Head of Fundraising & Partnerships (Volunteer)

Position Type

Volunteer Leadership Position

Time Commitment

Approximately 6 hours per week

Location

Remote (United States-based preferred, open to global African Diaspora applicants)

Reports To

Board Chair

About The African Think Tank

The African Think Tank (TATT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering belonging and facilitating the professional, entrepreneurial, and economic transformation of the African Diaspora. Through educational programming, networking opportunities, cultural initiatives, and strategic partnerships, TATT empowers Africans, African Americans, and Friends of Africa to thrive and create lasting impact within their communities.

Position Summary

The Head of Fundraising & Partnerships serves as a strategic volunteer leader responsible for advancing TATT's fundraising and partnership development efforts. This individual will oversee the Fundraising Committee, Partnerships Committee, and Grant Writing Team, helping to build sustainable revenue streams, strengthen organizational relationships, and expand TATT's impact.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Board Members, and committee volunteers, the Head of Fundraising & Partnerships will develop and execute fundraising strategies, cultivate mission-aligned partnerships, and guide grant development efforts that support the organization's long-term growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

• Lead and coordinate TATT's Fundraising Committee.
• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies and goals.
• Identify opportunities to diversify revenue streams, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, workplace giving, and fundraising campaigns.
• Support donor cultivation, stewardship, and retention efforts.
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives and special events, including the Ubuntu Gala and other fundraising activities.

Partnership Development

• Lead and oversee the Partnerships Committee.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic relationships with corporations, foundations, educational institutions, community organizations, and mission-aligned partners.
• Develop partnership proposals and sponsorship opportunities.
• Strengthen existing partnerships while identifying new opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing.
• Support regional leaders in developing local partnerships and sponsorships.

Grant Development & Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction to the Grant Writing Team.
• Identify relevant grant opportunities aligned with TATT's mission and programs.
• Coordinate grant research, proposal development, submission timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Review grant applications and ensure high-quality submissions.
• Collaborate with program leaders to gather data, impact stories, and program outcomes needed for grant proposals.

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Work with organizational leadership to establish annual fundraising and partnership goals.
• Monitor progress against fundraising targets and partnership objectives.
• Provide monthly updates to leadership regarding fundraising activities, grant opportunities, partnership development, and committee performance.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective funders, sponsors, and partners.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, grant writing, sponsorship acquisition, business development, partnership management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success securing grants, sponsorships, donations, or strategic partnerships.
• Experience leading teams, committees, or volunteer groups.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.

Desired Characteristics

• Passion for empowering the African Diaspora and advancing community-centered solutions.
• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented leader.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Expected Outcomes

Within the first 12 months, the Head of Fundraising & Partnerships will help:

• Strengthen and organize TATT's fundraising and partnerships infrastructure.
• Increase the number of strategic partnerships supporting TATT's programs and events.
• Expand grant prospecting and proposal submissions.
• Support growth in sponsorship and donor revenue.
• Enhance coordination and effectiveness across fundraising, partnership, and grant-writing efforts.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Opportunity to help shape one of the fastest-growing African Diaspora organizations in the United States.
• Gain nonprofit leadership and board-level experience.
• Expand your professional network across the African Diaspora ecosystem.
• Contribute directly to programs that empower communities through education, entrepreneurship, culture, and economic advancement.
• Work alongside passionate leaders committed to creating lasting impact.

Volunteer Position & Performance Incentives

This is a volunteer leadership position requiring an estimated commitment of 6 hours per week. While the role is unpaid, the organization may offer incentive-based compensation, stipends, or performance bonuses tied to the achievement of specific fundraising, partnership, and organizational growth milestones, subject to available funding and approval by the Executive Leadership Team.