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- Tasks: Engage with alumni and donors to inspire philanthropic support for the University.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a leading institution committed to accessibility and world-class research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team culture, opportunities for personal development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that fosters community and transforms lives through education.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in fundraising or donor relations are essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with a focus on inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Philanthropy Office is responsible for raising philanthropic funds as well as building and maintaining lifelong relationships with alumni, volunteers and high-profile ambassadors for the University in the UK and internationally. Philanthropic support creates meaningful opportunities for students and researchers at the University of Bristol.
The Philanthropy Officer will help cultivate strong relationships with existing and potential donors to raise funds for University priorities, by contacting alumni and friends with tailored communications (post, phone and digital) and creating inspirational updates and fundraising asks with the help of colleagues.
What will you be doing?
The Philanthropy Officer will help with the operational delivery of effective fundraising and stewardship to inspire donations at Leadership Giving level (£1,000-£10,000), creating communications for different interest groups and building relationships with individual supporters through tailored emails and conversations. They will also work closely with colleagues to support Regular Giving fundraising (£1-£999) and donor stewardship activity, and will play a key role in implementing Leadership Giving plans, procedures and priorities.
You should apply if
The successful candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills, equipping them to reach out to current and potential supporters primarily through emails, phone calls and occasional in-person meetings. You will have experience of working in fundraising or donor relations and have the confidence to make philanthropic asks. Excellent time management skills and experience working independently is essential. Your ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of people, both internal and external, will be a key asset in this role. You will have an enthusiasm for supporting students and researchers through fundraising and a belief in the importance of universities to society.
The Philanthropy Office’s vision is to ‘build and foster a committed community of donors and philanthropic partners who help to make Bristol accessible to all students, drive forward world-class research, and create transformative spaces and campuses’. The team culture is aspirational, respectful, inclusive and supportive. We always seek to reflect and to evaluate our work, making time for personal and professional development to ensure we can achieve the ambitious goals we set.
Additional information
- Work pattern: Full time
- Grade: H
- School/Unit: Global Engagement
- This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 01/06/2025
- Interviews are anticipated to take place on the 11th or 12th June
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values. The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Philanthropy Officer employer: City of Bristol College
Contact Detail:
City of Bristol College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with alumni and current donors to gain insights into their motivations for giving. Attend university events or webinars where you can meet potential supporters and engage in meaningful conversations about their philanthropic interests.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the University of Bristol's mission and values, as well as its current fundraising priorities. This knowledge will help you tailor your communications and demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for supporting students and researchers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills by role-playing donor conversations with friends or colleagues. This will help you build confidence in making philanthropic asks and ensure you can articulate the impact of donations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in philanthropy and fundraising strategies. Understanding what motivates donors today can give you an edge in your approach and help you create compelling fundraising asks that resonate with potential supporters.
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fundraising or donor relations. Emphasise your communication skills and any previous roles where you've successfully built relationships with supporters.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for philanthropy and your understanding of the University of Bristol's mission. Mention specific examples of how you have inspired donations or engaged with donors in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, consider including a brief example of a successful email or communication you’ve crafted in a similar role. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with potential donors.
Highlight Your Time Management Abilities: In your application, provide examples of how you have effectively managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. This is crucial for the Philanthropy Officer role, where you'll need to balance various fundraising activities.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bristol College
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the University of Bristol and its philanthropic initiatives. Understand their mission and values, as well as the specific goals of the Philanthropy Office. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in supporting their vision.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Philanthropy Officer, strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with donors or supporters in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to crafting tailored communications and how you build relationships through various channels.
✨Demonstrate Fundraising Experience
Highlight your previous experience in fundraising or donor relations during the interview. Be specific about your achievements, such as successful campaigns or significant donations you've secured. This will show that you have the confidence and capability to make philanthropic asks.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role involves working closely with colleagues, so it's important to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in teams to achieve common goals, particularly in fundraising contexts. This will illustrate your fit within the aspirational and supportive culture of the Philanthropy Office.
