Development Administrator

Merchant Taylors; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchant Taylors is seeking a Development Administrator to join the Development & Alumni Relations team in Croydon. You will provide essential administrative support, manage data and generate reports to assist fundraising and events.

The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information across multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Essential: Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Experience using CRM databases or complex data management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the Development and Alumni Relations database (Raiser's Edge).
• Process donations and manage Gift Aid administration.
• Record event bookings, registrations and attendance information.
• Provide general office support and assist with budgets and reporting.

Skills

Administrative skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Education

GCSE English & Maths (5+ GCSEs including English and Maths)

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to fostering a warm, collaborative and inclusive working environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and proud to be part of the Merchant Taylors’ community.

We are delighted to be seeking a Development Administrator to join our friendly and dedicated Development & Alumni Relations team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, organised and personable individual who enjoys variety in their working day and would like to contribute to the continued success of our School.

Our Development & Alumni Relations Office plays an important role in bringing together the wider Merchant Taylors’ family, maintaining lifelong relationships with former pupils, parents and supporters. Through these connections, the team helps to preserve the School's proud heritage whilst securing philanthropic support to create opportunities for current and future generations of pupils.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, you will provide administrative support across all areas of the department's work, ensuring the effective management of data, fundraising administration, events and communications.

The successful candidate will be confident working with databases, handling sensitive information and producing accurate reports, whilst delivering excellent customer service to a wide range of stakeholders.

This varied role will suit someone who enjoys working independently, maintaining high standards of accuracy and contributing positively to a busy and collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

Database and Data Management

• Maintain and update the Development and Alumni Relations database (Raiser's Edge).

• Process new records, updates and amendments, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

• Generate reports, mailing lists and data extracts to support departmental activity.

• Support compliance with data protection requirements and best practice.

Gift Administration

• Record and process donations accurately. Prepare donor acknowledgements and thank-you correspondence.

• Manage Gift Aid administration, including monthly claims to HMRC.

• Reconcile fundraising income and event finances with the School's Finance Department.

Alumni Relations and Events

• Process online event bookings, payments, refunds and cancellations.

• Record event registrations and attendance information.

• Assist with the preparation of event materials and reporting.

• Support alumni engagement activities and communications.

Office Administration

• Manage incoming correspondence and enquiries.

• Prepare documentation and reports for events, meetings and committees.

• Monitor departmental budgets and expenditure records.

• Maintain office supplies and administrative systems.

• Provide general support to the Development & Alumni Relations team as required.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

Essential

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Experience using CRM databases or complex data management systems.

• High levels of literacy and numeracy. (at least 5 GCSEs above c, to include English and Mathematics) or equivalent qualification).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

• Professionalism, discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Collaborative and flexible approach to work.

• Understanding of safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements, together with an appreciation of the School's charitable aims and commitment to widening access through means-tested bursaries.

Desirable

• Experience of Raiser's Edge or a similar fundraising/alumni database.

• Experience in a fundraising, development, education or charitable environment.

• Experience processing financial transactions and reconciliations.

• Knowledge of Gift Aid procedures.

• Understanding of alumni relations or supporter engagement programmes.

Safeguarding Statement

Merchant Taylors' School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Merchant Taylors' School ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.