Campaigns Project Manager

Overview

The Campaign Projects Manager is a fixed-term role that supports the University’s fundraising priorities by turning strategy into action.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Campaign Management, you will identify, plan, and manage key fundraising projects and giving opportunities. You will work closely with the Campaigns and Alumni Relations (CAR) team, academic Schools, and Professional Services, acting as a link between them. Your role will ensure that fundraising projects are clearly defined, financially sound, and ready for donor support.

You will manage important strategic projects related to philanthropy, including the Endowment Income Project, support planning for the conclusion of the Forged in Sheffield fundraising and engagement campaign, and lead the development of a pipeline of post-campaign philanthropic opportunities. You will provide project management for campaign planning and meetings with senior stakeholders, drafting Board papers and reports that explain relatively complex information clearly.

As Campaign Projects Manager, you will oversee key initiatives within the department and work closely with colleagues across the University to deliver campaign objectives. The role involves managing complex and varied responsibilities, requiring sound judgement and a high level of discretion and confidentiality. Your work will ensure critically important projects remain on track through the campaign’s public phase and that momentum is sustained.

Main duties and responsibilities 

• Design and implement a process for maintaining a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic fundraising opportunities that align with University priorities and donor interests. Lead work to scope and evaluate the suitability of proposed projects.
• Be proactive in partnering with senior academics and Faculty Leads to identify and "translate" research and capital priorities into fundable projects. Convene groups to source required financial information and narrative content.
• Draft compelling "Cases for Support" and project briefs that align with the University’s strategic themes and are consistent with the overarching Campaign brand. Translate relatively complex information into a form that is understandable by non-experts and appealing to donors.

• Lead the project management of a time-limited plan to ‘unlock’ income and/or capital from dormant or restricted endowment funds. Set milestones, monitor progress and ensure the project keeps on track. Work with colleagues across CAR and across the University to plan, prepare and coordinate submissions to the Charity Commission, providing content for Council papers and proposals where needed.
• Design, set up and test a sustainable system for reporting-on endowment spend and the impact of endowed gifts.
• Use insight and analysis to contribute to the preparation of papers, documents and reports on the project’s progress and outcome. Make recommendations and produce content that is appropriate for different internal and external stakeholder groups.

• Provide project management support for the creation and delivery of a clear plan to close the Forged in Sheffield campaign and maintain momentum post-campaign. Ensure the plan covers key milestones and shows the overall impact of donor support and engagement throughout the life of the campaign. Work with colleagues across CAR to keep the plan current, monitoring progress, identifying risks and responding to change as needed.
• Lead work to evaluate and report on the outcomes of the University’s first major philanthropic campaign. Make recommendations on content, convene expert groups and contribute to creation of materials, as required. Ensure that planned reports are consistent and timely and reflect the full range of stakeholders.
• Support the Associate Director of Campaign Management in planning and preparing for meetings with key internal and external stakeholders. Tasks may include preparing agendas, drafting discussion papers, designing and producing slide decks, being proactive in sourcing content, and following-up on actions. Attendance at meetings may also be required.
• Be proactive about engaging with peers across the sector to gather insight on best practice.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post