Philanthropic Bid Development Manager

Job Purpose

To contribute to the success of the College of Social Sciences by significantly increasing the volume of research supported by funding derived from Trusts & Foundations, in order to deliver against the following specific success measures:

- increasing the College’s research income per FTE to reach its ambitious Russell Group upper quartile target

- enhancing the quality of the research environment for social science at the University of Glasgow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.     In consultation with research leaders in the College of Social Sciences, and professional partners in the University’s External Relations Directorate, co-design a College strategy for Trust and Foundation applications to support social science research, outlining key areas of focus, preferred mechanisms (e.g. studentships, research infrastructure), and the identification of priority Trusts & Foundations (including those already funding College research).

2.     With input from the Strategic Philanthropy Manager (Legacies & Trusts) in the External Relations Directorate, design and deliver the operational plan required to implement the strategy for Trust & Foundation fundraising for the College of Social Sciences, working across the College of Social Sciences and partnering with colleagues across the institution where required on proposals for cross-disciplinary projects. Set appropriate long (~3-5 year) and mid-term (~1 year) goals for the College’s programme and be accountable for the delivery of those goals.

3.     Ensure the establishment and smooth operation of a partnership with Development & Alumni which ensures fundraising and donor relationship management is compliant and that the University’s relevant policies and procedures (e.g. on gift acceptance, due diligence, data protection) are consistently applied.

4.     Use professional judgement and expertise to plan, lead and manage relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective Trust & Foundation prospective donors within the context of the University’s overarching relationship with those donors. Partner with the Strategic Philanthropy Manager (Legacies and Trusts) and other colleagues in Development & Alumni to ensure the University’s relationship with these donors is managed in a cohesive manner and with a donor/customer orientation. Assist in the balancing of donor’s wishes, College/School wishes and University priorities, which are sometimes in conflict.

5.     Using specialist knowledge of potential donor organisations and College research projects, and significant independent judgement, creativity and lateral thinking, articulate convincingly and persuasively the College’s priority research themes for Trusts & Foundations funding. Partner with researchers and academic leaders to prepare powerful case statements and research proposals for and with prospective donors, liaising with the College Research Operations team.

6.     Use professional expertise to develop and implement a programme of proactive meetings with potential Trust and Foundation decision-makers and influencers to understand their interests and motivations.

7.     Produce regular reports analysing performance in Trust & Foundation fundraising for the College, analysing future potential and recommending priority areas for future action.

8.     Provide expert advice on Trusts & Foundations practice to senior colleagues, including the College Dean of Research, School Research Leadership teams, and the Head of College, and use professional expertise and judgement to advise, brief and task academic leaders and researchers in key focus areas to plan, co-ordinate and execute approaches to Trust & Foundation representatives.

9.     Be a key contributor in the broader College Research Support Office team to identify opportunities to improve the organisational profile and capability to deliver on College and University KPIs in Research and Knowledge Exchange.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications 

Essential:

A1  Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles. OR Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 (Ordinary Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent, (including professional accreditation, with relevant formal training) and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2  Understanding of complex organisational environments featuring research, including the complex mix of opportunities, constraints and motivations of researchers.

A3  Authoritative knowledge of the principles, theory and practice of fundraising from Trusts and Foundations including regulation and legal requirements.

A4  Understanding of and belief in the importance of universities and why they merit philanthropic support.

Skills

Essential:

C1  Strategic thinker with ability to partner with senior leaders to set strategy and see projects through to delivery.

C2  Strong bid writing ability with capacity to understand research concepts, and adapt from story-telling to concise and clear proposal drafting.

C3  Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills including active listening, negotiating, high levels of tact and significant ability to influence beyond authority.

C4  Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and collaboratively in partnership with teams in parallel services/units.

C5  Gravitas; credible as a senior University representative to CEO level external contacts and to senior University leaders.

C6  Excellent organisational skills, and the ability to resolve conflicting priorities.

Experience

Essential:

E1  Experience of working with and influencing senior staff and senior external figures and managing strong strategic relationships with external partners and converting these into value added deliverables.

E2  Experience of researching, identifying and managing a funder pipeline to support higher education or similar missions.

E3  Experience of Trust fundraising gained in a research-focused or similar environment.

E4  A track record of personally soliciting and securing philanthropic gifts from trusts and foundations between four and six figures.

E5  Experience of the systems and processes necessary to underpin successful fundraising including reflecting and managing donor relationships on Raiser’s Edge or a similar database.

Desirable:

F1  Experience of statutory and/or research grant fundraising.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 3 years in the first instance. 

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

3 A flexible approach to working.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

.