| Closing date | 20 April 2026 |
| Location | Flexible within South Africa |
| Type | Three-year contract |
| Working hours | Full-time (Part-time could be considered) |
| To apply | Complete this form |
Queries can be sent to applications@iej.org.za, but no applications will be accepted by email.
JOB PURPOSE
As an independent non-profit, the IEJ relies primarily on grants from philanthropic foundations to fund its work. The main objective of this position is to lead efforts to secure the financial resources that allow our research and advocacy to thrive. This is a senior role.
ABOUT YOU
You should be an experienced and driven Fundraising Manager who can lead and grow our resource mobilisation efforts. You should be able to combine strategic thinking with strong relationship-building skills, and be passionate about economic justice and working towards a fairer and more just world.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the IEJ’s mission, research agenda, and strategic priorities.
- Diversify the IEJ’s funding base by identifying new funding streams across foundations, bilateral donors, and multilateral institutions.
- Set and deliver against annual income targets in consultation with the Executive Director and monitor progress against these targets.
- Conduct ongoing landscape analysis of philanthropic funding trends relevant to economic justice, civil society, and policy research in Africa and globally.
Donor Identification and Relationship Management
- Identify, research, and cultivate relationships with philanthropic foundations and grant-making bodies locally, regionally, and internationally.
- Serve as the primary relationship manager for key existing funders, maintaining regular and substantive engagement.
- Develop and implement tailored stewardship plans for different donor segments to deepen trust and long-term partnership.
- Represent the IEJ at relevant funder convenings, networking events, and conferences to raise the organisation’s profile among prospective donors.
Proposal Development and Grant Writing
- Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals, concept notes, expressions of interest, and letters of inquiry in collaboration with research and programme staff.
- Translate complex research and policy work into compelling, accessible funding narratives that resonate with diverse funders.
- Maintain and continuously improve a library of up-to-date organisational information, boilerplates, and supporting documentation to support efficient proposal development.
- Coordinate internal sign-off processes to ensure proposals are submitted accurately and on time.
Grants Management and Compliance
- Oversee the full grants lifecycle, from award through to close-out, ensuring compliance with all funder requirements and contractual obligations.
- Manage grant reporting schedules, coordinating with programme and finance teams to produce timely, accurate, and high-quality donor reports.
- Maintain a robust grants management system to track funding agreements, deliverables, financial allocations, and reporting deadlines.
- Liaise with the finance team to ensure accurate budget tracking and proper allocation of grant funds.
Internal Collaboration and Organisational Development
- Work closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to align fundraising efforts with the IEJ’s evolving strategic direction.
- Partner with research and programme staff to understand project funding needs and embed fundraising considerations into programme planning.
- Support the development of the IEJ’s broader communications and visibility efforts where these strengthen donor engagement and organisational credibility.
- Contribute to building organisational fundraising capacity, including developing internal processes, tools, and guidance for staff involved in grant-related activities.
The IEJ is considering whether to combine this role with supporting IEJ’s Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MEAL) work and/or any management responsibilities. This will be resolved before the appointment, in consultation with the candidate, and the job description and salary may be adjusted accordingly.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Required skills and experience include:
- A relevant undergraduate degree; a postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, resource mobilisation, or grants management, preferably within an NGO, think tank, or research organisation; 10 years or more of experience is advantageous.
- A proven track record of successfully securing grants from philanthropic foundations; experience with research grants is advantageous.
- Experience engaging with international funders is highly desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to work across teams and translate complex research into persuasive funding narratives.
- High levels of organisation, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Alignment with the IEJ’s values and commitment to economic justice, equity, and social transformation.
What we offer:
- A meaningful role at the heart of one of South Africa’s leading progressive policy institutions.
- A collaborative, values-driven team environment.
- Competitive nonprofit-sector remuneration, commensurate with experience.
- Flexible working arrangements.
CONTRACT
The contract will be a full-time three-year contract, with the possibility of extension depending on funding, beginning as soon as possible. Part-time applicants may be considered.
SALARY (TCTC)
The IEJ’s Fundraising Manager range for 2026 is R801 781 – R916 321. (As noted above, if the role was combined with MEAL or management responsibilities, there may be room to increase this modestly.)
LOCATION
The position is based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The IEJ currently operates on a hybrid work model, with all staff expected to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This may change in the future.
The IEJ is committed to gender and racial equity and transformation and will consider this when reviewing applications.