Stewardship Officer

Do you have substantial stewardship experience, with a comprehensive understanding of fundraising principles and practice? Are you excellent at communicating with others and thrive in a high-performing team? 

If the answer is yes, then the role of Stewardship Officer could be ideal.

The Stewardship Officer has responsibility for supporting a formal programme of stewardship and recognition initiatives for supporters of the University, maintaining positive donor relations to contribute to ongoing and long-term donor support of the University.

Working with the Philanthropy Manager, they enable the Philanthropy and Alumni Relations Office and the wider University to cultivate strong relationships and customised stewardship plans with existing and potential donors.

As Stewardship Officer your duties will include to:

• Support the implementation & development of a programme of stewardship and recognition for all individuals, trusts/foundations, corporates and other organisations making donations to the University
• Take a lead role in maintaining Kent Giving Week, an annual week of fundraising
• Support the work of Major Gift Officers and key internal stakeholders in Divisions in developing and cultivating relationships with key donors through bespoke communications
• Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of the stewardship programme and activities using a range of metrics, with a view to enhancing activities that do well
• Work across the Philanthropy and Alumni Relations Office and the wider University to identify, develop and disseminate stories that highlight the impact of donations

The successful candidate will have/be:

• First degree or equivalent relevant work experience
• Fundraising experience, including delivering stewardship and donor recognition programmes for individuals, trusts/foundations and companies
• An understanding of Data Protection principles and charity legislation
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with a track record of communicating complex information to a variety of audiences
• An ability to work as part of a high-performing team and to build effective partnerships with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders

In return we can offer you:

An open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing, along with a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• An excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• On-campus cinema/theatre, sports facilities, library, nursery and food outlets, set among green, open space overlooking the Cathedral
• Study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts
• On-site parking

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process, please contact the People Services Team on [email protected] quoting ref number CSF-857-24

Further details:   

Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels.