Communication, Partnership and Fundraising Officer

About the Organization

Established in 1947, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Ethiopia is one of the oldest youth development organizations in the country. Affiliated with the World Alliance of YMCAs and the African Alliance of YMCAs, our core objective is to ensure the well-being of communities and children, with a particular focus on youth through the holistic development of body, mind, and spirit. We collaborate with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in Addis Ababa and the five regions (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Tigray, and Sidama), and operate ten (10) branch offices nationwide.

Profile Summary

The Communication, Partnership and Fundraising Officer is the “Voice of the Movement.” This role is responsible for translating the YMCA’s complex Theory of Change (Space, Skills, and Opportunities) into compelling narratives that resonate with international donors and local stakeholders. The role holder bridges the gap between programmatic impact and financial sustainability, ensuring that stories of holistic transformation (Body, Mind, and Spirit) are effectively communicated to secure resources for the Vision 2030 pillars. They are a strategic relationship manager, tasked with diversifying funding streams and building robust partnerships that advance Community Wellbeing and a Just World, sustainable planet and meaningful work

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications (Storytelling & Branding):

• Develop and implement a communication strategy that showcases the impact of programs on young people’s holistic development (Mind, Body, and Spirit).
• Produce high-quality donor reports, newsletters, press releases, and digital content (videos, social media) that highlight progress towards Meaningful Work and Sustainable Planet initiatives. Community Wellbeing, a Just World, sustainable planet and meaningful wo
• Ensure all communications adhere to YMCA branding guidelines and resonate with the cultural expectations of European and US donor bases.

Partnership Development:

• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with corporate partners, civil society organizations, and government agencies.
• Manage the partnership lifecycle from MoU signing to joint program implementation, ensuring alignment with the YMCA’s mission of equity and inclusion.

Fundraising & Donor Stewardship:

• Lead the development of grant proposals and concept notes for international donors and YMCA alliances.
• Organize virtual and in-person donor engagement events to showcase program outcomes
• Maintain a donor database and ensure timely acknowledgment and reporting to sustain long-term funding.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Work with the Program Manager to collect data and success stories that demonstrate the Skills and Opportunities gained by beneficiaries.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, International Development, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in NGO fundraising, grant writing, or partnership management.
• Proven track record of securing funds from international institutional donors.
• Excellent written and verbal English skills; proficiency in local languages is an asset.
• Strong photography/videography skills and digital literacy.