Development Officer - Prospect Research and Systems

CHARITY PEOPLE; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An education-focused organization in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a Development Officer - Prospect Research & Systems. This pivotal role involves supporting major gift fundraising through exceptional prospect research and data management. You'll collaborate with fundraisers to identify potential major supporters. The ideal candidate will have experience in data management, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of donor motivations. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, competitive salary, and generous benefits including holiday entitlement and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days

Flexible working arrangements

Exceptional professional development opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience in prospect research and data management in a fundraising or education setting.
• Strong analytical skills to produce insightful profiles.
• Understanding of philanthropy and donor motivations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support major gift fundraising with exceptional prospect research.
• Deliver data insights and manage systems for the fundraising pipeline.
• Identify and research potential major supporters capable of substantial contributions.

Skills

Prospect research

Data management

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Tools

CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge)

Job description

Development Officer - Prospect Research & Systems

Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)

Salary: £39,407 per annum (Grade 7)

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Closing Date: Fri 23 Jan 2026

Interview in person: TBC 3 or 5 Feb 2026

Help shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at a university based in Kingston upon Thames.

For over 125 years, we’ve been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to innovation and impact. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we’re embedding a progressive new model of education and driving research, knowledge exchange, and partnerships that make a real difference.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance Kingston’s reputation worldwide.

About the role

We are now seeking a Development Officer - Prospect Research & Systems to join our high-performing team. This is a pivotal role supporting major gift fundraising by delivering exceptional prospect research, data insights, and systems management. You’ll work closely with fundraisers and colleagues across DARE to identify and research potential major supporters (individuals, trusts, and companies) capable of giving £5,000 to £1 million and beyond. Your work will help shape strategies, inform decisions, and strengthen the university’s fundraising pipeline.

About You

You’ll be curious, organised, and proactive, with experience in prospect research and data management in a fundraising or education setting. Comfortable using CRM systems (such as Raiser’s Edge), you’ll have strong analytical skills and the ability to produce clear, insightful profiles. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach are essential. An understanding of philanthropy and donor motivations will be a big advantage.

What We Offer

• A dynamic, ambitious team environment
• Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community
• Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University’s future

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston, where inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
• Three ‘meeting free’ weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
• Flexible working — we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
• Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
• Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details

• Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
• Closing Date: Friday 23 Jan
• Interview Date: in person provisionally 3 or 5 Feb

How to apply?

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.