Fundraising Manager

University of Stirling
February 23, 2025
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:£37,999 - £45,163
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:Open-ended
Working Time:Full time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A
Fundraising Manager Apply The Post

The purpose of this role is to generate philanthropic income by developing and nurturing excellent relationships with donors, prospects, alumni and internal stakeholders. As the Development and Alumni Relations team, which sits within the wider Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Directorate, enters a new growth phase, this is an exciting time to join and maximise the opportunity of a renewed emphasis on our fundraising and philanthropy programme.

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, the post holder will initiate and maintain personal relationships with individual supporters and potential supporters, building the University's giving programme and growing our philanthropic income. Working alongside the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement and colleagues across the University, the post holder will be key in implementation of our Development Strategy, identifying and defining fundable projects that meet the University's strategic aims before working to grow sustainable income sources to match them.

The post holder is likely to have strong experience in Individual Giving and will show outstanding communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills. They may have experience in other forms of philanthropic giving, including Trusts and Corporate giving, and/or be able to evidence their ability to meet the essential role requirements through directly transferrable skills.

Please note after the closing date, this job advert will no longer be available on the University of Stirling website; therefore, please keep a copy for your records.

Unfortunately, if you are not selected to attend an interview for this post, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

Any informal queries can be sent to Myra Matthews - Head of Fundraising & Alumni Engagement: [email protected]

Description of Duties

Strategy and Planning

  • Working with the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, support the annual planning process to produce effective plans to achieve income targets
  • Lead on the integration of legacy marketing and regular giving programmes into the overall fundraising and alumni communications plan, collaborating with colleagues across the University
  • Work in a way which integrates data gathering, reporting and insight monitoring by design, both drawing on and feeding back into our alumni engagement data
  • Be an innovative and data-led contributor to the Directorate, providing knowledge and expertise in the delivery of an effective and efficient service
  • Management

  • Provide clear and supportive line management to the Donor Relations Officer, including agreeing objectives and work plans; managing performance through regular one-to-one discussions; and undertaking performance reviews in line with university policies
  • Fundraising

  • Manage a portfolio of prospects and supporters; prepare cultivation and solicitation plans to deliver annual income targets
  • Work with the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, senior management team and Deans of faculties to shape the Case for Support
  • Make personal asks and provide personal stewardship to a portfolio of contacts, growing giving levels over time
  • Develop and maintain relationships with donors to secure sector-leading donor retention levels, building and maintaining a positive reputation for the University
  • Develop high quality, bespoke, creative proposals and funding agreements, understanding the needs of the target audience
  • Maintain flawless records on the Raisers' Edge database in a timely manner to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation
  • Ensure compliance with the University's policies for gift acceptance, due diligence and data protection
  • Communications, Networking and Stewardship

  • Utilise excellent communications skills during cultivation of potential and existing donors to determine their philanthropic interests
  • Develop, commission and edit fundraising materials and proposals that will inspire supporters to give to the University, as well as stewardship reports on the impact of giving
  • Ensure prospects and donors are invited to relevant events to inspire giving and cultivate relationships
  • Financial Operations

  • Work with the Advancement Operations Manager to monitor and track income and ensure effective gift administration
  • Work with the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement to prepare annual budgets, track income and expenditure and ensure the fundraising budget is effectively managed
  • Produce status and finance reports as required by Senior Management and support accurate reporting and forecasting
  • General Duties

  • Work seamlessly as part of the Development and Alumni Relations team, supporting the work of Alumni Engagement colleagues and contributing to a larger spectrum of positive stakeholder relationships
  • Provide regular fundraising updates, evaluations and data-led insights as required
  • Stay abreast of significant developments and new opportunities for funding in relevant fields, and ensure this knowledge is disseminated as appropriate
  • For full description of duties please see attached job description.

