Business Development Officer (Remote work)

Cotlands

2026/03/30   Gauteng


Job Ref #: BD202603
Industry: Sales
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Cotlands, a long-established NGO, seeks a Business Development Officer to drive funding and growth. The role focuses on securing donors, building partnerships, and developing strategies to expand impact. Responsibilities include proposal writing, research, and collaboration to support sustainable early childhood development programmes nationwide.
Job Description

Cotlands is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) committed to creating access to quality play-based early learning experiences through toy libraries and ECCE Hubs. We capacitate adults working with children and educate the parents of children on a variety of topics related to early childhood development.

Join the passionate team at this leading NGO, with a strong national footprint. The organisation is well established and has been in operation for more than 89 years.

The Business Development Officer is responsible for identifying and securing funding opportunities to support the organisations programs and goals. Build and maintain relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders, prepare proposals, and develop strategies to expand the outreach and impact. The role involves market research, strategic planning, and collaboration with internal teams to ensure the organisation achieves its sustainably. 

Job Requirements

1.      Work collaboratively with internal relationships
1.1   Work closely with the BD team to ensure the effective planning, implementations and delivery of fundraising activities and events.
1.2   Maximise the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship through marketing and promotional events.
1.3   Work closely with senior management, Projects and Operations to support the development of new business.
1.4   Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure efficient processes are in place and exceptional support is delivered.
 
2.      Manage existing corporate partners
2.1   Secure personal income target and contribute to the achievement of team targets.
2.2   Carry out day-to-day responsibilities for managing relationships and communications with a portfolio of existing and new partners/investors, ensuring exceptional stewardship.
2.3   Support the development and delivery of partner fundraising and associated activities, attending in-person engagements, where required.
2.4   Develop and deliver effective PR, communications and engagement activities, working closely with communications, marketing and digital activities where appropriate.
2.5   Provide written reports to partners/investors as required.
2.6   Work closely with Operations and Projects to maximise the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship events in supporting the development of existing and prospective relationships.
 
3.      Source new business:
3.1   Attend networking events to identify prospective new business opportunities.
3.2   Research, approach and develop new partnership/investment opportunities as agreed by the National Business Development & Marketing Manager.
3.3   Develop, write and present persuasive and innovative proposals and presentations to investors in conjunctions with the National Business Development & Marketing Manager and colleagues.
3.4   Contribute to the preparation for meetings and pitches by developing profiles and compiling information as directed.
3.5   Source and secure Donations in Kind (DiK) required within the organisation to reduce the organisational expenditure budget.
 
4.      Administration
4.1   Support the development of fundraising operational plans.
4.2   Ensure effective use of Cotlands SOP’s for managing and developing existing and prospective partnerships/investment.
4.3   Ensure all donations and income are correctly, recorded, tracked and acknowledged.
4.4   Track, analyse, measure and report on fundraising results and activities, thereby ascertaining the relevant Return on Investment (ROI).
4.5   Provide regular income and activity reports, as directed, to the National Business Development & Marketing Manager.
 
5.      General
5.1   Contribute to special organisation-wide projects and initiatives, as requested.
5.2   Get to know the work of Cotlands and the priority areas for funding in order to support the fundraising strategy.
5.3   Maintain up to date personal knowledge of play-based learning, toy libraries and other industry relevant knowledge including the relevant terminology.
5.4   Maintain confidentiality at all times regarding donor and beneficiary information.
5.5   Comply with Cotlands’ policies, procedures and corporate image.
5.6   Ensure that behaviour and decisions are driven by professionalism and excellent stewardship. 
5.7   Keep up to date with cutting edge strategies and activities, especially in the international arena and global markets.
5.8   Generate innovative and creative ideas to generate income.

 

NATURE AND SCOPE

Qualifications, knowledge, experience requirements:

Relevant qualifications

Experience in sales, PR, marketing and/or fundraising

International fundraising knowledge and experience

International investor relationships and network would be an added advantage

Experience in account management and/or customer care

Experience in database management

Good understanding of the principles of corporate fundraising

Good understanding of prospect research and vetting methods

Valid EB driver's licence and own reliable transport
Very strong computer skills - complete MS Word package

 

Competencies

Strong networking capacity

Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of partners and investors

Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others

Ability to systematically work towards a target

Strong administration and time management skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Accuracy and attention to detail

Competent use of the full MS suite

Demonstrated diplomacy and ability to work in confidence

Good numerical skills