Development Manager

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southampton is seeking a Development Manager (Major Gifts Fundraiser) to lead high-value philanthropy initiatives. You will build and manage major donor relationships, craft compelling proposals and stewardship communications, and line-manage a Development Officer as part of a collaborative fundraising team.

You will work to raise significant philanthropic income, support a new campaign, and connect donors with groundbreaking research and education across the University, primarily

Qualifications

• Experience of working face to face with donors on 5/6-figure+ gifts.
• Excellent writing, with ability to create compelling proposals and personalised stewardship communications.
• Able to identify opportunities to connect, cultivate and steward donors and secure philanthropic support.

Responsibilities

• Line-manage a Development Officer and support their achievement.
• Build personal and organisational partnerships with individuals and organisations.
• Raise significant philanthropic income and connect donors with Southampton's research and education.
• Contribute to planning and delivering a new fundraising and engagement campaign.
• Work primarily in the UK with potential international travel.

Skills

Donor relations

Proposal writing

Stewardship communications

Team leadership

Fundraising strategy

Job description

Development Manager (Major Gifts Fundraiser)

At the University of Southampton, our aim is to change the world for the better, bringing together realms of academic research, creativity and knowledge to have a truly collaborative and ground—breaking impact. We care about the challenges that humanity faces, and work to support others on a global scale.

In the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), our job is to galvanise our community to solve these challenges and to make a difference. Would you like this to be your job too?

About the role

This engaging, interesting role is responsible for raising significant philanthropic income to help advance the University. Building personal, creative and rewarding partnerships with individuals and organisations, this position is crucial in connecting donors with Southampton's fantastic research and education. Working amongst world—leading researchers and managing a varied portfolio of interesting and generous alumni and supporters, you will get to see truly life—changing impact in action.

You will line—manage a Development Officer colleague, encouraging their achievement and ambition. You will be based in the Development Team where you will work alongside other brilliant fundraisers who share years of experience but are equally eager to learn from the expertise and perspective of others. Your work will mostly be based in the UK but might include some international travel. Our current priorities cover an innovative medical research capital programme, a widening access student support scheme and scholarships in a broad range of pioneering research areas. There are exciting times ahead as we plan for our new campaign, ensuring this is a varied, enjoyable and rewarding role.

You will be a confident and enthusiastic fundraiser, motivated by seeing the impact of philanthropy. You will have demonstrable experience of working face to face with donors on 5/6-figure+ gifts and recognise the personal and creative approach required to engage with each partner you work with. You will be an excellent writer, with expertise in creating compelling proposals and personalised stewardship communications. You will have a desire to enable interesting opportunities to connect with, cultivate and steward your donors and you will be tenacious and creative in attracting new contacts, ensuring a positive future of philanthropic support for Southampton.

We are planning our first University—wide fundraising and engagement campaign, involving more alumni and supporters with Southampton so that we can change the world. With the full support and investment of University leadership, we are excited to have grown our team considerably in recent years.