Fundraising Manager

Manager, Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Who We Are

Bridge International Academies Foundation (Bridge Foundation) is a community schools programme working with governments, parents, teachers, and communities to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education that unlocks potential and creates a pathway to prosperity.

Our schools deliver strong academic outcomes, build essential life skills, and nurture confidence and character. We believe that when children receive the right support, they gain both knowledge and the courage to achieve.

Bridge Foundation operates as a network of schools powered by technology, data, and innovation. Every aspect of our work, from teacher development to classroom instruction, is designed to ensure that learning truly happens. We use digital tools, strong monitoring systems, and continuous teacher support to improve outcomes at scale.

Our mission is to ensure that every child can access a world-class education. We are driven by the belief that every child can learn if the environment supports their growth and teachers are empowered to deliver effectively.

Bridge Foundation is more than a school system; it is a movement shaping futures. We invest in teachers, engage communities, and build strong foundations of literacy, numeracy, and discipline that prepare children to thrive. Many who once faced limited opportunity now see education as their doorway to change.

We work with partners—governments, donors, and organizations—to transform education systems and help millions of children realize their potential.

Join us. You'll be part of a team of changemakers who believe that every decision should keep the child's learning experience first.

Partnerships Management

Our Partnerships Management team builds and sustains strong relationships with government bodies, regulators, corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors.

The team drives collaborations that deepen impact and expand access to education. We work with public officials, development partners, and thought leaders to influence policy, strengthen delivery, and scale learning outcomes.

We ensure every donor and parent sees the results of their support, real stories of children thriving and communities growing stronger.

About the Role

The Manager, Fundraising and Resource Mobilization leads Bridge Foundation's fundraising and donor engagement work. You will design and execute a fundraising strategy that secures resources to sustain and grow Bridge's programmes.

This role involves cultivating partnerships with bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals while ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals.

The position reports directly to the Group Managing Director and is part of the senior leadership team. It's a hybrid role based in Nairobi.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Bridge's objectives.
• Identify and cultivate funding opportunities across institutional, corporate, and individual donors.
• Diversify income through grants, sponsorships, events, and digital campaigns.
• Set annual targets, track progress, and adjust plans using data insights.

2. Proposal Development and Grant Management

• Lead preparation of proposals and grant applications tailored to donor priorities.
• Coordinate inputs from Finance, Learning, and Communications teams for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain an updated grant pipeline and reporting schedule.
• Oversee compliance and ensure timely donor reporting.

3. Donor and Partner Relations

• Build and nurture strong relationships with new and existing donors.
• Serve as the main liaison for funders, ensuring consistent communication and reporting.
• Develop donor engagement plans with updates, impact stories, and field visits.
• Represent Bridge at donor meetings and sector events.

4. Campaigns and Events

• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns and donor events such as charity tournaments and school visits.
• Work with Communications team to create materials—videos, newsletters, social content—that inspire giving.

5. Monitoring and Data Management

• Maintain donor databases and fundraising records with data integrity.
• Track metrics and provide regular progress reports.
• Use insights to refine strategy and improve donor retention.

6. Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, Academics, and Policy & Partnerships teams to align fundraising with programme priorities.
• Ensure proposals and reports accurately reflect programmatic goals.
• Support leadership in preparing board and donor materials.

7. Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage the fundraising budget to ensure cost-effectiveness and accountability.
• Track spending and document financial activities for audit and compliance.

What You Should Have

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communication, Development Studies, or related field; Master's preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or grant management.
• Proven success securing and managing funding from multilateral, bilateral, or corporate donors.
• Excellent writing and communication skills with strong storytelling ability.
• Skilled in relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical mindset and proficiency with data tracking and CRM tools.
• Familiarity with online fundraising and digital campaigns is an advantage.
• Strong organization, multitasking, and time management skills.
• Passion for education and alignment with Bridge's mission.

Who You Are

• A detailed doer: Organized, dependable, and execution-oriented.
• A creative problem-solver: Adaptive and effective in resource-limited settings.
• A relationship builder: Empathetic and able to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
• A persuasive communicator: Can turn facts into compelling narratives.
• A data-driven thinker: Uses evidence to inform decisions.
• A curious learner: Open to feedback and continuous improvement.
• A relentless advocate: Never loses sight of the children at the center of the mission.

Why Bridge

At Bridge, you'll join a mission-driven team redefining what's possible in education. You'll work in a dynamic environment where your ideas directly shape better futures for children.

We offer a collaborative, innovative workplace that values integrity, growth, and purpose. You'll have the chance to develop professionally while helping millions of children access learning that changes lives.

If you're ready to be a part of one of Africa's most impactful education initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.