At a Glance
- Tasks: Support donor relations and operational activities to enhance fundraising efforts.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a global institution committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and health & wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting donors with transformative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or relevant experience in a similar sector.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 32680 £ per year.
Advancement Officer (Operations & Stewardship)
Requisition ID: 28623
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term (9 months, ending September 2026)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Posted Date: 20 Oct 2025
Salary: £31,236 - £32,080 with progression to £34,610 per annum
Closing Date: 17 November 2025
The Role
Join a mission‑driven team shaping the future of philanthropy at the University.
We’re looking for a proactive and detail‑oriented individual to play a pivotal role across two key areas of our Advancement team: Operational Support and Donor Relations. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to both the strategic backbone of fundraising and the storytelling that inspires continued generosity.
What You’ll Do
Prospect Research & Operational Support
Working closely with the Head of Advancement Operations, you’ll conduct insightful research and analysis on potential donors, helping to identify individuals with the capacity and propensity to support the University’s mission. Your work will enable the team to build meaningful relationships with high‑impact prospects.
Philanthropy and Donor Stewardship
In collaboration with the Head of Major Gifts, you’ll craft compelling updates and reports that showcase the transformative power of philanthropy and strengthen donor connections. You’ll also coordinate the planning and development of donor‑funded scholarships, ensuring a seamless experience for donors and recipients.
Why This Role Matters
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on both analytical thinking and creative communication. You’ll be a key connector between data and storytelling, driving fundraising success while celebrating the generosity that fuels our institution’s growth.
Key Accountabilities
- Work independently on prospect research to support the Advancement Operations team.
- Produce stewardship reports that keep donors informed and strengthen relationships.
- Lead stewardship events that showcase philanthropy’s impact.
- Oversee philanthropy‑donated scholarships and related programmes.
- Coordinate donor visits to campus and related activities.
- Maintain and update the advancement database.
- Create sector and thematic research briefs for events.
- Ensure research processes comply with GDPR and university policies.
- Provide ongoing training and support for research and administration processes.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Essential)
- Excellent verbal and written communication, with experience preparing material for senior audiences.
- Strong report‑writing skills and the ability to summarise complex information for non‑specialist readers.
- Experience in customer‑focused environments and systems‑led operations.
- Data analysis proficiency, especially in Excel.
- High accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and project‑management skills.
Additional Experience (Desirable)
- Prospect research or fundraising and donor relations experience.
- Knowledge of fundraising regulations and guidance (Fundraising Regulator’s Code, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Charity Commission Toolkit).
- Understanding of data protection legislation.
Attributes and Behaviour
- Gather and analyse information to inform senior leadership.
- Probe data deeply and identify impactful insights.
- Exhibit excellent service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Prioritise and organise resources effectively.
- Generate viable options and make sound decisions.
- Show openness to alternative approaches.
Qualifications
Educated to degree level (or equivalent) or relevant professional experience in a similar sector.
Newcastle University – Diversity & Inclusion
Newcastle University is a global university that treats everyone with dignity and respect. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds. We are proud of our Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident status and welcome disabled applicants.
We also participate in the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Advancement Officer (Operations & Stewardship) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as holiday allowances, pension schemes, and health initiatives, the university fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about philanthropy and community impact to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advancement Officer (Operations & Stewardship) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Newcastle University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's recent initiatives in donor relations. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Since the role involves showcasing the impact of philanthropy, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve made a difference. We want to hear those stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and genuinely interested.
We think you need these skills to ace Advancement Officer (Operations & Stewardship) in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Advancement Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong verbal and written communication is key for this role, include examples of reports or presentations you've created. We want to see how you can summarise complex information in a clear and engaging way.
Highlight Your Research Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in prospect research or data analysis. This is crucial for supporting our fundraising efforts, so give us the details on how you've successfully conducted research in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Newcastle University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research potential high-impact donors relevant to Newcastle University. Understand their philanthropic interests and past contributions. This will help you demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to identify prospects effectively.
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Prepare to discuss how you can create engaging updates and reports that showcase the impact of philanthropy. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex information in an accessible way, as storytelling is key in donor relations.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight specific instances where you prioritised tasks and met deadlines, especially in a customer-focused environment, as this role requires strong organisational skills.
✨Demonstrate Data Proficiency
Since data analysis is crucial for this position, brush up on your Excel skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions or improve processes in previous roles. Mention any experience with GDPR compliance to show your understanding of ethical data handling.
