IHR Trust: Engagement & Support Officer

University of London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

The University of London’s Institute of Historical Research is seeking an Engagement & Support Officer to lead the IHR Trust’s day-to-day operations and fundraising activities, building strong relationships with supporters, alumni and Friends.

You'll coordinate meetings, manage records, support governance, and help develop donor communications, with hybrid working up to 60% remote and rights to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with experience managing financial processes.
• Strong communication abilities across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships and networks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and enthusiasm for fundraising and engagement work.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the IHR Trust, coordinating meetings, maintaining records and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Support Trustees and committees, including finance and investment activities, and assist with reporting and governance requirements.
• Oversee financial administration, including processing income/expenditure, Gift Aid submissions, and supporting audits.
• Deliver stewardship for donors, ensuring timely acknowledgments and meaningful engagement.
• Maintain fundraising database and produce reports and insights as needed.
• Contribute to fundraising initiatives, including funding applications and donor communications.
• Organise and support events to strengthen the IHR’s community of supporters.
• Collaborate with internal teams to broaden engagement and grow the Institute’s networks.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Relationship building

Multitasking

Discretion

Tools

Raiser's Edge

QuickBooks

Job description

The University of London

The University of London is both the UK’s largest provider of international distance and online learning and the convenor of a federation of 17 renowned higher education institutions. The University is also home to the School of Advanced Study, which has a national role in championing research, teaching and public engagement in the humanities and social sciences. Through its institutes, libraries, special collections and archives, and the University of London Press, it fosters communities of researchers, scholars and practitioners who are change-makers and committed to making a difference in people’s lives.

The School's mission is to be a powerful agent of and for change across disciplines and borders, nurturing research, scholarship, and practice that are innovative, inclusive and impactful. Its vision is of a world where knowledge and understanding, rooted in the humanities and social sciences and enriched by related disciplines, enable people and societies to flourish.

Since 1858, the University of London has expanded access to world-class higher education. Today, around 40,000 students in more than 190 countries are part of our global learning community. Across the wider federation, more than 250,000 learners and 50,000 staff collaborate to deliver high-quality research and education across all disciplines.

By working together across the federation, we extend the benefits of outstanding education, research and resources to learners and researchers across the UK and around the world.

About the Role

Are you passionate about history and eager to make a meaningful impact on its future? The Institute of Historical Research (IHR), part of the School of Advanced Study at the University of London, is seeking an Engagement & Support Officer to play a central role in supporting its charitable arm—the IHR Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the long-term sustainability of historical research. You will lead the day-to-day operations of the IHR Trust, supporting fundraising activities that provide vital funding opportunities for historians now and in the future.

As the key point of contact for the Institute’s supporters, alumni, and Friends, you will build lasting relationships, enhance engagement, and help foster a vibrant and supportive community around the IHR.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the IHR Trust, including coordinating meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Support Trustees and committees, including finance and investment activities, and assist with reporting and governance requirements.
• Oversee financial administration, including processing income/expenditure, managing records, Gift Aid submissions, and supporting audits.
• Deliver excellent stewardship for donors, ensuring timely acknowledgments and meaningful engagement.
• Maintain and develop the fundraising database, producing reports and insights as needed.
• Contribute to fundraising initiatives, including preparing funding applications and donor communications.
• Organise and support events that strengthen the IHR’s community of supporters.
• Collaborate with internal teams to broaden engagement and grow the Institute’s networks.

About You

You will bring:

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with experience managing financial processes.
• Strong communication abilities, with confidence working across a wide range of stakeholders.
• A talent for building and sustaining relationships and networks.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• A high level of discretion, professionalism, and enthusiasm for fundraising and engagement work.

Experience with fundraising databases (e.g. Raiser’s Edge), event delivery, or financial systems (e.g. QuickBooks) would be advantageous.

The University will be unable to sponsor candidates for a visa for this role. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment.

Preferential consideration will be given to the University redeployment pool.

The University currently operates a Hybrid Working framework involving a mix of working remotely and in the office. Typical, the majority of employees will be able to agree to work remotely for up to 60% of their working week, role dependent, however will be required to attend on specific days for training or team meetings.

The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members ofBlack, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description.

Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.

University of London Benefits

www.london.ac.uk