    Essential Criteria

    Knowledge and Experience

  • Education to degree level, or possess a relevant professional qualification
  • Extensive relevant work experience in a similar role in fundraising, or strong evidence of directly transferrable skill
  • Demonstrable personal success in the ability to solicit, negotiate and secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals – or ability to demonstrate similar outcomes utilising strongly transferrable skills
  • Confidence and judgement in making a financial ask of individuals; excellent negotiation skills and strong resilience
  • Demonstrable skills and experience of devising and implementing campaigns by working in collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience of networking effectively and influencing opinions internally and externally
  • Track record of engaging and maintaining relationships with donors and potential donors on different levels and in different forms, or strong evidence of transferrable experience
  • Skills and Attributes

  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to understand the needs and perspectives of a diverse range of individuals and produce accurate, inspiring and engaging copy
  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise a demanding workload in a pressurised environment
  • Highly motivated with a positive, solutions-focused attitude, taking genuine pleasure in building relationships and working collaboratively to improve services and processes
  • Ability to display tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters
  • Ability and willingness to adopt a flexible approach to work and travel, and be prepared to work non-standard hours including evenings and some weekends, and undertake travel across the UK and occasionally overseas as the role requires
  • Good general office IT skills
  • Numeracy skills including ability to produce financial reports
  • An appreciation of the importance of higher education and an understanding of the role of alumni within the wider university community
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Experience of planning and executing major donor events and major gift campaigns
  • Experience of working within the Higher Education sector
  • Experience of Raiser's Edge or similar relationship management database
  • Knowledge of Charity and Data Protection legislation
  • Experience of working with donors or supporters internationally
  • Previous line-management experience
  • Additional Information

    Full time Open ended

    The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 23 February 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 07 March 2025.

    There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

    For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2494.

    The University has implemented the pay uplift for 2024/25 as confirmed by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). This is being implemented in two stages - the first stage was effective from the 1 August 2024 and is reflected in the advertised salary, the second stage is effective from 1 March 2025 therefore salaries will increase in accordance with agreed rates.

    The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

    Behaviours and Competencies

    The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

  • Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

  • Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

  • Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

  • Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

  • Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

  • Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

  • Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

  • Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

  • Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

  • About Us

    Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, International, UK and European Student Recruitment, Admissions and Access, Fundraising, Alumni Relations and the University Art Collection.

    In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University's reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.

    The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University's senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University's strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

    The University

    The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

    The University has 18,500+ students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented on our scenic central Scotland campus. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and top five in the world (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), reflecting our long- standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.

    We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

    Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

    Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University- led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

    www. stir.ac.uk

    Available documents
  • Fundraising Manager Job Spec 2025 (1).docx
  • Job number

    SERV01960

    Contract Type

    Open Ended

    Posting End Date

    23-Feb-2025

    Location:

    Stirling Campus

    Grade

    Grade7 £37,999 - £45,163 p.a.

    Faculty/Service

    Communications Marketing and Recruitment The Post

    The purpose of this role is to generate philanthropic income by developing and nurturing excellent relationships with donors, prospects, alumni and internal stakeholders. As the Development and Alumni Relations team, which sits within the wider Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Directorate, enters a new growth phase, this is an exciting time to join and maximise the opportunity of a renewed emphasis on our fundraising and philanthropy programme.

    Reporting to the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, the post holder will initiate and maintain personal relationships with individual supporters and potential supporters, building the University's giving programme and growing our philanthropic income. Working alongside the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement and colleagues across the University, the post holder will be key in implementation of our Development Strategy, identifying and defining fundable projects that meet the University's strategic aims before working to grow sustainable income sources to match them.

    The post holder is likely to have strong experience in Individual Giving and will show outstanding communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills. They may have experience in other forms of philanthropic giving, including Trusts and Corporate giving, and/or be able to evidence their ability to meet the essential role requirements through directly transferrable skills.

    Please note after the closing date, this job advert will no longer be available on the University of Stirling website; therefore, please keep a copy for your records.

    Unfortunately, if you are not selected to attend an interview for this post, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

    Any informal queries can be sent to Myra Matthews - Head of Fundraising & Alumni Engagement: [email protected]

    Description of Duties

    Strategy and Planning

  • Working with the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, support the annual planning process to produce effective plans to achieve income targets
  • Lead on the integration of legacy marketing and regular giving programmes into the overall fundraising and alumni communications plan, collaborating with colleagues across the University
  • Work in a way which integrates data gathering, reporting and insight monitoring by design, both drawing on and feeding back into our alumni engagement data
  • Be an innovative and data-led contributor to the Directorate, providing knowledge and expertise in the delivery of an effective and efficient service
  • Management

  • Provide clear and supportive line management to the Donor Relations Officer, including agreeing objectives and work plans; managing performance through regular one-to-one discussions; and undertaking performance reviews in line with university policies
  • Fundraising

