Grant and Fundraising Manager

 

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Work Type: Hybrid

Reports To: Head of Corporate Communications and Partnerships

The Grant and Fundraising Manager will be a pivotal member of the Slum2School team, responsible for securing financial support and resources to fuel our mission. This role involves developing and executing effective fundraising strategies, identifying grant opportunities, and building and maintaining strong relationships with donors and partners.

The ideal candidate is a high-energy, proactive go-getter who loves the challenge and is comfortable working in a multi-cultural corporate environment and supporting organization’s funding initiatives across distributed teams

 

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

  • As the Grant and Fundraising Manager, your responsibilities include identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and building relationships with prospective individual donors.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive grant calendar to ensure the timely submission of high-quality proposals.
  • Organize, plan, and oversee fundraising activities and campaigns effectively.
  • Manage overall grant efforts and optimize the grant administration process.
  • Review grant proposals for compliance with regulations and manage grant databases.
  • Collaborate with program managers to gather data and insights for grant applications.
  • Devise and implement a robust fundraising strategy to achieve annual fundraising targets.
  • Explore innovative fundraising channels, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, and online campaigns.
  • Organize and lead fundraising events and campaigns to engage diverse donor segments.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with existing donors, ensuring regular communication, impact updates, and expressions of gratitude.
  • Develop personalized strategies for major donors to ensure a high level of engagement and satisfaction.
  • Establish and maintain a donor database for effective donor management.
  • Coordinate with the communications team to develop compelling materials for donor engagement and storytelling.
  • Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure synergy between programmatic goals and fundraising efforts.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to develop accurate and realistic budgets for grant applications and fundraising campaigns.
  • Monitor fundraising budgets to ensure proper fund utilization and adherence to financial guidelines.
  • Prepare and submit regular, accurate, and compelling reports to donors, highlighting project achievements and impact.
  • Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines, maintaining meticulous records.
  • Research and apply for relevant grant opportunities on both local and international scales.
  • Represent Slum2School at relevant conferences, events, and networking opportunities to expand the organization’s donor base.

 

TEAM LEADERSHIP

  • Managing the day-to-day activities of the team.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to generate innovative ideas for fundraising campaigns and events.
  • Lead brainstorming sessions with the team to develop creative approaches to engage diverse donor segments.
  • Participate in meetings with the team and stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of ongoing projects and fundraising needs.
  • Communicate challenges, assistant needs, or logistical issues to the relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
  • Actively seek feedback, listen attentively, and incorporate stakeholder input into decision-making processes.
  • Provide guidance to team members, ensuring their professional growth and maximizing their potential.
  • Conduct regular training sessions for team members, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their fundraising roles.
  • Conducting quarterly performance reviews.

 

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or in a related field is required. A higher degree such as a Master’s in Business Administration or a relevant program management certification is an added advantage.
  • 5+ years of practical experience in fundraising at a managerial or supervisory level.
  • Proven track record of success in grant writing, fundraising, and donor management.
  • Membership of recognized professional body (PMI) is an added advantage.
  • Knowledge of grant management software, CRM software (e.g. Dynamics).
  • Strong track record of successfully applying for grant or procuring other funding.
  • Experience of planning and managing major fundraising projects and campaigns.
  • Experience of monitoring grant compliance and managing contracts.

 

SKILL AND COMPETENCE

  • Strong relationship, business, and project management skills.
  • In-depth understanding of the nonprofit sector and current fundraising trends.
  • Exceptional strategic planning abilities, attention to detail, and delivery.
  • Proficiency in project management software and tools.
  • Exceptional professionalism and interpersonal skills and an ability to work collegially with team members and stakeholders.
  • Passion for education, community development, and making a positive impact.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to represent the organization and its objectives in highly professional and responsible manner.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; highly organized with concern for detail and a commitment to rigor.
  • Competence in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure program effectiveness and impact.
  • Strong time management skills and the ability to manage teams, departments, and projects simultaneously.
  • Professionalism, empathy, and the ability to work as part of a team, maintain a sense of humor, and interact with a diverse array of people from all walks of life.
  • Strong relationship, communication, and project management skills.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

  • % of successfully secured grants out of the total number of grant applications.
  • Number of stakeholder engagement sessions conducted per project phase.
  • % of annual fundraising targets achieved.
  • Score based on the level of engagement and satisfaction of major donors.
  • Percentage of successful fundraising events compared to the total organized.
  • Percentage increase in the donor database over the year.
  • Number of conferences, events, and networking opportunities attended to expand the donor base.
  • Accuracy and completeness of the grant database.
 

