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- Tasks: Support fundraising activities and be the friendly first point of contact for donors.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, dedicated to inspiring alumni and supporters to make a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic team while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for customer service are essential.
- Other info: No prior experience required; we value diverse backgrounds and encourage all to apply.
The predicted salary is between 21800 - 22400 £ per year.
Overview
Campaigns and Alumni Relations (CAR) at the University of Sheffield is dedicated to inspiring alumni (former students) and supporters to make donations and volunteer their time. A gift to the University of Sheffield can change lives, from supporting students in financial need to furthering world-leading research.
We’re looking for a confident and collaborative administrator to join us in this varied role supporting across all fundraising areas: Legacies (gifts in Wills), Individual Giving (mass fundraising), Community Fundraising (fundraising events) and Major Gifts (larger gifts). You’ll be a friendly and efficient first point of contact for donors and will assist the team with the wide range of fundraising we carry out. You’ll provide support to ensure the smooth planning and execution of fundraising activities, from face-to-face meetings and events with donors, to digital and print communications. You’ll be part of a small and highly motivated team. We require someone who is flexible and dynamic. Attention to detail and excellent relationship building, in addition to communication, time-management and customer service skills are all essential to the role. This post will provide a fantastic opportunity for someone wishing to gain experience in a broad range of activities within a busy, supporter-facing team. This work will play a vital role in our ambitions to grow and sustain philanthropic giving to the University.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide effective administrative support for fundraising activities across teams to help the department promote philanthropy and support those wishing to donate to the University.
- Provide a main point of contact for fundraising queries and correspondence, by email, mail, on the phone and in person. Lead on the daily monitoring of fundraising email inboxes and phone queries, ensuring a quick and friendly response to provide the best possible supporter care.
- Lead on timely responses to expressions of interest for donating and leaving gifts in Wills. To include drafting standard and non-standard responses to different enquiries (individuals and solicitors).
- Support the Senior Philanthropy Manager in the administration of legacy caseloads including adding appropriate information to the CRM database, Raiser\’s Edge. Assist with other legacy related activity including updating online obituaries, supporting events and communications across web, social and print.
- Provide effective and efficient administrative support for Community Fundraising activities. Including using JustGiving to identify new community fundraisers (welcoming, thanking and supporting them) and supporting community fundraising events, such as The Big Walk.
- Support the telephone campaign through administrative support for the recruitment and training of student fundraisers.
- Provide administrative support to assist with stewardship (thanking) of donors and legacy pledgers. Including sending thank you letters; mass emails using our email software; running and updating data reports; collecting, drafting and checking written reports; assisting with donor visits such as setting schedules, booking rooms, liaising with guests and accompanying visitors on tours.
- Support the work of the department by recording data accurately on the CRM database (Raiser\’s Edge) ensuring all data is managed confidentially and in line with the GDPR.
- Provide cover to the office reception when needed. To include answering phone calls, greeting visitors and processing mail.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\’t match perfectly with this role\’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria – all elements of this criteria will be assessed at the application and interview stage.
- Excellent written communication skills with a high level of attention to detail and ability to take on board feedback.
- Excellent relationship building skills with an adaptable approach to working with a wide range of people including donors and prospective donors.
- A passion to provide a high level of customer service, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to phone and email enquiries.
- Experience of working collaboratively and flexibly, as part of a team, and with colleagues from across teams and the wider organisation.
- Ability to deliver an outstanding supporter experience whilst acting as an ambassador for the University.
- A highly confidential approach to data handling including handling sensitive information with integrity and in accordance with data protection regulations and other legal requirements.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills, with an ability to plan, prioritise and progress work activities.
- A highly flexible approach to work and experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances.
- The ability to use Microsoft Office and Google suite applications proficiently.
- An interest in fundraising.
Desirable – experience of working with customer relationship databases (CRM) such as Raiser’s Edge (assessed at application).
Further Information
- Grade: 4
- Salary: £25,249 – £26,707 per annum with the potential to progress to £28,778.
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Line manager: Senior Philanthropy Manager – Legacies
- Direct reports: N/A
- Our website: www.sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/welcome-car
For informal enquiries about this job contact Rebecca Radford, Individual Giving Manager, at r.m.radford@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 215 8591.
Next steps in the recruitment process: It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 22 September. This will consist of a formal interview and a test. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Kirsty Duke at 0114 222 4515 or k.duke@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan: We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in a new window).
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Fundraising Assistant employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Sheffield's fundraising initiatives and campaigns. Understanding their mission and current projects will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the fundraising sector, especially those who have worked at the University of Sheffield. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully handled inquiries or built relationships in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to provide excellent supporter care, a key aspect of the Fundraising Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your organisational skills by discussing any experience you have with managing multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. This is crucial for the role, as you'll be supporting various fundraising activities and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of Fundraising Assistant. Emphasise your written communication skills, attention to detail, and customer service experience.
Showcase Relationship Building Skills: In your application statement, provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that involves interacting with donors and supporters.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork: Highlight instances where you've worked collaboratively within a team or adapted to changing circumstances. The role requires a flexible approach, so showcasing this will strengthen your application.
Address the Essential Criteria: Ensure you reference the essential criteria listed in the job description directly in your application statement. This shows that you understand the requirements and can meet them effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Show Your Passion for Fundraising
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for fundraising and how it can impact lives. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Excellent Communication Skills
Since the role involves a lot of interaction with donors and team members, be prepared to showcase your written and verbal communication skills. You might want to provide examples of how you've effectively handled inquiries or built relationships in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Given the importance of accuracy in data handling and correspondence, be ready to discuss how you ensure attention to detail in your work. You could mention specific tools or methods you use to maintain high standards in your tasks.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Scenarios
As the role requires collaboration across various teams, think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team setting. Be ready to discuss how you adapt to different working styles and contribute to a positive team dynamic.