Advancement Officer

Role Overview

Advancement Officer at Ajman University. The role is based at the institution and reports to the Director of Advancement, working closely with the Executive Director of Advancement & Alumni Affairs.

Role Purpose

The Advancement Officer drives fundraising efforts and strengthens donor and sponsor relationships to advance Ajman University's mission. The role encompasses prospect research, proposal preparation, mid-level donor and sponsor portfolio management, donor stewardship, corporate sponsorships, campaign support, and event coordination, ensuring fundraising initiatives are effectively coordinated and aligned with institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Development & Acquisition

• Identify, cultivate, and secure financial support from individual donors, corporations, and foundations to advance AU's mission.
• Build and sustain meaningful donor relationships through proactive engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Present fundraising opportunities, clearly communicating the value and impact of donor contributions.
• Prepare tailored fundraising proposals, sponsorship packages, and related stewardship materials.

Prospect Research & Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive prospect research to evaluate potential donors' capacity, interests, and giving priorities.
• Leverage databases and analytical tools to gather, organize, and interpret donor information for targeted outreach.

Campaign & Event Management

• Coordinate and support fundraising campaigns and donor events, including galas, receptions, and campaigns to strengthen engagement and sponsorship outcomes.
• Collaborate with the colleges to identify and advance fundraising opportunities.

Stewardship & Communications

• Prepare timely donor acknowledgements, impact reports, and stewardship communications to recognize contributions and demonstrate the results of gifts and sponsorships.
• Maintain consistent communication with donors to provide updates, nurture relationships, and ensure the timely closure of gifts and pledges.

Performance Monitoring & Compliance

• Monitor fundraising performance, follow up on commitments, and produce accurate, timely progress reports.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of donor interactions, pledges, and contributions in AU's CRM and reporting systems.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with AU policies, UAE regulations, and the highest ethical standards.

Additional Duties

• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned, contributing to the success of Advancement initiatives and the University's fundraising goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or business development, ideally within the education or nonprofit sector.
• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and securing gifts or sponsorships from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Experience in planning and executing fundraising campaigns and donor events.
• Proficiency in both Arabic and English (written and spoken) to effectively engage diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with UAE philanthropic trends, corporate giving culture, and/or higher education advancement is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships, influence decision-makers, and represent Ajman University with professionalism.
• Demonstrated networking and relationship-building abilities with a track record of donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Proficiency in CRM systems or fundraising software for donor tracking, segmentation, and performance reporting.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to balance multiple campaigns, deadlines, and events.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and effective problem-solving.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical fundraising practices aligned with Ajman University's mission.

Additional Information

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
• The role requires flexibility, with occasional work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays for alumni events and special engagements.
• May be subject to "on-call" responsibilities in case of urgent matters or emergencies.