Fundraising Manager - RGU07444

RGU; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Robert Gordon University seeks a Fundraising Manager to drive revenue through philanthropic giving. This role involves managing donor relationships, achieving fundraising targets, and collaborating across various teams. Ideal candidates will have significant fundraising experience, particularly in further education, and a passion for building strong community ties. Flexible working arrangements and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

46 days annual leave

Onsite nursery

Sports centre access

Voluntary health and travel benefits

Qualifications

• Educated to HND level or equivalent or with relevant work-related experience.
• Practical experience as a major gift fundraiser is essential.
• Experience in further education or the third sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and conduct prospect research.
• Lead on individual fundraising targets and cultivate donor relationships.
• Create tailored fundraising proposals supporting strategic priorities.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Networking

Decision Making

Planning

Initiative

Education

HND level or equivalent

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University is an innovative, impactful and inclusive University with an established track record of success in teaching and research, student satisfaction and graduate employability, set amidst one of the most prosperous and beautiful areas of the country.

An opportunity has arisen at RGU for an outgoing and driven individual to join the Fundraising and Alumni Engagement Team. The purpose of the University's Fundraising and Alumni Engagement Team is to build an engaged community of graduates and supporters with a strong affiliation for RGU. As part of the wider External Affairs function, the team also helps to enhance RGU's profile, brand and reputation.

The post of Fundraising Manager is to generate significant revenue through philanthropic giving to help resource the University and achieve its strategic ambitions. Primary responsibilities will include the identification, research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donor prospects. This could include individuals, corporates, or trusts and foundations. Part of a small team, you will be responsible for a pipeline of donor acquisition and retention ultimately increasing fundraising income and building a culture of giving to RGU. You will represent RGU at meetings, conferences and events. You will work closely with colleagues within Fundraising and Alumni Engagement as well as the academic schools, key professional services departments, and senior management. You will have line management responsibility for the Donor Stewardship Coordinator leading on the delivery of an excellent donor experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for the right individual with major gift fundraising experience. Educated to degree level or with significant work-related experience, you will be a team player, with the ability to generate leads, build relationships, and secure funds. Experience of working as a fundraiser in further education would be advantageous.

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter, detailing your suitability for the role against the requirements set out in the person specification.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

As per the UKVI immigration rules, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship under this route is dependent on factors specific to the applicant and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Fundraising and Alumni Engagement

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Donor Stewardship Coordinator

PURPOSE OF THE POST: To generate significant revenue through philanthropic giving to help resource the University and achieve its strategic ambitions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Build and manage a portfolio of current and prospective major gift donors to RGU through the donor cultivation cycle (identification, research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship)

Support the delivery of the Department's combined fundraising targets and lead on the delivery of individual fundraising targets

Identify fundraising prospects through prospect research in collaboration with the Database Officer and Donor Stewardship Coordinator

Cultivate and solicit major gift prospects through attending events, conferences and face-to-face meetings promoting the University

Lead on the engagement of Executive Members or Deans of Schools to deliver fundraising asks

Support colleagues across the University with fundraising opportunities developing professional fundraising practices and raising awareness of RGU's culture of giving

Lead in the creation of inspiring and impactful tailored fundraising proposals supporting the University's strategic fundraising priorities

Line manages the Donor Stewardship Coordinator leading on the delivery of excellent stewardship, and securing gift renewals in line with RGU's Supporter Promise

Secure philanthropic gifts from various income streams including individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations

Keep track of fundraising relationships through Raiser's Edge CRM database

Manage confidential and sensitive information adhering to data protection and charity law

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualification and professional memberships

Educated to at least HND level or equivalent or with relevant work-related experience

Knowledge and skills

An understanding of the challenges facing the charity sector or further education

Knowledge of Data Protection, GDPR and PECR and Charity Law

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work under pressure to meet financial targets

Creative with problem solving ability

Ability to understand and present complex information

Ability to lead on projects and work collaboratively with colleagues at various levels

Experience & Skills

Practical experience as a major gift fundraiser

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office

Experience working with CRM system

Creative approach to the fundraising cycle with extensive relationship management experience

Experience of working in the third sector or further education

Experience of working with confidential and sensitive information

DESIREABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Membership of a relevant professional fundraising body

Experience

Practical experience working as a major gift fundraiser in further education

Familiarity with Raiser's Edge and the associated NetCommunity CRM tool

Line management experience

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.

Behaviour 2: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers' expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.

Behaviour 3: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships, leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest and leading and building external networks to enhance the work of the organisation.

Behaviour 4: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others.

Behaviour 5: Planning and Organising Resources - Experience of planning, prioritising and organising the work of yourself and others (within own area) on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, whilst ensuring the effective use of resources.

Behaviour 6: Initiative and Problem Solving - Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions.