Development Manager (Student Plus)

This post is based in Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) and will be required to generate philanthropic gifts and optimise income from corporate partners to support projects led by Student Plus in order to support the development of exceptional student services.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Devise and implement a fundraising plan to maximise the assets within Student Plus to deliver tangible benefits for students, staff and alumni of Queen’s University.
• Achieve annual income targets.
• Identify and research potential funding sources for priority projects as identified by Student Plus and cultivate and solicit prospects.
• Undertake and manage all correspondence with prospects including writing tailored cases for support and sponsorship proposals for a variety of initiatives and develop supporting materials for projects as appropriate. Working closely with colleagues in Development and Alumni Relations, Student Plus and other areas across the University, deliver excellent donor stewardship and corporate account management to increase income and sustain support.
• Prepare gift agreements/sponsorship contracts as required.
• Foster and proactively promote a positive understanding of the benefits and importance of philanthropy and corporate partnerships.
• Research and recommend new ways of generating income through corporate partnerships and develop new opportunities that will increase student engagement, development, enterprise, employability and outreach activity.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all activity on the Raiser’s Edge database in accordance with Development and Alumni Relations Office procedures. Plan, organise and deliver cultivation and stewardship activities for prospects and donors in own portfolio, liaising with colleagues in Student Plus and DARO. Provide briefings for senior staff and/or volunteers for meetings with prospects and donors.
• Provide support to the Head of Major Gifts and Director of Student Plus as required. Contribute to departmental planning in both DARO and Student Plus to meet fundraising objectives.

Planning and Organising:

• Work collaboratively with DARO fundraisers and colleagues in Student Plus.
• Oversee all cultivation events for key prospects in own portfolio.
• Plan own work over short to medium term in line with departmental/University priorities.
• Plan work over medium to long term to ensure agreed financial and non-financial targets are achieved.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Finance: stewardship of income generated to ensure it is used for intended purposes.
• Responsible for organising own work to meet Directorate and own objectives.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Work closely and collaboratively with the teams in the Development and Alumni Relations Office, Student Plus and other Directorates as required to ensure a planned and focused approach to fundraising.
• Interact with staff in Faculties and Directorates across the University as required.
• Network with potential contacts by attending relevant internal and external events.
• Network with peers in the sector to ensure best practice is followed.
• Co-ordinate activities and meetings as required by the Head of Major Gifts.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A degree or equivalent.
• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in a fundraising environment in the Higher Education or charity sectors or a proven track record of income generation in a Marketing or Sales environment.
• Experience of good stewardship/key account management practices.
• Demonstrable track record of meeting financial targets.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to prioritise a range of competing tasks, make decisions and work well under pressure.
• Ability to work with independence within the context of a team environment and a network of relationships.
• Commercially astute, able to see and capitalise on business opportunities.
• Ability to generate financial reports and understand budgets.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills with a flair for giving presentations; superior interpersonal skills; confident and courteous.
• Able to express the vision and achievements of the University clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Creative thinker.
• Have the gravitas and ability to build relationships quickly, connect with and engage, motivate and influence a wide range of people at all levels. Good attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentially.
• Work well as part of a team with a collaborative, flexible and supportive approach.
• Ability to travel and to work irregular hours.
• Car driver with use of car, willing to travel to events and meetings.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Experience of working with high net worth individuals and/or at a senior level in a corporate environment.
• Experience of working with or securing funding from high net worth individuals.
• Experience of successfully conducting negotiations.
• Knowledge of the cultural and sporting sectors.
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or other contact management database.
• Exposure to a moves management fundraising culture.
• Interested in academic life; an understanding of and strong commitment to education.