Philanthropy Manager

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

SOAS seeks to appoint an experienced and ambitious Philanthropy Manager to join the Advancement team, working primarily with our prestigious Colleges of Social Sciences and Law. This is a key position within the team, requiring an individual with the commitment and energy to grow our major donor programme, secure significant philanthropic support and increase levels of engagement and participation, particularly within the SOAS alumni community This is a permanent full-time role working from our campus in Bloomsbury on a hybrid basis.

You’ll manage your own portfolio of existing and prospective donors, developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans that deepen engagement and inspire long-term support. Working closely with our Deputy Director Philanthropy, Prospect Research Officer and the wider Advancement team, you’ll identify opportunities, develop compelling proposals and confidently make asks for six and seven-figure gifts. The post holder will also work closely with key stakeholders across the institution, including academics, building collaborative internal relationships to support SOAS’ philanthropic objectives.

About the Department

Over the last three years, there has been a step change in the strategic direction and pace of the Advancement function at SOAS, with significant success in raising philanthropic income, year on year. The Advancement team works closely with the Vice Chancellor and the senior team to deliver core strategic objectives in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Great strides are being made in engaging the University’s 90,000 plus alumni who are spread across the world. In the last financial year, philanthropic income exceeded £10 million.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.         

Interviews to be held weeks commencing 30th November and 7th December.

Further information

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

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