Development Manager (Major Gifts Fundraiser)

At the University of Southampton, our aim is to change the world for the better, bringing together realms of academic research, creativity and knowledge to have a truly collaborative and ground-breaking impact. We care about the challenges that humanity faces, and work to support others on a global scale. 

In the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), our job is to galvanise our community to solve these challenges and to make a difference. Would you like this to be your job too? 

About the role

This engaging, interesting role is responsible for raising significant philanthropic income to help advance the University. Building personal, creative and rewarding partnerships with individuals and organisations, this position is crucial in connecting donors with Southampton’s fantastic research and education. Working amongst world-leading researchers and managing a varied portfolio of interesting and generous alumni and supporters, you will get to see truly life-changing impact in action. 

You will line-manage a Development Officer colleague, encouraging their achievement and ambition. You will be based in the Development Team where you will work alongside other brilliant fundraisers who share years of experience but are equally eager to learn from the expertise and perspective of others. Your work will mostly be based in the UK but might include some international travel. Our current priorities cover an innovative medical research capital programme, a widening access student support scheme and scholarships in a broad range of pioneering research areas. There are exciting times ahead as we plan for our new campaign, ensuring this is a varied, enjoyable and rewarding role.

About you

You will be a confident and enthusiastic fundraiser, motivated by seeing the impact of philanthropy. You will have demonstrable experience of working face to face with donors on 5/6-figure+ gifts and recognise the personal and creative approach required to engage with each partner you work with. You will be an excellent writer, with expertise in creating compelling proposals and personalised stewardship communications. You will have a desire to enable interesting opportunities to connect with, cultivate and steward your donors and you will be tenacious and creative in attracting new contacts, ensuring a positive future of philanthropic support for Southampton.

About us

We are planning our first University-wide fundraising and engagement campaign, involving more alumni and supporters with Southampton so that we can change the world. With the full support and investment of University leadership, we are excited to have grown our team considerably in recent years.

We need people with intellectual curiosity and different ideas. We need people with direct experience or transferable skills and the interest and drive to take on a new challenge. We are actively determined to welcome a diverse group of colleagues into our inclusive team. Every day will be different, you will meet incredible people, and the rewards will be huge. 

This could be a career-defining opportunity, and we want to hear from you. If you’d like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Joanna Watts, Senior Development Manager, on 023 8059 7727 or joanna.watts@soton.ac.uk. Please contact us if you feel you don’t meet all of the selection criteria and want to discuss the role further – we would love to hear from you.

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

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