Donor Relationship Lead

About the job

Position Overview

The Donor Relationship Lead will establish and support LUMS’ philanthropic engagement in Karachi by building strategic relationships with corporates, institutions, alumni, and high-net-worth individuals. The role is responsible for supporting fundraising initiatives, strengthening donor engagement, and contributing to securing long-term financial commitments aligned with the University’s priorities.

Given Karachi’s role as Pakistan’s corporate and financial hub, the role will focus on building strong relationships with corporates, business leaders, alumni, and high-net-worth individuals, developing a robust donor pipeline, strengthening LUMS’ visibility within the business ecosystem, and positioning the University as a strategic partner in talent development, research, and national progress.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Strategy

• Support the development and execution of fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Build and maintain a segmented donor pipeline across corporates, alumni, HNIs, and institutions.
• Identify and track potential opportunities for engagement.

2. Corporate & Institutional Engagement

• Support engagement with corporate stakeholders and institutional partners.
• Assist in developing partnership opportunities aligned with LUMS priorities (scholarships, research, executive education).
• Contribute to positioning LUMS as a partner in talent and knowledge development.

3. Fundraising & Donor Conversion

• Support donor acquisition and conversion efforts against defined targets.
• Assist in proposal development, presentations, and follow-ups.
• Maintain and update the donor pipeline and engagement records.

4. Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Build and maintain relationships with donors and prospects.
• Support donor stewardship through reporting, communication, and engagement activities.
• Ensure timely follow-ups and ongoing relationship management.

5. Alumni Engagement (Karachi)

• Support activation of Karachi-based alumni through events and outreach.
• Assist in developing structured alumni giving pathways.
• Coordinate with alumni to strengthen engagement and participation.

6. Narrative & Proposal Development

• Support the development of donor-facing materials and proposals.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications for content and outreach materials.
• Assist in aligning donor contributions with measurable impact outcomes.

7. Market Visibility & Engagement

• Support planning and execution of donor events, forums, and engagements.
• Represent LUMS in external engagements, where required.
• Assist in building visibility within Karachi’s business ecosystem.

8. Data & Reporting

• Maintain donor databases and track engagement activities.
• Support reporting on pipeline progress and fundraising outcomes.
• Use data to support targeted outreach and engagement strategies.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Strong coordination and organizational skills
• Ability to track and manage data-driven pipelines

Behaviours

• Professional, accountable, and collaborative
• Proactive and results-driven
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree required (Business, Marketing, Development, or related field).

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, business development, or relationship management.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with senior stakeholders (CXOs, Boards, HNIs).
• Experience in sectors such as banking, consulting, development, education, or corporate environments is preferred.