At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives while building strong donor relationships.
- Company: George Watson's College, a prestigious institution in Edinburgh with a commitment to philanthropy.
- Benefits: Enjoy eight weeks of annual leave, a pension scheme, and access to the Galleon Club fitness facilities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and impact in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving philanthropic income and engaging with a vibrant alumni community.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a passion for education and charity.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: George Watson's College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Benefits: Eight weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year), automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school's fitness club).
The Role
George Watson's College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school's individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement.
Main Responsibilities
- Individual Giving
- Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts.
- Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.
- Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.
- Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.
- Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.
- Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.
- Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development.
- Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.
- Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns.
- Legacies
- Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events).
- Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects.
- Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters.
- Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters.
- Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials.
- Campaign/Programmes
- Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades.
- Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition.
- Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs.
- Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts.
- Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund
- Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes.
- Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance.
- Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff.
The Ideal Candidate
- Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures.
- Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns.
- Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention.
- Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting.
- Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.
- Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system.
- Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.
- Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.
- Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising.
- Commitment to high level of professional standards.
- Genuine appreciation of George Watson's College's mission and the ability to communicate it.
- Fundraising or marketing qualifications such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications.
- Experience of working in the education or charity sectors.
- Understanding of the Independent School sector.
Senior Philanthropy Officer in Edinburgh employer: George Watson'S College
George Watson's College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits including eight weeks of annual leave and membership to the Galleon Club, staff are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful philanthropic initiatives that directly impact the school community. The role of Senior Philanthropy Officer provides a unique opportunity to develop strong relationships with donors and alumni, fostering long-term engagement and making a significant difference in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Officer in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like George Watson'S College.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of George Watson'S College, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at George Watson'S College. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that George Watson'S College supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of George Watson'S College. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Senior Philanthropy Officer role at George Watson'S College. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of George Watson'S College. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at George Watson'S College.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for George Watson'S College. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
