Director, University Advancement

About USIU-Africa

Our History

USIU-Africa was established in 1969 as the African campus of United States International University in San Diego, initially offering programs not available in public universities, such as Psychology and International Relations. The institution relocated to Kasarani in 1991 and expanded its land holdings in 1999, enabling accreditation by Kenya’s Commission for University Education. In 2001, it briefly merged with the California School of Professional Psychology to form Alliant International University, but regained independence in 2005 and secured U.S. accreditation from WASC in 2008.

In 2014, the university rebranded as United States International University-Africa and now holds dual accreditation in Kenya and the United States. Today, USIU-Africa offers 38 programs across diverse fields, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Health, and Technology, continuing its mission to meet the evolving demands of a globalized world.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision: To be a premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective.

USIU-Africa’s mission is to promote the discovery and application of knowledge, the acquisition of skills and the development of intellect and character in a manner which prepares students to contribute effectively and ethically as citizens of a changing and increasingly technological world.

This mission is achieved through a wide range of high quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs designed to result in the following outcomes: higher order thinking; scientific, quantitative and technical literacy; global understanding and multicultural perspective; career preparedness; community service and development; and ethical leadership.

We seek to create an environment that encourages rigorous intellectual and scholarly development; fosters openness to a wide range of ideas, cultures, and people; and enhances personal growth through social action projects.

Our core values include:

• Life-long Learning: Developing a learning culture that continues throughout a person’s lifetime.
• Integrity: Ensuring the pursuit of excellence by upholding professional and ethical standards and being accountable.
• Innovativeness: Introducing new methods and strategies that ensure quality, efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.
• Social Responsibility: Providing leadership in responding to issues of national and global concern through collaborative efforts.
• Academic Freedom: Upholding the spirit of free and critical thought and enquiry, through the open exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Academic programs at USIU-Africa are learner centred and committed to developing critical and creative thinking, literacy skills through writing intensive courses and projects, and preparing students for their careers through formal and co-curricular activities, community service and internships. Student leadership is part of the learning process and is encouraged through active participation in sports, clubs, community service and internships with self-reflection on one’s personal development and social action participation.

Director, University Advancement

The Director, University Advancement is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the university’s fundraising and partnership efforts in order to support its goal of providing superior teaching, learning, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Director’s role provides a bridge between the university and its alumni, donors, and the business community, focusing on long-term funding relationships that diversify revenue streams beyond tuition.

Strategic Leadership & Advisory in University Advancement

• Lead the development and execution of the University’s advancement strategy, policies, and priorities.
• Align fundraising and partnership efforts with institutional goals.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on funding, partnerships, and emerging trends.
• Drive long-term revenue diversification beyond tuition.

Fundraising & Resource Mobilisation

• Lead identification, cultivation, and acquisition of funding from donors, foundations, and development partners.
• Oversee development of competitive grant proposals and funding applications.
• Build and sustain long-term relationships with corporate partners, high-net-worth individuals, and donors.
• Drive diverse revenue streams (grants, donations, endowments, contracts, entrepreneurial ventures).

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Establish and formalize strategic partnerships with universities, government, private sector, and international organizations.
• Serve as the bridge between the University and external stakeholders (donors, business community, partners).
• Strengthen institutional visibility, positioning, and external relations.

Alumni Relations & Engagement

• Develop and manage systems for alumni engagement in fundraising, mentorship, and institutional development.
• Strengthen alumni relations through meaningful and sustained engagement initiatives.
• Leverage alumni networks to support advancement goals.

Grant Management, Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee administration of donor-funded programs.
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements and donor conditions.
• Manage reporting obligations and ensure accountability in fund utilization.

Leadership, Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Advancement Division team.
• Drive performance, accountability, and team capability development.
• Engage and influence high-level stakeholders and partners.
• Represent the University in advancement networks and forums.

Operations, Performance & Systems Management

• Develop and oversee annual work plans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Ensure efficient resource utilization and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee CRM systems and donor/prospect databases for pipeline management and reporting.
• Use data and analytics to track performance and inform decision-making.

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Communications, or related discipline).

Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years’ relevant experience, with at least eight (8) years in senior leadership or management roles.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development, including active participation in regional and international advancement networks such as the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
• Proven track record in securing high-value, multi-year grants and donor funding from diverse sources.
• Experience managing donor-funded programs and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• Demonstrated record of achievement as evidenced by strong performance and results delivery.

Skills

• Strong strategic, analytical, and quantitative skills, with the ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities, with attention to detail and timelines.
• Exceptional communication, proposal development, and marketing skills.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and use of donor/prospect databases for pipeline management and reporting.

Competencies

• Proven ability to identify, attract, negotiate, and secure competitive grant funding from diverse sources.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management, including mentoring and team development.
• Ability to develop and execute fundraising, partnership, and alumni engagement strategies that deliver measurable impact.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience within an institutional context.

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