At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with alumni and donors, manage events, and support fundraising activities.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, 9 bereavement days, and Christmas Eve off.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the university community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience in donor relations or customer service.
The predicted salary is between 26707 - 31236 £ per year.
The Stewardship Officer will support the Advancement Office on the Edinburgh campus by delivering global engagement and event activities across alumni, staff, students, prospects and donors, acting as the front line to stakeholders and managing internal requests.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Stewardship
- Monitor major gifts and pledges, generate reports and prompt actions via Raiser’s Edge.
- Develop and maintain stewardship, administrative and finance documentation.
- Administer scholarships and bursary funds.
- Assist in arranging campus visits for major donors.
- Take on special projects and contribute to departmental initiatives.
- Events
- Support planning and delivery of alumni and advancement events, including graduations.
- Maintain the monthly events calendar and attend bi‑weekly meetings.
- Represent the Office at online and in‑person events, donor cultivation, thank‑you events, graduations and related activities.
- Represent the Office at student fairs, recruitment days, open days, staff induction fairs and networking events.
- Attend wider university events on behalf of the alumni team where appropriate.
- Administration and Support
- Provide general administrative support: booking travel, processing invoices, budget tracking, diary management, meeting minutes.
- Update and maintain records in Raiser’s Edge and SharePoint.
- Contribute to the preparation of marketing and communications material.
- Support stewardship processes and liaison with schools and recipients.
- Assist with regular giving mail outs and telethons.
- Attend university meetings and stay informed about HWU community activities.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Degree‑level education or equivalent experience in donor relations, customer service, fundraising support, or a related role.
- Experience with administrative support in a complex organisation, including financial processes such as invoicing and budget tracking.
- Stakeholder‑facing experience, ideally with donors, alumni or clients.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging the University community.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
- High accuracy and attention to detail in written communication and data entry.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and confidence using CRM or database systems.
- Desirable
- Understanding of fundraising principles and donor stewardship.
- Knowledge of GDPR and ethical handling of alumni data.
- Experience using Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising CRM.
- Experience supporting event logistics and on‑the‑day delivery.
- Experience in higher education, charity or membership‑based organisations.
- Confidence in producing or editing marketing copy.
Equality and Diversity
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment in which individuals are treated on the basis of their merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are central to our culture, and we welcome applications from all sectors, particularly underrepresented groups.
Stewardship Officer in Kilmarnock employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, a commitment to equality and diversity, and opportunities to engage with a vibrant community on the Edinburgh campus, the role of Stewardship Officer provides a meaningful chance to contribute to alumni relations and donor engagement in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stewardship Officer in Kilmarnock
✨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 Stewardship Officer in Kilmarnock
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 Stewardship 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!
