UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM

Alumni/Development Assistant: job description

The role of Alumni/Development Assistant sits within a busy team in the Alumni, Development and Publicity Office and provides key support for the alumni and fundraising activities. You will serve as the first point of contact for all enquiries coming into the office, ensuring an efficient and professional experience for donors and alumni.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy environment, and be used to balancing competing demands and delivering under pressure. A flexible and organised approach is essential, as is the ability to learn and work quickly, and to show initiative. The role will suit an individual keen to develop their skills in a creative and dynamic environment, and offers an excellent opportunity to further a career in development. The postholder will answer to the Director of External Affairs and Development and the Head of Alumni Relations.

Duties and responsibilities:

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Responsible for all administrative aspects of the alumni magazine, including commissioning articles, writing articles, commissioning photographs, and working with printers and the designer to ensure satisfactory delivery.

EVENTS

Manage administrative aspects of alumni and fundraising events, including ticket requests, creation of guest lists and table plans, etc

FUNDRAISING

Keep abreast of the University’s fundraising plans the role your plays in the success of these plans

ADMINISTRATION

Act as the first point of contact for all general inquiries. Provide general assistance to the director of development and the head of alumni relations

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Continue the University’s presence on social networking sites so that we maintain our profile for PR, alumni and fundraising purposes

KEY SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Educated to degree level
  • A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office; knowledge of fundraising databases, such as Raisers Edge, would be a plus
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels and manage a diverse workload
  • Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and successfully deliver to tight deadlines
  • Excellent listening and organisational skills
  • A can-do attitude and willingness to contribute in all ways to the success of the team
  • Proactive and able to work on own initiative with limited supervision
  • Enthusiastic and reliable with a high level of professionalism and discretion
  • Previous experience working in an office environment
  • Experience of the education or fundraising sectors is highly desirable