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- Tasks: Engage with donors, create impactful stories, and produce annual reports showcasing research and scholarship support.
- Company: Join a university committed to global change through philanthropy and exceptional donor stewardship.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, gym discounts, personal development courses, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity and storytelling while making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Looking for creative, detail-oriented individuals with strong storytelling skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Other info: Hybrid work options available; suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants under certain conditions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you passionate about delivering an outstanding service to donors and fundraisers? Do you have high attention to detail? Are you excited about turning world-leading research and real-world impact into powerful stories to share with our donors and wider community of supporters?
The University has committed to growing its philanthropic income to support the delivery of the ‘Universal Values – Global Change’ strategy. Donor Relations is a critical part of this work with strategic oversight for supporter stewardship within the Advancement Team. Exceptional stewardship aims to deliver bespoke, thoughtful and impactful content to our donors to thank them for their support and communicate the impact of their support.
The Donor Relations team is responsible for producing a wide range of annual impact reports for our donor community, showcasing how funds have been spent and ensuring projects are on track. Topics range from cutting-edge research to scholarship support, and come in a range of formats – from written reports to videos – to suit the needs and preferences of different audiences.
You will work in partnership with our fundraisers to develop and implement stewardship plans for major gift donors (giving £25K – £1M) and transformational donors (giving more than £1M), seeking to understand what motivates the donor/s, and deliver meaningful experiences to deepen their connection with the University and retain their support.
In order to be successful in this role, you will be a creative and motivated individual, a skilled storyteller with a detailed work ethic and a passion for delivering exceptional donor stewardship. The role is deadline driven, so you will have the ability to work well under pressure, prioritise effectively and take initiative.
Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions. For more information please visit:
What we offer in return
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Name: Monica Facchinello, Job Title: Donor Relations Manager
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Donor Relations Officer employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Donor Relations Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the university's philanthropic goals and recent projects. Understanding the 'Universal Values – Global Change' strategy will help you align your passion for donor stewardship with the university's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your storytelling skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively communicated impact in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your communication made a difference in donor relations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees in the Advancement Team. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and what it takes to succeed in the Donor Relations Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to managing deadlines and prioritizing tasks. This role is deadline-driven, so demonstrating your ability to work under pressure will be crucial during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Donor Relations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Donor Relations Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities, such as donor stewardship and storytelling, and think about how your skills align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that highlights your passion for donor relations and your ability to create impactful stories. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your attention to detail and creativity in communication.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize any previous roles or projects where you have successfully engaged with donors or stakeholders. Highlight your experience in producing reports or content that showcases impact, as this is crucial for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application materials to reflect the values and mission of the University. Mention how you can contribute to their 'Universal Values – Global Change' strategy and your enthusiasm for supporting their philanthropic goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Show Your Passion for Donor Stewardship
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding service to donors. Share examples of how you've previously engaged with supporters and the impact it had on their experience.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires high attention to detail, prepare to discuss specific instances where your meticulousness made a difference in your work. Highlight any experiences where you produced reports or content that required precision.
✨Be a Storyteller
As a skilled storyteller, think about how you can convey complex information in an engaging way. Prepare to share examples of how you've turned research or projects into compelling narratives that resonate with different audiences.
✨Prepare for Deadline-Driven Scenarios
This role is deadline-driven, so be ready to discuss how you manage your time and prioritize tasks effectively. Share strategies you've used in the past to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality in your work.
