Customer service assistant and receptionist jobs

The Royal School of Needlework is the International Centre of Excellence for the Art of Hand Embroidery. Based at the historic Hampton Court Palace, we have been dedicated to preserving and innovating in the art of hand embroidery since 1872. Our thriving education programme offers courses for all levels, from beginners to degree level, and we teach onsite and online in locations across the UK, and internationally in America, Japan, and Australia. Our renowned Embroidery Studio creates bespoke embroidery for fashion, art, and royalty and offers expert conservation and restoration services for valuable and historical embroidered pieces.

The RSN is unique. No other single organisation covers the breadth of education and practice to promote the art and technique of hand embroidery or has our connections, collection, archive and heritage. Embroidery is an international language. Cultures and communities have used embroidery-based techniques to tell stories and record events for hundreds of years while the individual benefits of mindfulness and mental wellbeing are now increasingly being recognised today.

Overview of Role:
To provide operational and administrative support across the RSN’s educational programmes, including the Certificate and Diploma, Tutor Training Course, Short Courses, International Summer School and On Demand Courses.

Main Duties 

The main duties include, but are not limited to: 

General Administration 

• Manage the Education Email Inboxes, responding to queries and complaints as appropriate. 
• Monitor and order stock levels, ensuring supplies are available as needed. 
• Handle the packing and mailing of kits and materials, both nationally and internationally. 
• Support classroom setup for various courses, including Short Courses, Bespoke Classes, and events. 
• Assist in preparing beverages for students and visitors, maintaining cleanliness in the area. 
• Escort visitors and guests from reception, including tour groups, while representing the RSN brand confidently and enthusiastically. 
• Attend offsite events as required. 

Course-Related Administration 

• Support the Certificate and Diploma Programme Managers in the administration of the course. 
• Provide logistical support for educational tours and other departmental activities. 

Other Duties 

• Maintain a professional and efficient workflow within the Education team. 
• Provide comprehensive administrative assistanceto the Education Management Team, including scheduling, correspondence, and maintaining organised records to facilitate programme delivery.
• Undertake any additional activities required by your line manager within the scope of this role. 

You will not be expected to perform all the above duties, but we will expect you to be able to cover for colleagues where appropriate.

Person Specification 

Desirable 

• Interest in hand embroidery 
• Good customer service experience or potential (email/phone) 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team 
• Logical thinking and attention to detail 
• Ability to multitask and work in a busy environment 
• Energetic and enthusiastic 
• Experience with CRM databases
• Experience in office administration 
• Familiarity with postal systems and packaging of goods 
• Experience with event planning and operations 

Working Conditions 

• The role requires frequent movement between RSN’s operational areas, including collecting items or escorting individuals from reception. 
• Some lifting and use of trolleys may be required, and occasional work outside regular office hours may be necessary. 
• Flexibility is essential, particularly when lifts are unavailable or in high demand. 

 This job description is subject to periodic review and may be updated to meet the evolving needs of the RSN. 

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Individual Giving 

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.  

• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.  

• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.  

• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.  

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.  

• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.  

• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies  

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)  

• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects  

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters  

• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters  

• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes 

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades  

• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition  

• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs  

• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund 

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes. 

• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance. 

• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience  

• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures  

• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns  

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention  

• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting   

• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.  

• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system 

• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.  

• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.  

• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising  

• Commitment to high level of professional standards  

• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience  

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors  

• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

Create is seeking a dynamic, ambitious, driven, fundraiser (grants/major gifts) with strong strategic skills, an exemplary income generation track record, and a passion for the power of the creative arts. This Senior Leadership Team position reports directly to the Chief Executive and manages a small team.

Do you believe in the power of the creative arts to connect, empower and upskill isolated and vulnerable children and adults? Are you passionate about relationship building, storytelling, meeting targets and changing lives? Are you excited to use your extensive senior-level fundraising experience, knowledge and contacts to lead Create’s income generation from Trusts & Foundations (T&F), public sector and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)?