At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure philanthropic support for university projects and build relationships with major donors.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, a leader in education and research.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting donors with impactful university initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in relationship management.
The predicted salary is between 38448 - 48337 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £38,448 - £48,337 per annum
FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Open-ended
Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.
Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, the Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in securing philanthropic support for Heriot-Watt University's strategic priorities, including research, education, scholarships and capital projects. The postholder will manage a portfolio of prospective major donors, building strong relationships, identifying opportunities for philanthropic investment and securing gifts of £25,000 and above. Working closely with academic colleagues, senior leaders and the wider Advancement team, they will contribute to the University's fundraising ambitions and the development of a strong, sustainable pipeline of philanthropic income.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Major gifts fundraising: Personally lead the cultivation and solicitation of prospective individual donors, developing compelling opportunities for philanthropic support and securing gifts of £25,000 and above. Work towards agreed individual fundraising targets and contribute to the delivery of the University's wider philanthropic ambitions.
- Prospect and portfolio management: Manage an agreed portfolio of prospective major donors, developing and implementing tailored engagement and solicitation plans. Proactively identify and qualify new prospects, build relationships and progress opportunities through the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a consistent focus on securing philanthropic commitments.
- Developing relationships and fundraising opportunities: Build effective relationships with academic colleagues, senior University leaders and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for philanthropic support. Coordinate their involvement in donor cultivation and solicitation, ensuring that fundraising approaches are informed by University priorities and the interests and motivations of prospective donors.
- Fundraising proposals and communications: Work with academic and Advancement colleagues to develop persuasive proposals, presentations and other fundraising materials that communicate the significance and potential impact of the University's work. Translate complex academic and scientific information into clear, engaging propositions tailored to the interests of prospective donors.
- Donor engagement and stewardship: Plan and deliver meaningful engagement opportunities for prospective and existing donors, including individual meetings, campus visits and relevant events. Work with stewardship colleagues to ensure donors receive appropriate recognition, communications and impact reporting, supporting strong, long-term relationships and opportunities for further giving.
- Fundraising planning, monitoring and reporting: Maintain accurate and timely records of donor relationships, interactions and fundraising opportunities on the University's CRM system. Monitor progress against agreed income and activity objectives, contribute to pipeline reviews and income forecasting, and ensure that prospect information and solicitation plans are kept up to date.
- Professional practice and collaborative working: Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Advancement team and the wider University to support shared fundraising priorities. Maintain an understanding of relevant fundraising legislation, data protection requirements and professional standards, ensuring that all fundraising activity is conducted appropriately and in accordance with University policies.
- Other duties: Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the grade, as agreed with the Head of Major Gifts, to support the effective operation of the Advancement team.
Person Specification
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.
Essential
- Educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Experience of proactively developing and managing relationships with prospective donors, clients or partners, including identifying opportunities, building engagement and securing financial commitments or other measurable outcomes.
- Experience of managing multiple relationships or opportunities, with the ability to prioritise activity, plan next steps and progress relationships towards agreed objectives.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence and ability to engage, influence and build productive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of seniority.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive proposals, presentations or other materials tailored to different audiences.
- A proven ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, navigate competing priorities and work collaboratively to achieve shared objectives.
- A proactive and resourceful approach, with evidence of taking personal responsibility for achieving objectives, identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, exercise sound judgement and work effectively within a complex organisation.
- An interest in the role of universities in education, research and wider society, and the motivation to secure philanthropic support for Heriot-Watt University's strategic priorities.
Desirable
- Experience of securing philanthropic gifts from individuals, ideally at the £25,000 level or above.
- Knowledge or experience of the principles of major gifts fundraising, including prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Experience of fundraising within higher education, research, the charitable sector or another mission-led organisation.
- Experience of contributing to a fundraising campaign or other coordinated income-generation initiative.
- Experience of using a customer or donor relationship management system, ideally Raiser’s Edge, to maintain records, manage relationships and monitor opportunities.
- Knowledge of relevant fundraising legislation, the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection requirements.
Special Factors
The role may require occasional travel within the UK and internationally, as well as some evening or weekend work to support donor meetings and events.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Tuesday 24th November 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly.
Philanthropy Officer in Currie employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Paralegal to shape and grow the University's legal function while working in a vibrant, diverse environment at our Edinburgh campus. With 33 days of annual leave, a commitment to employee well-being, and a focus on professional development, you will gain invaluable experience across various legal areas and contribute to impactful projects within a globally recognised institution. Join us to be part of a supportive community that values inclusivity and encourages career growth in a dynamic, international setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Officer in Currie
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Heriot-Watt University.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Heriot-Watt University.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Heriot-Watt University.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Heriot-Watt University. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Officer in Currie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Heriot-Watt University. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Philanthropy Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Heriot-Watt University. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
