Senior Philanthropy Officer

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 optimisationof individualgiving efforts.Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience. 

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

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

• Along with theHead of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendarand play a leading role in content creation. 

• Collaborate with theAdmissions and Marketingteam 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 andmaintainrelationships with legacy pledgers and prospects 

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise andretainlegacy 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 tomonitorand 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, professionalqualificationor equivalent professional experience 

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

• Proventrack recordof delivering successful multi-channel campaigns 

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys,acquisitionand retention 

• Skilled in data analysis, performancetrackingand forecasting 

• Proficiencywith graphic design tools, experience with Canvawould be an advantage. 

• Demonstrable experience withRaisers Edge, or similar CRMsystem 

• 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 

• Commitmenttohigh levelof professional standards 

• Genuine appreciation ofGeorge Watson’s College’smission and the ability to communicate it 

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualificationsuch as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience 

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors 

• Understanding of theIndependentSchool sector