SAFE is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of animals in vulnerable communities through mass sterilisations, rescue and rehabilitation, education programmes, and community upliftment. Working across the greater eThekwini and iLembe Districts, SAFE partners with rescue organisations, private bodies, and community stakeholders to address the most pressing animal welfare challenges in South Africa. We are seeking a strategic, relationship driven Fundraising & Partnerships Specialist to help scale our impact and strengthen our ability to deliver life changing animal welfare services.
About the Role
The Fundraising & Partnerships Specialist will play a pivotal role in expanding SAFE’s donor network, securing sustainable funding, and building strategic partnerships that enable greater access to quality animal healthcare, sterilisation programmes, and community education. Reporting directly to the SAFE Directors, this role requires a respected fundraising professional with a strong track record of securing significant funding from South African donors, particularly those supporting animal welfare and sterilisation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with SAFE’s mission, financial goals, and long-term impact vision.
- Identify new funding opportunities across impact investment, ESG-focused corporates, sustainability donors, and development finance institutions.
- Design innovative campaigns to diversify income streams, including blended finance and cross-sector partnerships.
- Monitor fundraising performance and prepare impact-linked reports for senior management and the board.
Income Generation & Donor Engagement
- Develop and manage regular giving programmes, donor journeys, and stewardship pathways.
- Lead and support fundraising events (virtual and in-person) to drive participation and revenue.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure new partnerships with corporates, foundations, philanthropists, and development partners.
- Proactively engage new donors through networks, community relationships, and strategic outreach.
- Prepare donor reports, partnership updates, and board submissions.
- Maintain fundraising databases and track donor trends.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to donor requirements, organisational policies, and ethical fundraising standards.
- Uphold compliance with GDPR/POPIA, fundraising regulations, and SAFE’s commitment to integrity and responsible practice.
Requirements
Essential
- Proven success achieving fundraising targets across multiple income streams, especially institutional donors and corporate partnerships.
- Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing successful proposals, bids, and impact reports.
- Excellent interpersonal and networking abilities, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and develop creative, high-impact campaigns.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget management and familiarity with impact-linked financing.
- Knowledge of fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and best practice.
Desirable
- Experience in digital fundraising and social media-driven storytelling.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a similar relationship-focused role.
- Demonstrated success securing significant funding from South African donors.
The Ideal Candidate
- Strategic, results-driven, and highly organised.
- A natural relationship builder with exceptional communication skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and passionate about animal welfare, community upliftment, and social impact.
- Energised by creating meaningful partnerships that drive long-term change.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will build and maintain a strong donor network and contribute significantly toward raising R10 million+ per annum, enabling SAFE to expand its reach and deepen its impact for animals in vulnerable situations.
How to Apply
Send your CV, a brief motivation, and relevant portfolio or examples of successful fundraising work to: kerry@safenetwork.org.za Applications close: July 30, 2026
If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful
