Major Gifts Philanthropy Officer

Heriot-Watt University; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

9 buildings closed days

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to secure strategic philanthropic support for our priorities, including research, education and scholarships. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will manage a portfolio of major donors, build strong relationships and lead the cultivation and solicitation of gifts £25,000 and above.

You will work with academic colleagues and senior leaders to develop persuasive proposals, coordinate donor engagements and maintain accurate CRM records

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Experience proactively developing and managing relationships with prospective donors, including identifying opportunities, building engagement and securing financial commitments.
• Experience managing multiple relationships or opportunities, with the ability to prioritise activity, plan next steps and progress relationships towards agreed objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence and ability to engage, influence and build productive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of seniority.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive proposals, presentations or other materials tailored to different audiences.
• A proven ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, navigate competing priorities and work collaboratively to achieve shared objectives.
• A proactive and resourceful approach, with evidence of taking personal responsibility for achieving objectives, identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, exercise sound judgement and work effectively within a complex organisation.
• An interest in the role of universities in education, research and wider society, and the motivation to secure philanthropic support for Heriot‑Watt University"s strategic priorities.
• Experience securing philanthropic gifts from individuals, ideally at the £25,000 level or above.
• Knowledge or experience of the principles of major gifts fundraising, including prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Experience of fundraising within higher education, research, the charitable sector or another mission‑led organisation.
• Experience of contributing to a fundraising campaign or other coordinated income‑generation initiative.
• Experience of using a customer or donor relationship management system, ideally Raiser's Edge, to maintain records, manage relationships and monitor opportunities.
• Knowledge of relevant fundraising legislation, the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead cultivation and solicitation of prospective individual donors, developing opportunities for philanthropic support and securing gifts of £25,000 and above. Meet fundraising targets and contribute to wider ambitions.
• Manage an agreed portfolio of prospective major donors, developing tailored engagement and solicitation plans and identifying new prospects.
• Develop relationships with academic colleagues, senior University leaders and stakeholders to identify opportunities for support and coordinate donor involvement.
• Develop persuasive proposals, presentations and fundraising materials that communicate the impact of the University's work for prospective donors.
• Plan and deliver donor engagement opportunities, including meetings, campus visits and events, and ensure recognition and reporting.
• Maintain donor records and monitor progress in CRM, contribute to pipeline reviews and income forecasting.
• Work with colleagues to ensure fundraising activities comply with policies and professional standards across the University.
• Undertake other duties as agreed with the Head of Major Gifts.

Skills

Relationship management

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Project management

Education

Degree level

Relevant professional experience

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to secure strategic philanthropic support for our priorities, including research, education and scholarships. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will manage a portfolio of major donors, build strong relationships and lead the cultivation and solicitation of gifts £25,000 and above.

You will work with academic colleagues and senior leaders to develop persuasive proposals, coordinate donor engagements and maintain accurate CRM records