Senior Investor Engagement & Growth Manager

Johannesburg, South Africa Posted on 04/12/2026

SmartStart is a successful national network of NGOs and partners that is realising quality, affordable early learning for all children aged three to five. We are achieving this by scaling a network of and building a platform for providers, achieving specific ecosystem transformations with governments and partners, and promoting early learning as a priority societal cause.

• Own and drive the development, prioritisation and progression of the funding pipeline in line with organisational strategy
• Identify, assess and advance funding opportunities based on strategic fit, value and likelihood of success
• Lead the progression of opportunities through targeted and strategic donor engagement
• Track and analyse pipeline performance, using insights to refine prioritisation and improve conversion

• Engage strategically with funders to deepen relationships and position SmartStart for future funding opportunities
• Identify and drive opportunities to expand, extend and grow existing donor partnerships
• Lead donor interactions that advance relationships, unlock opportunities and strengthen long-term partnerships
• Define and drive donor engagement approaches and journeys aligned to growth objectives

• Drive the development of funding opportunities and shape proposal content, structure and key inputs
• Guide internal teams on proposal direction, framing and required inputs to ensure high-quality submissions
• Contribute to proposal positioning and strategic framing, aligned to organisational strategy and donor priorities
• Interpret donor and market intelligence to inform pipeline prioritisation and engagement strategies
• Identify, develop and manage strategic partnerships with prospective funders and collaborators
• Lead the scoping and development of funding opportunities for new initiatives
• Translate insights and organisational priorities into actionable funding opportunities

• Define required inputs, guide content direction, and align stakeholders for proposals and funding opportunities in collaboration with the Investor Portfolio & Grant Management Lead
• Coordinate across teams to ensure timely and high-quality development of funding opportunities
• Line manage and guide the Development Research Intern, ensuring research outputs effectively support pipeline development and donor engagement

• Significant experience (6-10 years) in institutional fundraising, business development, or a related field.
• Demonstrate experience in securing and managing significant funding (typically exceeding R1m annually per funder) from institutional or strategic funders, including high value grants and partnerships
• Experience raising unrestricted or flexible funding from high-value institutional or strategic funders is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate experience in managing funding pipelines, including progressing opportunities through defined stages and designing and implementing donor engagement journeys
• Experience coordinating complex processes across multiple stakeholders and functions

• Ability to assess, shape, and advance funding opportunities.
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to interpret opportunities and position effectively with funders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and donor engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.