About the role

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 Donor Relations Manager, you will work closely with the Head of Engagement to develop and manage the Donor Relations programme within the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). This role will engage with and steward a growing pool of individuals, trusts, foundations, and corporations that have made donations to the University to assure appropriate recognition, build donor loyalty and help ensure the successful delivery of the University’s major philanthropic campaign.

In this role you will use your strong planning, copy writing, communication, and event delivery skills to build and develop relationships with donors, legators, and other supporters through a comprehensive programme of communications, reports, and events/recognition activity – including bespoke stewardship plans for high-level/principal gift donors. Your work will enhance our fundraising efforts and nurture supporter involvement in the University of Leicester Community.

About you

Candidates will have the ability to manage a range of projects and deadlines whilst maintaining high standards of donor care and accuracy.

You will be naturally confident and composed in 1 to 1 and group meetings with people who hold senior positions, leadership and influential roles, with the ability to build trust, and work effectively with major donors, senior academic staff, and Advisory Board members. You will have excellent organisational, social, and listening skills and the ability to communicate persuasively and effectively, both in writing and orally.

With a flexible, donor-service approach with a focus on discovering and acting on supporters’ needs, you will have the confidence, experience, and ability to ‘own’ a high-level Donor Relations programme.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Steve Corbett, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at [email protected].

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.