Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF)  

Deadline Extension: Fundraising Manager 

Prishtina, Kosova 

POSITION TYPE: Full time Independent Contractor 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 18, 2024 

ABOUT KAEF 

The Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) supports the long-term economic development of Kosova by providing graduate fellowships to promising Kosovars for top-level training at US universities. KAEF  was created in 2004 from the sale of assets accumulated by the American Bank of Kosovo, a USAID funded project. Individual contributions to the fund go directly to the support of KAEF fellows studying in  the US. 

KAEF is directed by an independent committee of regional experts, business leaders, and program  alumni. American Councils for International Education administers the program in collaboration with the  committee. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The KAEF Committee seeks an immediate Fundraising Manager to help build the long-term sustainability  of the KAEF program through maximizing financial contributions from program’s strategic sponsors in  Kosova and abroad. 

The KAEF Fundraising Manager will support the KAEF Committee to design and implement a number of  significant fundraising efforts aimed at generating support from program’s strategic sponsors, including  major international foundations. Leveraging existing and newly cultivated professional networks, the  KAEF Fundraising Manager will help identify and implement outreach efforts to the private sector, local  stakeholders, and diaspora leaders to build the case for continued financial support for KAEF. The KAEF  Committee seeks an individual who approaches her/his work with a passion for the program’s mission,  promotes the continued impact of KAEF, and offers insights that are creative, entrepreneurial, and  meaningful.  

This non-staff position will work closely with, and report to, the KAEF Committee in pursuing key  fundraising and outreach goals. Given the complexity of the assignment, it is expected that 35-40 hours  per week level of effort for the first year will be required. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

Working closely with the KAEF Committee, the KAEF Fundraising Manager will support the following  activities: 

• Plan and execute the annual fundraising strategies and campaigns.  
• Identify and engage with potential donors and sponsors, including international foundations,  Kosova’s private sector, the diaspora, and online platforms. 
• Build relationships with key stakeholders, Kosova’s private sector, including companies with  American ownership in Kosova.  
• Collaborate with alumni to maximize their involvement in fundraising efforts. 
• Plan and execute fundraising events and networking opportunities.  
• Engage with donors in person, calls, social media, and through every digital channel of  communication. Adapts communication strategies based on results and feedback.  
• Acknowledge and express gratitude to donors and sponsors through personalized messages. 
•  Advise and coordinate committee members as necessary to drive fundraising results. 
• Track progress and provide regular and ad-hoc detailed reports to the committee. 
• Collaborate with program managers to align fundraising efforts with the charity’s mission and goals.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

The KAEF Committee seek an individual possessing:  

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a role that involves fundraising, business development or  sales.  
• Must be a self-starter, charismatic, collaborative, and tactful in handling stress and criticism.  
• A proven ability to communicate effectively to a broad cross-section of stakeholders in both verbal  and written form.  
• Excellent writing and presentation skills for creating compelling fundraising materials.  
• Wide network and connections to businesses in Kosova, Albanian Diaspora, and political and non political entities in Kosova and the region are preferred.  
• Demonstrated ability to personally solicit gifts from identification – cultivation – solicitation – stewardship.  
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and make effective decisions.  • Proven relationship building, persuasion and influence skills.  
• Ability to proactively monitor and adjust activities to respond to changing circumstances and  priorities to meet goals, proactively address issues as they arise and mitigate risks associated with  events.  
• Strong organizational and project management abilities. Experience with client relationship  management systems or fundraising systems a plus.  
• Passion for education and a commitment to the charity’s mission. 

TO APPLY 

• A CV/resume of not more than 2 pages;
• A cover letter of not more than 300 words (include contacts for 2 references)

Please email your CV/resume and the cover letter to [email protected] no later than August 18, 2024.