Head of Prospect Research

About Us

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare. Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.

About the role

We're seeking an exceptional Head of Prospect Research to lead our talented research team through this pivotal period of growth and innovation. This is your opportunity to:

• Shape the future of philanthropic giving at one of the world's leading universities
• Lead a high-performing team that drives strategic fundraising decisions
• Play a critical role in an ambitious campaign with transformative potential
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across King's and our partner institutions
• Develop innovative approaches to prospect research in a dynamic higher education environment

We are offering you:

• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in an ambitious fundraising campaign
• A collaborative and supportive environment where your expertise will be valued
• Flexible working arrangements that balance on-site collaboration with remote productivity
• The chance to work with world-leading academics and healthcare professionals
• A diverse and inclusive community where differences are celebrated

You will be a strategic thinker with a passion for enabling philanthropic success through insightful research and analysis, bringing the essential skills listed below. If you're ready to lead a dynamic research function that enables transformative philanthropy, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can build relationships that will change lives and make a lasting impact on society.

This is a full time (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable experience of successful prospect research within academia or not-for-profit sector
• Experience and understanding of data analysis, statistical methods and prospect management techniques to support philanthropic income generation
• A sound understanding of the Data Protection Act, and proactivity in maintaining awareness of the developing principles of the General Data Protection Regulation in the UK
• Collaborative approach with demonstrable ability to build and sustain effective working relationships, exhibiting a strong focus on service to stakeholders
• Experience of managing and developing high-performing teams, including transferring skills to others, and mentoring junior staff
• Proven ability to communicate confidently and professionally with senior leaders, academics, and other high-level stakeholders
• Strategic vision with a proven ability to identify new opportunities for developing fundraising programmes

Desirable criteria

• A sound understanding of the role of alumni relations and fundraising within universities
• Awareness of current issues in Higher Education and the philanthropy sector
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to apply knowledge creatively and share the insight through strong presentation skills
• Experience of contributing to institutional gift acceptance or ethical review processes

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