  • Manage a portfolio of prospects and supporters; prepare cultivation and solicitation plans to deliver annual income targets
  • Work with the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement, senior management team and Deans of faculties to shape the Case for Support
  • Make personal asks and provide personal stewardship to a portfolio of contacts, growing giving levels over time
  • Develop and maintain relationships with donors to secure sector-leading donor retention levels, building and maintaining a positive reputation for the University
  • Develop high quality, bespoke, creative proposals and funding agreements, understanding the needs of the target audience
  • Maintain flawless records on the Raisers' Edge database in a timely manner to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation
  • Ensure compliance with the University's policies for gift acceptance, due diligence and data protection
  • Communications, Networking and Stewardship

  • Utilise excellent communications skills during cultivation of potential and existing donors to determine their philanthropic interests
  • Develop, commission and edit fundraising materials and proposals that will inspire supporters to give to the University, as well as stewardship reports on the impact of giving
  • Ensure prospects and donors are invited to relevant events to inspire giving and cultivate relationships
  • Financial Operations

  • Work with the Advancement Operations Manager to monitor and track income and ensure effective gift administration
  • Work with the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement to prepare annual budgets, track income and expenditure and ensure the fundraising budget is effectively managed
  • Produce status and finance reports as required by Senior Management and support accurate reporting and forecasting
  • General Duties

  • Work seamlessly as part of the Development and Alumni Relations team, supporting the work of Alumni Engagement colleagues and contributing to a larger spectrum of positive stakeholder relationships
  • Provide regular fundraising updates, evaluations and data-led insights as required
  • Stay abreast of significant developments and new opportunities for funding in relevant fields, and ensure this knowledge is disseminated as appropriate
  • For full description of duties please see attached job description.

    Essential Criteria

    Knowledge and Experience

  • Education to degree level, or possess a relevant professional qualification
  • Extensive relevant work experience in a similar role in fundraising, or strong evidence of directly transferrable skill
  • Demonstrable personal success in the ability to solicit, negotiate and secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals – or ability to demonstrate similar outcomes utilising strongly transferrable skills
  • Confidence and judgement in making a financial ask of individuals; excellent negotiation skills and strong resilience
  • Demonstrable skills and experience of devising and implementing campaigns by working in collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience of networking effectively and influencing opinions internally and externally
  • Track record of engaging and maintaining relationships with donors and potential donors on different levels and in different forms, or strong evidence of transferrable experience
  • Skills and Attributes

  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to understand the needs and perspectives of a diverse range of individuals and produce accurate, inspiring and engaging copy
  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise a demanding workload in a pressurised environment
  • Highly motivated with a positive, solutions-focused attitude, taking genuine pleasure in building relationships and working collaboratively to improve services and processes
  • Ability to display tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters
  • Ability and willingness to adopt a flexible approach to work and travel, and be prepared to work non-standard hours including evenings and some weekends, and undertake travel across the UK and occasionally overseas as the role requires
  • Good general office IT skills
  • Numeracy skills including ability to produce financial reports
  • An appreciation of the importance of higher education and an understanding of the role of alumni within the wider university community
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Experience of planning and executing major donor events and major gift campaigns
  • Experience of working within the Higher Education sector
  • Experience of Raiser's Edge or similar relationship management database
  • Knowledge of Charity and Data Protection legislation
  • Experience of working with donors or supporters internationally
  • Previous line-management experience
  • Additional Information

    Full time Open ended

    The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 23 February 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 07 March 2025.

    There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

    For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2494.

    The University has implemented the pay uplift for 2024/25 as confirmed by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). This is being implemented in two stages - the first stage was effective from the 1 August 2024 and is reflected in the advertised salary, the second stage is effective from 1 March 2025 therefore salaries will increase in accordance with agreed rates.

    The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

    Behaviours and Competencies

    The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

  • Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

  • Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

  • Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

  • Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

  • Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

  • Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

  • Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

  • Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

  • Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

  • About Us

    Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, International, UK and European Student Recruitment, Admissions and Access, Fundraising, Alumni Relations and the University Art Collection.

    In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University's reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.

    The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University's senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University's strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

    The University

    The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

    The University has 18,500+ students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented on our scenic central Scotland campus. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and top five in the world (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), reflecting our long- standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.

    We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

    Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

    Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University- led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

    www. stir.ac.uk

    Available documents
  • Fundraising Manager Job Spec 2025 (1).docx
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