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References

  1. Global Education Monitoring Report Team (2016). Education for people and planet: creating sustainable futures for all.
  2. Comms, D. (2021). The ripple effects of investing in girls’ education. Plan International Australia.
  3. Comms, D. (2021). The ripple effects of investing in girls’ education. Plan International Australia.
  4. Comms, D. (2021). The ripple effects of investing in girls’ education. Plan International Australia.
  5. Global Education Monitoring Report (2023). 244M children won’t start the new school year.
  6. World Bank. (2019). Ending learning poverty: What will it take?
  7. Fatunmole, M. (2023). Key data on early childhood education in Nigeria. The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
  8. Enoch, A. (2024) Quality education delivers growth – but Africa’s scorecard remains poor. ISS Africa.
  9. UNESCO. (2022). 244 M children won’t start the new school year. Paris: UNESCO.
  10. Fatunmole, M. (2023). Key data on early childhood education in Nigeria. The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19.
  11. World Bank. (2019). Ending learning poverty: What will it take?. World Bank.
  12. Quality education delivers growth – but Africa’s scorecard remains poor | ISS Africa. (n.d.). ISS Africa.
  13. Heminway, J., & Heminway, J. (2023). Why Becoming Educated is Hard in Sub-Saharan Africa – Especially for Girls – The Water Project. The Water Project.
  14. UNICEF, (2021), Transforming Education in Africa.
  15. World Economic Forum. (2023), How Africa’s youth will drive global growth.

Every sponsorship supports:

  • Construction: Eco-friendly school facilities built with locally sourced, sustainable materials

  • Innovation: Solar power, rainwater collection, biogas, gardens, and internet access.

  • Learning & Support: Scholarships, teachers, health services, and psychosocial care.

  • Sustainability: Training, monitoring, and integration into public systems.

9

Library & Innovation Lab

Every Green Academy includes a library, STEM and Innovation lab, giving children access to books, technology, and digital resources. This opens doors to coding, research, and global learning experiences that prepare them for the future.

8

Biogas Systems

Waste from the school is converted into biogas through a clean, closed-loop system. This provides safe cooking energy and powers the backup generator – reducing pollution, improving sanitation, and teaching children about renewable energy in action.

 
7

Full Annual Scholarships

Each Green Academy provides 250+ underserved children with free, high-quality education. Scholarships cover tuition and also books, meals, healthcare, psychosocial support, and skills development, ensuring every child has the tools to thrive.

6

Open-Air Design

Classrooms are designed with circular, open-air structures that maximize natural airflow and light. This reduces heat, lowers energy use, and creates healthier learning environments, without the need for costly air conditioning.

 
5

Rainwater Systems

Green Academies are built with rooftop rainwater collection systems. Rainwater is stored, filtered, and treated to provide safe drinking water for students, teachers, and the wider community-improving health and reducing time spent fetching water.

4

Gardens & Biodiversity

Outdoor gardens and biodiversity spaces make learning hands-on and holistic. Children grow food, study ecosystems, and learn sustainable
agriculture. These green spaces also support nutrition programs, providing fresh produce for students.

3

Satellite Internet

For many communities, Green Academies provide their very first internet connection. Through satellite technology, children gain access to digital learning, global knowledge, and virtual mentorship. It also connects teachers and families to new opportunities and resources.

 
2

Solar Power

Every Green Academy runs fully on clean solar energy. This ensures classrooms, labs, and digital tools stay powered without reliance on
unstable grids or generators. With solar, learning continues seamlessly, even at night or during power cuts.

1

Built with sustainably sourced bamboo, reclaimed wood, and locally sourced materials- reducing carbon emissions while providing durable, safe spaces for learning. These materials are low-cost, renewable, and naturally cooling, perfect for Africa’s climate.