Job Description
The University of Exeter is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world, and in the UK top 10. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the leading research-intensive universities in the UK, it is recognised for the high quality of its research and was recently awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
In February 2017, the University launched publically its most ambitious fundraising Campaign to date, ‘Exeter: making the exceptional happen’, which aims to raise £60 million of new philanthropic funds, as well as securing 60,000 volunteer hours from 6,000 supporters by 2020.
An exciting opportunity now exists for a talented and resilient individual to join the Philanthropy Team in the Global Advancement directorate in a permanent capacity as a Development Manager. S/He will play a crucial role in the successful delivery of the Campaign.
Main duties and accountabilities:
Main Purpose of the job:
Development Managers are outcome focused, and the core objective of the role is to raise significant philanthropic funds from pools of potential donors, gift rated at between £5,000-£250,000. Targets will increase year-on-year as the pool matures and the post-holder gains experience. The Development Manager reports to the Senior Development Manager in the Philanthropy Team. The post-holder will work closely with all members of the Philanthropy Team, the wider Global Advancement directorate, and with faculty and Professional Services colleagues based across the University’s campuses, to raise significant new funds to support scholarships, research posts, capital and refurbishment projects, as well as student support initiatives.
The post-holder will also be tasked with implementing strategies to support specific philanthropic opportunities aligned to one of the following themes:
• ‘Sustainable futures’
• ‘Society and Culture’ and ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’
Main responsibilities:
• To cultivate and manage a pool of mixed major gift prospects (individuals, corporate and trusts and foundations) with a view to raising philanthropic funds in support of University of Exeter’s Campaign.
• Develop and action effective and proactive cultivation plans for assigned prospects to support agreed objectives. The post-holder will commission research which informs these plans and ensure they are fully up to date on media coverage of all prospects.
• Meet prospects on a one to one basis to qualify as potential donors and assess propensity to give, set goals, develop cultivation plans and solicit donations. Hold 12 meetings per month with donors and prospective donors traveling as appropriate around the UK to the most convenient meeting place.
• Implement a ‘moves management approach’ to cultivate support. This will include identifying and implementing specific engagement opportunities for these prospects, with the support of the Senior Development Manager, senior faculty and other members of the team as appropriate.
• Work to targets as agreed with the Senior Development Manager and regularly report on progress to the wider team in monthly KPI meetings.
• Ensure that all communications, research and gifts are recorded accurately and in a timely fashion on Raiser’s Edge. Use the software to record actions effectively relating to the long term cultivation and stewardship plans for each individual major donor.
• Collate information and write proposals which outline giving opportunities to potential donors. Personally solicit donations asking for gifts to support the Campaign. Ensure all follow up is delivered in a timely manner and donors are thanked appropriately.
• Steward existing donors with support from the Stewardship and Donor Relations Officer and in line with University’s policies.
• Seek other income generation opportunities e.g. through legacy gifts, corporate philanthropy and sign-post opportunities to colleagues in other Professional Services directorates (such as Impact, Innovation and Business) as appropriate.
• Identify fundraising opportunities and develop and deliver projects and initiatives in support of the Campaign themes.
• Develop an understanding of the objectives, principles, priorities and targets of each Campaign theme. Build good relationships with academic staff to further these objectives.
• Develop a particular understanding of the specific fundraising priorities both Campaign themes and articulate these verbally and in writing to potential donors and the wider Global Advancement directorate as appropriate
• Work with the Senior Development Manager and liaise with colleagues across Global Advancement to deliver fundraising events and communications to support key Campaign priorities and themes. Identify potential donors, draft invitations and monitor timelines to ensure smooth delivery. Draft text for brochures and supporting materials.
• Attend key University events. Network with alumni and potential donors and act as ambassador for the University.
Support key colleagues in order to develop and increase the capacity to raise external philanthropic income
• Advise and support the Director of Global Advancement, Associate Director (Philanthropy and Campaigns), and other senior staff for meetings with high-level prospects, by preparing briefings and attending meetings as necessary.
• Plan and deliver income generation and engagement activities in association with colleagues working in the Global Advancement directorate including supporting them in asking for Annual Fund and leadership level gifts (<£5,000) and also by supporting their non-financial goals and targets such as by identifying prospects to be involved in volunteering initiatives.
• Work with the Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager and Trust and Proposal Writer to maximise support from Trusts.
Other
• Be an active member of the Global Advancement directorate, including attending team meetings and the other fundraising-related meetings.
• Be prepared to undertake frequent UK travel, particularly between Exeter and London.
• Contribute to the training needs of Global Advancement, helping with the induction of new staff, training and sharing knowledge and experience relevant to the efficient operation of the department.
• The Development Manager will be required to undertake other duties as commensurate with the grade and scope of the role, involving regular work outside of core hours to attend alumni and prospect focussed events.
• Work within budgets as required and plan activities that are cost effective.
• All Global Engagement staff are expected to work within a legal framework and within policies such as reputation management.
• Development Managers will be expected to be self-sufficient with respect to administrative duties.
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