Department/School: Campaigns and Alumni Relations
Contract type: 12-month contact / Hybrid / Flexible options considered
Overview
The Campaigns and Alumni Relations Office (CAR) at the University of Sheffield is dedicated to inspiring alumni (former students) to make philanthropic gifts, as well as giving their time and expertise. A donation to the University of Sheffield can change lives, from supporting students in financial need to furthering world-leading research.
As part of CAR, the Individual Giving team encourages people to make gifts of up to £10,000 using a data-driven approach and a range of communication channels. We’re looking for a skilful communicator and project manager to join us.
The Individual Giving Manager will deliver a multi-channel fundraising strategy to encourage people to give at ‘mid-value’ level (£1,000-£10,000 each year) through direct mail and digital fundraising You’ll also support the wider team by project managing mass fundraising appeals that solicit gifts of all sizes by direct mail and email.
You’ll also be responsible for producing stewardship communications, including reports, that thank donors giving over £1,000.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Deliver a multi-channel fundraising strategy to encourage people to give at ‘mid-value’ level (£1,000-£10,000 each year) through direct mail and digital fundraising.
* Manage and build an active portfolio of individuals capable of making mid-value gifts, engaging this group with tailored communications.
* Make direct asks for donations to priority projects at the University. Current appeals include student scholarships, student hardship funds and medical research.
* Project manage direct response fundraising appeals that ask for gifts at all levels (including cash gifts under £1,000 and regular gifts by direct debit) and ensure appeals deliver a strong return on investment.
* Across all fundraising activities, manage relationships with external and internal agencies and internal teams that support your work. Develop clear project plans and briefs, as well as ensuring projects are delivered on time and to budget.
* Deliver against individual and shared fundraising targets to help the Individual Giving team raise up to £1 million ‘cash in’ per year.
* Ensure ‘mid-value’ donors are stewarded through a programme of activities, including reports, that demonstrate the impact of their support and inspire repeat giving.
* Utilise data insight and audience knowledge to segment and personalise communications for priority groups, including preparing spreadsheets of data for appeals.
* Work closely with other fundraisers within CAR to move individuals through the donation pipeline in order to grow and uplift gifts.
* Ensure that gifts are solicited and accepted in line with the University’s ethical policies.
* Maintain accurate records of relationships and ensure information gathered is available to other members of Campaigns & Alumni Relations.
* Stay on top of best practice in fundraising and promote excellence in fundraising across the CAR office.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
* Experience in fundraising, direct response marketing or creative communications (assessed at application / interview)
* Knowledge of the principles of fundraising and a genuine belief in the transformative power of philanthropy in Higher Education (assessed at application / interview)
* Ability to influence, negotiate and persuade with highly developed written and verbal communication skills (assessed at application / interview)
* Experience working with external and internal stakeholders, to deliver print communications (assessed at application / interview)
* Experience and success in managing delivery of creative content and engagement touchpoints (assessed at application / interview / task)
* Ability to deliver an outstanding donor experience whilst acting as an ambassador for the University (assessed at application / interview)
* An understanding of the importance of audience segmentation and the ability to manipulate data in order to deliver personalised appeals (assessed at application / interview)
* Demonstrate the highest level of diplomacy, discretion and integrity when dealing with all aspects of fundraising (assessed at application / interview)
* Ability to deploy a range of fundraising methods to solicit donations as well as thank donors (e.g. direct mail and email) (assessed at application / interview / task)
* Ability to manage multiple projects at once, produce clear briefs, delegate tasks and meet deadlines (assessed at application / interview)
Desirable criteria
* Experience of line management or coaching other staff members, including delegating tasks and providing feedback (assessed at application / interview)
* Experience of working with customer relationship databases (CRM) such as Raiser’s Edge (assessed at application)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 - £47,389 per annum
Work arrangement: Full-time
Line manager: Head of Individual Giving
Direct reports: Fundraising Assistant
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place the week commending 24th November. This will consist of an interview and task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 17th November, an exact date will be confirmed soon.
How to apply
You must apply through the University of Sheffield's job site. For formal enquiries about this role, please click through to the University's website for contact details.