Philanthropy Research Officer

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Salary from £36,008 to £40,991pa inclusive with potential to progress to £43,854pa inclusive of London allowance

Are you passionate about using research to make a real impact? We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience of prospect research in a charity or higher education setting to join LSE’s Philanthropy and Global Engagement division to help drive one of the UK’s most ambitious fundraising campaigns. Your insights will power strategies that secure transformative gifts, supporting research that tackles global challenges and shapes a fairer world.

For 130 years, LSE has pioneered research that has improved lives, reduced poverty, and expanded the frontiers of human knowledge. We count 20 Nobel prize winners among our alumni and staff and 40 international leaders, past and present, across 27 countries. Named University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and ranked the UK’s top university in 2026, LSE is now delivering its largest-ever philanthropic campaign – Shape the World, aiming to raise £750 million. 

As Philanthropy Research Officer you’ll be part of a high-performing team that provides critical insight to our fundraising teams working with individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporates and other organisations. You’ll identify and evaluate prospects, strengthen pipelines, and support strategic fundraising priorities. Your work will directly influence the success of the Shape the World campaign and LSE’s global impact.

What you will bring to the role

We know you’ll bring experience and enthusiasm to our team, these are just a few of the skills we would expect you to share with us:

• Experience of producing high-quality research briefings on individuals, companies and trusts and foundations for a senior audience.
• Proven ability to manage fundraiser pipelines and portfolios.
• A strong track record of prospect identification in support of strategic fundraising priorities.

It’s not essential but we would love it if you also had:

• Experience of delivering philanthropy research functions within a large multi-year campaign.

What you can expect from us

• The opportunity to work within a highly professional and supportive division at a university in the heart of London with an exceptional global brand as it embarks on its largest ever fundraising campaign.
• Competitive salary, occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and flexible hours,

·         Excellent training and development opportunities.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join LSE

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us shape the future of social science. Please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

To apply for this post, please click the 'Apply' button above. If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email S.Pyner@lse.ac.uk  

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 4 January 2025 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

Advert information