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- Tasks: Conduct research to identify funding opportunities and compile high-quality reports.
- Company: Join The Open University, a leader in accessible education and social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a hybrid work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while advancing social and environmental causes.
- Qualifications: Experience in qualitative research and excellent written communication skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 30700 £ per year.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will be able to support Prospect Research in The Open University’s Development Office. Through the identification of potential funding opportunities, this role presents the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students across the UK and internationally, as well as supporting opportunities to advance social and environmental impacts and research.
Based in the Development Office, the Prospect Research Team’s primary responsibility is to identify and provide research on new sources of philanthropic income for the University. Reporting to the Prospect Research Manager, the post holder will support the team in undertaking high quality, tailored prospect research on major donors, trusts and corporate partners.
You will conduct qualitative research, using diverse resources to compile high-quality reports to inform fundraising approaches, providing key data to support work across the department. Whilst working primarily with the five members of the Partnerships & Philanthropy Team, you will also support work across Mid-Value and Alumni Fundraising.
- You will be responsible for undertaking high quality research on individuals, corporations and foundations in support of University-wide development activities, using a variety of resources, including charitable, biographical and financial databases, international news, the University library and other sources. This will also include undertaking research to match potential funders to projects, working independently to identify and qualify prospects.
- You will be responsible for collecting, analysing, interpreting and documenting research findings to produce written reports of excellent quality.
- You will contribute to the understanding of the wider philanthropic funding environment and opportunities across the UK higher education sector.
- Additionally, you will support the Prospect Research Manager in preparing for strategically important events, through the identification of invitees and compilation of biographies.
- You will undertake due diligence on donors in line with the Development Office’s gift acceptance policy.
- Throughout, you will ensure that database systems are maintained accurately by retrieving, correcting and updating information on individuals, corporations and foundations, in line with GDPR regulations.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Experience of conducting qualitative research using a variety of sources to produce high quality reports.
- The ability to summarise and analyse extensive/complex reports.
- Excellent written communication skills, with a high standard of written English and the ability to effectively present research to a lay audience.
- A proactive approach and an enquiring mind with an instinct for investigative work.
- A working knowledge of IT, including familiarity with web search engines, plus Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Superior attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexibly, manage a number of activities simultaneously and manage a busy and varied workload, responding promptly to changing priorities where needed.
Desirable:
- Experience of undertaking prospect research within the Higher Education or charity sector.
- Knowledge of quantitative research methods and financial analysis.
- Knowledge of GDPR and data protection.
Flexible working:We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Work location:It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be approximately 2-3 times per month or more frequently, if preferred.
How to apply:To apply for this role, please submit the following as two separate documents:
- CV
- Supporting statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.
Interviews:It is anticipated interviews will take place 18 August, however, there is some flexibility to accomodate alternative date requests.
We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
£31,637 to £37,174 per annum
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Prospect Research Officer employer: The Open University
Contact Detail:
The Open University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prospect Research Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the philanthropic landscape, especially within higher education. Understanding the key players and trends in funding can give you an edge when discussing potential opportunities during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of prospect research and fundraising. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your qualitative research skills. Practice summarising complex information into concise reports, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to produce high-quality research outputs.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your attention to detail by preparing a mock report based on hypothetical research. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also your proactive approach to the role, which is highly valued.
We think you need these skills to ace Prospect Research Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Prospect Research Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Use it to express your interest in the role and provide specific examples of your relevant experience. Focus on your qualitative research skills and your ability to produce high-quality reports, as these are key aspects of the job.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and supporting statement, emphasise any previous experience in conducting research, particularly in the higher education or charity sector. Mention any familiarity with databases and your understanding of GDPR regulations, as these are important for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and supporting statement are free from grammatical errors and typos. Excellent written communication skills are essential for this role, so take the time to review your documents carefully before submitting them.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Open University
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research The Open University and its Development Office. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Your Examples
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your qualitative research skills and ability to produce high-quality reports. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written communication is essential for this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively presented complex information to a lay audience in the past. You might even want to bring a sample report or presentation to illustrate your point.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be prepared with thoughtful questions about the Prospect Research Team and the types of projects you might work on. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
