordinated advancement program Exceptional interpersonal skills Excellent written and oral communications skills Highly developed organizational and analytical skills Ability to work on site (Mbabane, Eswatini)
Preferred Qualifications	Advanced degree in a related field Strong record of professional fundraising courses and training Experience in educational organizations Strong public speaker
Key Attributes	Self-driven Goal oriented Strategic thinker Creative problem-solver Collaborative Open to others’ ideas Inspirational Sense of humor
Reporting structure
Key Performance Areas:	Fundraising and Donor Relations Campaigns and External Relations Leadership and Management Strategic Planning and Communications

Key Performance Area		Input
1. Leadership and Management		Lead and supervise the Advancement team, including staff and contractors, ensuring clarity of goals, accountability, and professional development. Foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture that values integrity, excellence, and innovation in fundraising and engagement. Inspire staff to develop a School-wide culture of philanthropy Manage the Advancement budget and allocate resources effectively. Maintain active knowledge of fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and best practices.
2. Strategy & Communications		Lead the drafting of a School-wide case for support to address the need for unrestricted and scholarship support on a sustainable basis Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy, including annual giving, major and principal gifts in the region, alumni and parent engagement, and communications. Direct advancement communications across the Advancement Office and the School, ensuring messaging aligns with institutional priorities and effectively reaches internal and external audiences. Provide strategic counsel to the Principal and Governing Council (board) on advancement trends and opportunities.
3. Fundraising and Donor Relations		Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth prospects and donors, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure major and principal gifts. Partner with the School Principal on key major donor prospects, providing strategy, briefings, and follow-up support. Work closely with affiliated fundraising organizations, strengthening alignment and maximizing philanthropic support. Support the planning and execution of donor recognition, engagement, and stewardship activities.
4. Campaigns and External Relations		Coordinate closely with the Director of the Global Campaign to ensure integration of campaign goals and strategies with overall advancement efforts. Represent the School to donors, alumni, parents, and external partners, building relationships that enhance reputation and philanthropic support.

Approval	Name	Signature	Date
Employee
Line Manager
HR Business Partner

Job Code

Grade

Application Process
Apply by: January 15th 2026
Send CV + 1–2 page letter outlining your motivation and why you are a great
fit for this role to vacancies@waterford.sz (subject: Director of Advancement
– [Your Name])
Confidential exploratory conversations welcome:
Contact Jackie Otula (Principal) at jackie.otula@waterford.sz or
Andy Foose (Director of Global Campaigns) at
globalcampaign.director@waterford.sz
Start window: March–May 2026
On-campus role in Mbabane
Timeline: Initial screening: January 2026
Interviews: January–February 2026
Finalist visit: February–March 2026
References: requested later in the process.

To apply for this job email your details to vacancies@waterford.sz.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

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