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- Tasks: Lead donor relations and create impactful stewardship for major supporters.
- Company: Join King’s College London, a leader in education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting donors to meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Strong project management and writing skills; experience in donor relations is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King's College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare. Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children's mental health initiatives between the university's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.
About the role: This role will shape how King's builds trust, celebrates generosity, and strengthens long term donor relationships. The Donor Relations Manager (maternity cover) will lead the creation and delivery of high quality stewardship for some of the university's most impactful supporters. Reporting into the Head of Donor Relations, the role oversees the project management of more than 120 bespoke donor reports each year – compelling, insight rich updates that show donors the real difference their gift has made across King's, from pioneering research into personalised cancer treatments and young people's mental health to innovative programmes in AI and Law and sustainability.
Working closely with fundraisers and our Advancement Writing team, the post-holder will ensure every report is delivered on time, to an exceptional standard, and with opportunities to introduce more personalised, creative stewardship along the way. The post holder will partner with fundraisers to design tailored stewardship plans for major and principal gift donors, including those giving £5 m+. This includes impact reporting, naming and recognition, and bespoke engagement projects that help donors feel valued, connected, and confident in their support of King's.
Strong project management skills, excellent writing and organisational abilities, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to juggle deadlines with confidence and initiative are key to this role, as are creativity, curiosity, and a passion for crafting meaningful donor experiences. This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week) and is a fixed term contract for the year of maternity cover. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we're very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.
About You: To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria:
- Understanding of one or more of: UK Charity sector/Higher Education and donor relations/stewardship
- Project management skills and strong editorial, copy writing and proof-reading skills
- Insight driven – ability to think about what is and isn't working, see new innovations in the sector and take on feedback from fundraising colleagues and our donor community
- Ability to meet deadlines, work well under pressure and deliver projects to budget
- Strong relationship management and people focused skills with proven experience in collaboration across teams to achieve shared goals
- Adobe InDesign software experience
- Experience of using Microsoft Dynamics or similar customer/donor database and associated processes and systems
At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas can be discussed and debated.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description.
Donor Relations Manager employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Donor Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity and higher education sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Donor Relations Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your project management skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Highlight your ability to juggle deadlines and deliver exceptional results – that's what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Be creative in your approach! Think outside the box when it comes to engaging with potential employers. Whether it's crafting a unique follow-up email or sharing a relevant article, show them your passion for donor relations and how you can bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation. Don't miss out on the chance to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Donor Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Donor Relations Manager role. Highlight your project management skills and any experience in donor relations or the charity sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at King’s College London!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role – we love seeing real examples!
Show Your Passion: We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference. In your application, let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our goals at King’s. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible through our website. This way, you’ll avoid any last-minute hiccups and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into King’s College London and its philanthropic initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns, especially the World Questions: King’s Answers campaign. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your skills to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves overseeing bespoke donor reports, be ready to discuss your project management experience. Prepare specific examples where you successfully managed multiple deadlines and delivered high-quality work under pressure. Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Management
This position is all about building trust and long-term relationships with donors. Think of examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully collaborated with teams or engaged with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you can foster connections that make donors feel valued and appreciated.
✨Be Creative and Insightful
The role requires creativity in stewardship plans. Come up with innovative ideas on how to enhance donor experiences and be ready to share them during the interview. Also, think about how you can use insights to improve donor relations and reporting – this will show your proactive approach.