Executive assistant to director of fundraising and marketing jobs

Join Small Steps Project as our Executive Assistant 

Are you someone who loves bringing order to busy days, keeping people connected and making things happen behind the scenes?

We're looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant to join the Small Steps Project team and become the operational heartbeat of our award-winning international children's charity.

This is far more than a traditional Executive Assistant role.

You'll work closely with our Managing Director, Board of Trustees, project teams and volunteers, helping to keep the charity running smoothly while supporting fundraising, governance, operations, communications and events.

One day you could be preparing Board papers, the next coordinating our annual Celebrity Shoe Auction, supporting international projects or helping share the incredible stories that inspire our supporters.

If you're highly organised, naturally proactive and enjoy creating calm in a fast-moving environment, we'd love to hear from you.

What we're looking for

• An experienced Executive Assistant, Operations Manager, Office Manager or someone with similar experience.

• Someone who enjoys variety and thrives on managing multiple priorities.

• A confident communicator with excellent organisational skills.

• Someone who wants to use their skills to make a genuine difference.

What we're offering

• Full-time or part-time considered.

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

• School-friendly hours where possible.

• Job share applications welcomed.

• A supportive, collaborative team.

• A varied role with real responsibility and opportunities to grow.

• The chance to work for an award-winning international charity changing children's lives around the world.

At Small Steps Project, we know that exceptional people don't all follow the same career path or work the same pattern. Our team includes working parents and professionals from a variety of backgrounds, and we're committed to creating a flexible and supportive working environment where people can thrive.

If you're looking for a role where organisation meets purpose, and where every day contributes to lasting change, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and answer three short questions:

1. Why would you like to join Small Steps Project?

2. What experience would you bring to this role?

3. What excites you most about the opportunity?

Together, every small step creates lasting change.

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