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- Tasks: Manage donor relationships and secure major gifts for engineering and natural sciences.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a world-leading institution dedicated to advancing science for humanity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 39 days off, flexible working, generous family leave, and on-site leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Graduate level education with proven success in securing major gifts in fundraising.
- Other info: Full-time role based at White City Campus; informal chats available for interested candidates.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 68000 £ per year.
Job Type: Full-Time.
Starting Salary: £56652 - £68005 per annum + Competitive Salary plus benefits
About the role
Are you a persuasive and compelling communicator? Are you an individual with a strong track record of negotiating and managing relationships? Do you have an interest in Higher Education and in making a difference? If so, this could be the perfect career opportunity for you.
The Advancement Division is in search of two driven, tactful, and diplomatic Development Managers to join their ambitious team to help maximise philanthropic income opportunities for the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Natural Sciences.
The overarching strategy of Advancement is to raise philanthropic funds for scholarships, academic positions, research centres and capital projects, securing donations and financial support from those who are committed to our academic mission and building Imperial's global reputation. The Division oversees a wide programme of events that seek to expand Imperial's reach, strengthen and enlarge our supporter base, increase philanthropic support and engage alumni, friends and other stakeholders in the life of the College. This is a high impact and high visibility division which relies on extremely motivated and skilled fundraising professionals to deliver a quality end-to-end gift giving experience.
In addition to supporting College-wide fundraising objectives, each post will support their respective Faculty to deliver their mission to provide the highest quality teaching, learning and research environment.
The Development Manager Faculty of Natural Sciences post will focus on the fundamental scientific disciplines of Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Life Sciences. The Faculty also hosts the Centre for Environmental Policy and the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment.
The Development Manager Faculty of Engineering post will focus on the full range of engineering disciplines across all ten of our academic departments. The Faculty's model for supporting cross-College multidisciplinary research provides space for new and existing activities to flourish and translate research outcomes into products, processes and services that benefit wider society.
What you would be doing
This career opportunity promises to be varied and will utilise your experience gained in roles such as a Development Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Development Officer, Fundraising Specialist or similar. Key duties will include:
- Managing high priority donor and prospective donor relationships and strategic projects, with the aim of soliciting major gifts (£50k+) in support of the Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Natural Sciences, as well as the wider College's fundraising objectives.
- Developing and delivering on key areas of major gifts fundraising strategy.
- Being a trusted advisor both within and outside the Advancement Division for identifying innovative ways to capitalise on fundraising opportunities.
This career opportunity will suit an individual with drive and a keen interest in higher education and the fundraising space.
What we are looking for
- Educated to graduate level or equivalent.
- Evidence of success as a professional fundraiser in personally securing major gifts (£50k plus), preferably at the six-figure level.
- Persuasive and compelling approach to asking for donations face to face and in writing effective proposals and applications for funding within a not-for-profit setting (preferably higher education).
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy and thoughtfulness when dealing with sensitive matters.
- A knowledge of fundraising best practice in the higher education sector.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme.
Further information
Candidates will need to complete an online application to be considered for this role. This is a full time and open-ended position based at the White City Campus. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate relevant experience in building strong relationships, good attention to detail and a can-do attitude.
If you have any questions or would like to have an informal, confidential chat about a specific role, please contact:
- Faculty of Engineering: Jamal Iqbal, Deputy Director of Development, jamal.iqbal@imperial.ac.uk
- Faculty of Natural Sciences: Natalie Sauter, Head of Development n.sauter@imperial.ac.uk
The Advancement Division at Imperial College London has set out to define the values and behaviours we aspire to uphold, so as to create an inclusive, collaborative and successful working culture.
- Brave - We are empowered to be experimental.
- Adaptable - We are an agile and dynamic division with a proactive approach.
- Collaborative - We are an inclusive division, working as a team towards shared success.
- Kind - We are appreciative, supportive and respectful of our colleagues.
- Impactful - We nurture professional excellence, encourage ambition and demand equality.
- Transparent - We value honesty and openness.
Read more about the Advancement Values.
Development Manager - London employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education fundraising sector. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Imperial College London's mission and values. Understanding their approach to philanthropy and how they engage with donors will help you align your communication style and strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, particularly those involving major gifts. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how you built relationships with donors to secure significant contributions.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to current or former employees of the Advancement Division at Imperial. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fundraising and relationship management. Emphasise any previous roles where you successfully secured major gifts, particularly in a higher education context.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for higher education and your understanding of the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your persuasive communication skills and your ability to manage donor relationships effectively.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in negotiation, communication, and strategic project management. Mention any knowledge of fundraising best practices, especially within the higher education sector.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you carefully follow all application instructions provided by the company. This includes submitting all required documents and adhering to any specified formats or guidelines.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Research the Institution
Before your interview, take the time to learn about the institution's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their goals in higher education will help you align your answers with their objectives and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Relationship Management Questions
Given the emphasis on managing donor relationships, be ready to discuss your past experiences in building and maintaining professional relationships. Prepare specific examples that showcase your negotiation skills and how you've successfully secured major gifts.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Development Manager, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively. You might be asked to present a mock proposal or discuss how you would approach a potential donor, so be prepared to demonstrate your compelling communication style.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Fundraising Best Practices
Familiarise yourself with current trends and best practices in fundraising, particularly within the higher education sector. Be ready to discuss innovative strategies you could implement to enhance their fundraising efforts and how you would adapt to changing circumstances.
