Vacancies at Newcastle University

Key Accountabilities

• Work independently on general research activities, such as Prospect Research, to support the Head of Advancement Operations and the wider philanthropy team in providing GDPR-compliant, high-quality research on individuals, companies and trusts/foundations
• Work with Advancement colleagues to keep donors informed on the progress of their donations through effective stewardship report writing
• Work with colleagues in the philanthropy team to deliver stewardship strategies that strengthen long-term relationships with major donors, regular donors, legacy pledgers and other supporters.
• Lead on stewardship specific events to showcase the impact of philanthropy to our donor community. Acting as key liaison, overseeing logistics, event management and leadership briefings
• Oversee Advancement’s programme of philanthropically donated scholarships, bursaries and prizes, guaranteeing a consistent experience for all donors
• Lead on donor visits to campus, organising a programme of activity which will inspire them to support the University and demonstrate the impact of philanthropy on campus
• Contribute to day to day maintenance of the alumni, donor, stakeholder and strategic relationship management data
• Independently produce sector and thematic research and supporting our events with briefings and guest biographies, particularly for the Alumni Engagement and Supporter team
• Ensure that information on key constituencies and their preferences is accurate and up to date on the NU Advancement database
• To produce reports and datasets as requested
• Organise, analyse and review prospect data to assess fundraising capabilities at monthly prospect pipeline and one to one meetings with canvassers, to ensure that fundraising efforts are targeted toward the best possible prospects to contribute towards the optimum performance of the fundraising team
• Work with the Operations Coordinator to ensure the prospect research process is adequate, fit for purpose and offers tangible return on investment. Work with the Head of Operations to gather intelligence to track effectiveness
• Ensure all research information is stored and processed is compliant with legislation (like GDPR), regularly reviewing processes and procedures to guarantee they are fit for purpose
• Contribute to ongoing training support related to the research and administration processes for the wider team
• To routinely contribute to the review of procedures, processes and policies relating to the prospect management system, ensuring compliance with relevant data protection legislation, the Fundraising Code of Practice and the University’s policies for the ethical acceptance of donations
• Be aware of changing priorities with a willingness to undertake any other duties of a relevant nature as required by NU Advancement

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Essential)

Essential

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing material for senior audiences
• Experienced in producing clear, impactful reports
• Experience of drawing together complex information and summarising it succinctly in accessible language for a non-specialist audience/readershipDemonstrates neutrality and objectivity in senior-level research reporting
• Experience of working in a customer focused environment
• Proven understanding of how to work effectively in systems-led environments
• Proficient in  data analysis, especially using Excel
• Skilled in identifying and improving standard operating practices
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a track record of building strong working relationships across teams
• Strong project management capabilities, including prioritisation, organisation, and meeting multiple deadlines
• Creative problem-solver with initiative and a proactive approach

Desirable

• Experience in prospect research or fundraising and donor relations
• Familiarity with handling sensitive data and applying ethical judgement
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations and guidance, including:
• • Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice
  • Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s major donor guide
  • Charity Commission Compliance toolkit
• Working understanding of data protection legislation and compliance requirements

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Key Accountabilities

• Manage key change projects and workstreams initiated by the directorate ensuring they are delivered in an efficient, responsive and professional manner
• Liaise with key internal stakeholders to ensure clear and aligned understanding of key change projects and workstreams
• Lead on the co-ordination of the agreed relevant planning processes for projects from the initiation phase through to implementation
• Support the leadership team and Director of Estates & Facilities with the preparation of annual budgets and management of spend and project related procurement processes
• Develop, deliver and monitor workstreams and projects, tracking deliverable outcomes against targets and deadlines, highlighting any issues relating to the delivery providing recommendations to the Leadership team to ensure remediation
• Develop and deliver communication and engagement plans relating to specific projects.  Provide communications and maintain effective communication with stakeholders across projects and the wider organisation
• Support the Senior Leadership team in delivering key tasks and priorities across all projects and workstreams
• Ensure ownership of project files and teams’ sites for key internal stakeholders and agreed projects ensuring all information is up to date and version controlled
• Monitor directorate incoming mail, triage and respond proactively on behalf of the Leadership Team, maintaining a high degree of confidentiality
• Draft communications to be delivered by the Director and/or the Leadership Team
• Co-ordinate internal and external visitors to campus working closely with the Leadership Team and others as appropriate
• Provide support to the Leadership Team, in particular, assist with the preparation of papers for committees and project meetings, organise and attend meetings, distribute associated documentation, take formal minutes and ensure that actions are followed up as necessary
• Conduct appropriate research for leadership and or project presentations, speeches or briefings and assist with preparation
• Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Other duties may be allocated by the Director/Leadership team

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication skills, in both written and verbal formats, with demonstrable track record of working closely with stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills to guide, influence and negotiate with others
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction to deliver quality outputs to tight deadlines
• Experience of working within a senior leadership team
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Has strong organisational, planning and administrative with the ability to assess, prioritise and manage a varied workload
• Excellent team working skills, and the ability to initiate, develop and maintain productive relationships
• Ability to handle large volumes of work to tight deadlines, whilst maintaining strong attention to detail
• An ability to produce relevant reports summarising results and making recommendations
• An understanding of University structures and policies
• Experience of looking at master planning and campus change projects

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent judgement in dealing with and responding to sensitive situations
• A solution focussed, problem solver with the ability to make independent decisions within own area of expertise. The ability to work on their own initiative and prioritise and forward plan workload
• Exercises a high degree of discretion and diplomacy and the need to maintain confidentiality
• Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information
• Recognises the need for change, is willing to adopt new ways of working and happy to promote the benefits of change to others

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in a similar role is essential