Senior Philanthropy Manager

As the University of Leicester enters its first large-scale, multi-year fundraising campaign, we are looking to appoint an exceptional, motivated individual to be a key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). Our exciting campaign will enable a broad range of truly transformative projects across the University, to help further its impact on our society and firmly drive its second century of change.

As the Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will play a key strategic role in working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Director of DARO to develop the strategy for major gift philanthropic giving at the University, and will inspire the Major Gifts team to meet ambitious targets.

You will build a comprehensive programme of philanthropic funding applications to raise unrestricted and restricted funds from a personal portfolio of prospects - from individuals and companies to charitable trusts and foundations. With a strong track record of writing proposals (especially to secure six figure sums and above), you will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy, Director of DARO, Senior Manager (Prospect Development), and senior academics, staff, and volunteers throughout the University. You will manage the team by example, in communicating the vision and purpose of DARO, within the context of its first comprehensive, multi-year campaign, in order to support the mission and strategic priorities of the University. You will directly line-manage two Philanthropy Managers (Major Gifts), and a Legacy Officer, with day-to-day oversight of these distinct areas of work.

You will be a successful and experienced, major gift fundraiser from a mixed portfolio of donors (trusts, individuals, and corporates), as well as a confident, strategically-minded manager, who will manage a busy and ambitious major gifts unit.

We are looking for someone who is composed, collaborative, thrives in a fast-paced environment and can share in the team’s success. You will have excellent relationship-building and organisational skills, and the necessary experience to confidently engage with senior individuals both internally and externally. You will have exceptional oral and written communication skills, and bring a considered, solution-focused approach to opportunities and challenges. You must have a strong understanding of the practice and principles of philanthropy, exceptional management skills, and the ability to work to targets.