Job Description
Job Title: Campaign Projects Manager
Posting Start Date: 17/02/2026
Job Id: 2228
School/Department: Campaigns & Alumni Relations
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £38, £47,389.00
Closing Date: 10/03/2026
Overview
The Campaign Projects Manager is a fixed-term role that supports the University's fundraising priorities by turning strategy into action.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Campaign Management, you will identify, plan, and manage key fundraising projects and giving opportunities. You will work closely with the Campaigns and Alumni Relations (CAR) team, academic Schools, and Professional Services, acting as a link between them. Your role will ensure that fundraising projects are clearly defined, financially sound, and ready for donor support.
You will manage important strategic projects related to philanthropy, including the Endowment Income Project, support planning for the conclusion of the Forged in Sheffield fundraising and engagement campaign, and lead the development of a pipeline of post-campaign philanthropic opportunities. You will provide project management for campaign planning and meetings with senior stakeholders, drafting Board papers and reports that explain relatively complex information clearly.
As Campaign Projects Manager, you will oversee key initiatives within the department and work closely with colleagues across the University to deliver campaign objectives. The role involves managing complex and varied responsibilities, requiring sound judgement and a high level of discretion and confidentiality. Your work will ensure critically important projects remain on track through the campaign's public phase and that momentum is sustained.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Design and implement a process for maintaining a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic fundraising opportunities that align with University priorities and donor interests. Lead work to scope and evaluate the suitability of proposed projects.
* Be proactive in partnering with senior academics and Faculty Leads to identify and "translate" research and capital priorities into fundable projects. Convene groups to source required financial information and narrative content.
* Draft compelling "Cases for Support" and project briefs that align with the University's strategic themes and are consistent with the overarching Campaign brand. Translate relatively complex information into a form that is understandable by non-experts and appealing to donors.
* Lead the project management of a time-limited plan to 'unlock' income and/or capital from dormant or restricted endowment funds. Set milestones, monitor progress and ensure the project keeps on track. Work with colleagues across CAR and across the University to plan, prepare and coordinate submissions to the Charity Commission, providing content for Council papers and proposals where needed.
* Design, set up and test a sustainable system for reporting-on endowment spend and the impact of endowed gifts.
* Use insight and analysis to contribute to the preparation of papers, documents and reports on the project's progress and outcome. Make recommendations and produce content that is appropriate for different internal and external stakeholder groups.
* Provide project management support for the creation and delivery of a clear plan to close the Forged in Sheffield campaign and maintain momentum post-campaign. Ensure the plan covers key milestones and shows the overall impact of donor support and engagement throughout the life of the campaign. Work with colleagues across CAR to keep the plan current, monitoring progress, identifying risks and responding to change as needed.
* Lead work to evaluate and report on the outcomes of the University's first major philanthropic campaign. Make recommendations on content, convene expert groups and contribute to creation of materials, as required. Ensure that planned reports are consistent and timely and reflect the full range of stakeholders.
* Support the Associate Director of Campaign Management in planning and preparing for meetings with key internal and external stakeholders. Tasks may include preparing agendas, drafting discussion papers, designing and producing slide decks, being proactive in sourcing content, and following-up on actions. Attendance at meetings may also be required.
* Be proactive about engaging with peers across the sector to gather insight on best practice.
* 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.
Criteria
Essential or desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
Proven track record of project management within a complex organization. Higher Education experience is highly preferred.
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to interpret financial data (specifically regarding budgets or endowments) and legal gift agreements.
Essential
Application/interview
Exceptional writing skills with the ability to turn 'academic speak' into emotive, persuasive prose for different audiences.
Essential
Application/interview /task
Evidence of the ability to engage and influence senior internal stakeholders.
Essential
Application/interview
Excellent team working skills with the ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively with colleagues;
Essential
Application/interview
The ability to organise own work and that of others in delivering multiple tasks and responding effectively to changing deadlines and conflicting priorities.
Essential
Application/interview
Able to set and meet demanding deadlines, and to hold others accountable for delivery of projects/activity.
Essential
Application/interview
Prepared to take on a wide variety of tasks. Have a "can do" attitude and a demonstrated ability to problem solve.
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to anticipate challenges, work flexibly and address issues quickly and appropriately.
Essential
Application/interview
An interest in philanthropy and high value fundraising
Essential
Application/interview
Understanding of the UK Higher Education funding and fundraising landscape, Fundraising Regulations, and the CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) standards.
Desirable
Application/interview
Prince2 or equivalent project management certification.
Desirable
Application
Experience using a CRM (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud CRM, or Salesforce).
Desirable
Application
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784-£47,389
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
12 months
Line manager
Associate Director of Campaign Management
Direct reports
n/a
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Paula Gould,Associate Director of Campaign Management: on
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Wednesday 25th March 2026. This will include an in person interview on campus in Sheffield and a task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 16th March 2026.
If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Kirsty Duke )
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: ().
What we offer
* A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
* A range of generous family-friendly policies
* paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
* support for those going through the menopause
* paid time off and support for fertility treatment
* and more
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Criminal record
A basicDBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: (opens in a new window).
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- (opens in a new window).