At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Development Team with admin, events, and alumni relations.
- Company: Join Lady Margaret Hall, a historic college at the University of Oxford, fostering equality in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 37 days holiday, and perks like free meals and social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team celebrating 150 years of excellence and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a passion for higher education.
- Other info: Part-time role with hybrid working; must be in-office at least two days a week.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 25 June 2025
Department: Development
Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time
Location: Oxford
Compensation: £28,000 - £32,000 / year
Lady Margaret Hall, a college of the University of Oxford, was founded in 1879 with a dual passion for learning and for equality, making it possible for the first time for women to study at Oxford. Today, the College continues to draw inspiration from this great foundation vision. It is now a co-educational academic community of 800 undergraduate and postgraduate students, committed to research and scholarship and to effective, highly personalised teaching and learning for students from all backgrounds.
Alumni Relations & Development at LMH
LMH has had a dedicated Development Office since 1995, working to strengthen and develop the relationship with its 9,500 alumni. There is a full and varied programme of events and publications through which former students are kept up to date with life at LMH today. Fundraising is a central function of the office in support of the College’s mission for the effective day-to-day running and long-term future of the College. It is an exciting time to join the office. In 2028/29 LMH will celebrate its 150th Anniversary with a bespoke programme of events. A significant fundraising campaign is also underway. There are seven members of the Development Team, led by the Director of Development.
Main purpose of this role:
The Development Assistant will be an integral member of the team, supporting all operational activities, including events, fundraising, volunteer liaison and alumni relations.
Responsibilities
- To provide administrative support to the Development Team including:
- Development Office Administration
- Be the first point of contact for routine queries (telephone, email and post)
- Monitor, distribute and act upon any emails coming into the Development Office
- Proofread a range of documents for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors
- Organise, attend and minute the Development Committee (3 per year)
- Order and oversee stock levels of office supplies
- Assist with the administration of the College’s events programme. This includes: support with the generation and dispatch of invitations; receiving bookings and payments; sending confirmation emails; updating the database (DARS); creating event packs, and supporting event follow-up activity
- Attend some out of hours events in Oxford (organised with significant prior notice, for which TOIL will be given or additional hours paid)
- Liaise with the Academic Office to produce welcome packs for graduating students
- Provide administrative support for the 150th Anniversary celebration plans, liaising closely with members of the Alumni Volunteer Network
- Support the administration related to alumni publication mailings including news updates
- Deliver the alumni birthday card programme
- Respond to administrative donor inquiries, providing timely and accurate responses to ensure excellent donor service
- Assist with the implementation of and provide proactive support for annual giving activities (including telethons), legacy programmes and relevant donor stewardship
- Support telephone fundraising campaign administration, including advertising student caller roles, collecting applications, arranging room bookings, accommodation, and sending template communications as required
- Conduct research to verify and update alumni employment information, ensuring the accuracy of employment data in the database.
What we are looking for in your application and at interview
Essentially, you will be a really good administrator, and are great with people, inspiring confidence in those you interact with. You will also need to understand and believe in the value of higher education and the University of Oxford’s important part in it.
Essential skills
- Experience in administrative roles
- Experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint to a proficient level
- Experience of manipulating simple data in spreadsheets
Desirable
- Experience of using a CRM and gift processing database (ideally DARS)
Person specification
- Proactive, consultative and confident approach to work, taking the initiative where necessary
- Positive and open-minded attitude embracing continuous improvement
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Able to multi-task and keep to deadlines
- Excellent written English and professional email and telephone manner
- Flexible approach and willing to support the team in a small dynamic office
Desirable
- Experience of minute taking
- Understanding of higher education and charitable giving sectors
Note to applicants: This is a part time role of c30 hours per week which can be carried out over 4 or 5 days. We operate as a hybrid team and the Development Assistant will be expected to be in the office at least two days a week (with at least one being a Wednesday). End of week in person support may be required when weekend events are being held. We operate an agile working approach with flexible working hours around core office hours possible. Additional (unpaid) leave on top of the existing generous annual leave may be negotiable during school summer holidays.
Terms and Conditions
The salary will be £28,000 - £32,000 per annum (FTE), depending on experience, for a 30-hour week. This is a permanent position. Benefits of working for the College include 37 days holiday (including bank holidays) for full-time employees, the option to join a University pension scheme and one free meal whilst on duty and the kitchens are open. Additional benefits include a childcare salary sacrifice scheme, a bicycle purchase scheme, bus and train season tickets, eligibility to apply for a parking permit scheme, employee assistance programme, regular social events and a free annual flu jab. There will be an initial probationary period of six months. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
To apply for this position, please press the 'Apply Now' button and submit a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this role and your CV in one single document in the 'resume' section.
Deadline for applications: 9:00am on Wednesday 25th June 2025
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
A principal aim of this College’s Equal Opportunities Policy is to ensure that in the recruitment, selection, training, appraisal, development and promotion of employees, the only consideration must be that the individual best meets, or is likely to meet, the requirements of the programme or course or post.
Lady Margaret Hall is committed to provide a learning, working and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members are respected, and which is free from prejudice, intimidation and all forms of harassment, including bullying. We seek to ensure that no-one suffers, either directly or indirectly, as a result of discrimination.
Development Assistant (part-time) employer: LMH
Contact Detail:
LMH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Assistant (part-time)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lady Margaret Hall's history and values. Understanding the college's commitment to equality and education will help you connect with the team during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members if possible. Engaging with people who have experience in the Development Office can provide you with insights into the role and the team dynamics, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your administrative skills in detail. Since the role requires strong organisational abilities, think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your proficiency in managing tasks and supporting teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of alumni relations and fundraising. Research common practices in these areas and consider how you can contribute to the college's goals, especially with the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Assistant (part-time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Development Assistant role. Highlight your administrative experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as event administration and donor inquiries.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your CV, emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and any experience with CRM systems. Mention specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your cover letter and CV for any spelling or grammatical errors. This is particularly important for a role that requires excellent written English and attention to detail.
Express Your Passion: In both your cover letter and CV, convey your enthusiasm for higher education and the mission of Lady Margaret Hall. This will help you stand out as a candidate who not only has the skills but also shares the college's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at LMH
✨Show Your Administrative Skills
Since the role requires strong administrative abilities, be prepared to discuss your previous experience in similar positions. Highlight specific tasks you've managed, such as event planning or data management, and how you ensured everything ran smoothly.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
The Development Assistant will interact with various stakeholders, so it's crucial to showcase your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships in past roles and how you inspire confidence in others.
✨Understand the College's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Lady Margaret Hall's history and its commitment to equality and education. Being able to articulate why you believe in the value of higher education will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Flexibility Questions
Given the hybrid working model and the need for flexibility, be ready to discuss how you manage your time and adapt to changing circumstances. Provide examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple tasks or adjusted your schedule to meet deadlines.