At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the individual giving programme and inspire donors to support the British Academy.
- Company: Join the British Academy, the UK's leading body for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Other info: Exciting role leading up to the Academy's 125th Anniversary Campaign.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting donors with meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of fundraising experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42550 - 52006 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Individual Giving Manager to join our Development and Fellowship Directorate, leading the development and delivery of the individual giving programme.
ROLE PURPOSE
The Individual Giving Manager is a critical role in expanding our supporter base as we prepare to launch the Academy’s 125th Anniversary Campaign in 2027.
The post holder will inspire potential donors to give to the British Academy.
They will lead targeted appeals and multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
They will also develop supporter journeys that connect donors with the impact of their gift and build long term engagement with the British Academy.
We are looking for someone who enjoys communicating ideas into a compelling narrative.
They will be creative and collaborative in their approach, bringing real momentum to the programme as it enters the next phase.
They will also need to analyse individual giving data, using it to draw out giving trends, review engagement with donors, and identify milestone giving.
This role offers an amazing opportunity to take our individual giving programme to the next phase and to join an organisation at an incredibly exciting moment.
We are searching for applicants who have several years’ of individual giving experience and will bring strong knowledge around the principles of donor cultivation, acquisition and stewardship.
OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 1. Individual Giving Programme Development
- Develop and implement a comprehensive individual giving strategy aligned with the British Academy’s overall fundraising objectives working closely with Deputy Head of Individual Giving and Legacy.
- Identify opportunities to grow income from individual donors, including acquisition, retention, and upgrade strategies.
- Contribute to the Development team’s planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring processes.
- 2. Campaign Management
- Plan and deliver multi-channel fundraising campaigns (digital, email, direct mail, and events).
- Lead on annual appeals and targeted campaigns to support agreed priorities and initiatives.
- Monitor campaign performance, analyse results, and optimise future activity.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies, ensuring our fundraising efforts remain innovative and effective.
- 3. Donor Acquisition and Retention
- Grow the individual donor base through effective acquisition campaigns.
- Develop supporter journeys to improve donor retention and lifetime value.
- Implement stewardship plans to ensure donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the Academy’s impact and fosters long term engagement.
- Directly engage with individual donors, for example through emails, phone calls or speaking to at events.
- Work closely with communications and digital teams to maximise online fundraising opportunities.
- Oversee website donation journeys, email fundraising campaigns, and digital advertising where relevant
- Ensure content is compelling, audience-focused, and aligned with the Academy’s voice.
- 5. Donor Insights and Data Management
- Use CRM systems and analytics to track donor behaviour and campaign effectiveness.
- Segment audiences to deliver targeted communications and improve engagement.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping using the CRM and where relevant, the physical archive.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e. g. GDPR).
- 6. Stewardship, Collaboration and Data Management
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a joined-up supporter experience across all fundraising streams.
- Contribute to fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.
- Support the work of colleagues delivering engagement events for Fellows, awardholder alumni and other individual giving audiences.
- Support senior leadership with briefing materials, reports, and donor-facing content.
- Develop tailored communications to demonstrate the impact of donations.
- Support the Academy’s approach towards Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
- Key Stakeholders
Internal: Development Team, Fellowship and Award holder Alumni Team, Communications Directorate
- External: Fellows of the British Academy, Award holder Alumni (former award holders)
- ROLE REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
- Educated to bachelor's degree level, qualified by experience, or equivalent
- 2-3 years minimum of individual giving fundraising experience
- WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Works and communicates effectively
- Proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally, up to board level
- Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked
- Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way
- Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate
- Willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts
- Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect
- Communicates effectively with staff across different teams and at all levels
- Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally
- KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills
- Experience of individual giving or direct marketing fundraising within a charity, higher education or cultural institution.
- Strong analytical skills and experience using CRM systems.
- Knowledge of donor acquisition, retention and stewardship principles.
- Creativity and innovation in fundraising approaches.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging.
- PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING
Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives
- Prioritizes work to meet deadlines and manages expectations appropriately
- Displays resilience in coping with workload
- Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input
- Evaluates and manages risks effectively
- Reliably takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate
- Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible
- PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING
- Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach
- Identifies problems and opportunities and acts on them
- Has a pro-active, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues
- Focuses on solutions and manages pressure
- Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead
- Copes with the unexpected
- Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral
- LEADERSHIP
- Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions
- Inspires personal trust, engenders kinship around an inclusive and shared vision
- Shows integrity and wisdom, decisiveness and consistency, sincerity and honesty, especially under pressure
- Tackles and owns difficult issues, resolves rather than avoids conflict
- Looks to the medium and long-term future, anticipates change
- Enables and empowers others to effect change
- Is courageous, making and seeing difficult decisions through in a calm manner, handling crises well
- Takes responsibility on behalf of the team (for difficult issues and equally for mistakes), leads by example, attracts support
MUST BE COMMITTED TO THE BRITISH ACADEMY'S WORKPLACE VALUES OF
- COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, EMPATHY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE AND RESPECT
- Role closes to applications on 7 October 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Individual Giving Manager employer: The British Academy
The British Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a vibrant environment with access to professional development opportunities, competitive benefits, and a commitment to fostering talent within the humanities and social sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Individual Giving Manager
✨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 The British Academy.
✨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 The British Academy, 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 The British Academy. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Individual Giving Manager
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 The British Academy 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 The British Academy. 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 Individual Giving Manager role at The British Academy. 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 The British Academy
✨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 The British Academy. 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 The British Academy.
✨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 The British Academy. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
