Development Researcher
Development and Alumni Relations Office
http://www.city.ac.uk/hr
April 2013
Academic excellence for business and the professions
Role Profile
Post: Development Researcher
Department: Development and Alumni Relations Office
Grade: 5
Tenure: Permanent, Full time
Reports to: Head of Fundraising Support
Main Purpose:
The purpose of the Development and Alumni Relations Office is to support the University's Strategic Plan by delivering philanthropic income and other forms of financial and non-financial support from alumni, friends, companies, livery companies, trusts and foundations and other grant making bodies and institutions. The Office raises money for University wide and strategically important initiatives that cover student support, world class research and development of the University's estate.
This is achieved by developing and strengthening relationships with strategically important constituents and identifying shared areas of interest and activities to enable a lifelong relationship to develop and flourish. The Office also works closely with Schools and other Professional Services teams to support UK and international student recruitment, Careers opportunities and enhances the Student Experience, all of which support the University's Mission and Vision.
The Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) is located on multi-site premises around the University, is led by a Director and has academic leadership from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development).
Main Duties:
The Development Researcher is responsible for delivering outstanding quality research of individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate prospects and donors to support the fundraising work of the University. The post is strategically important as good quality research enables fundraising staff to identify key areas where prospects may be able to support the University in terms of financial and other ways.
The job holder reports to the Head of Fundraising Support; however works closely with all fundraising relationship staff within DARO and the senior University team where such relationships exist. Duties will be shared with a 2nd Development Researcher with similar reporting lines as the job holder.
· Develop a Research Programme to deliver high quality research on prospects
o Identify best practice in research in the higher education fundraising sector
o Identify most effective methods of providing research looking at cost effectiveness, accuracy and timeliness of research tools
o Identify the research needs of the DARO team and the wider University in terms of high profile corporate events where research may be requested
o Establish a system to ensure that DARO research needs are met in a timely manner
· Produce high quality research for fundraising and other purposes
o Agree timescales for research reports requested and deliver within that period
o Using specialist research tools, deliver accurate and timely research reports on constituents as requested by DARO team members
o Record all researched material on Raisers’ Edge in an agreed format
· Proactively identify potential fundraising prospects
o Identify from own research those who are likely to be potential donors or supporters of the University
o Develop a system, in conjunction with the Head of Fundraising Support to ensure that prospects are appropriately referred to fundraising staff
· Work effectively with colleagues to support fundraising activity
o Work closely with colleagues within DARO to ensure effective stewardship of relationships, consistency of delivery and provide support for stewardship related events
· Support the provision of management information relating to the fundraising operation
o Produce monthly or at a pre-agreed time, accurate and timely management information to illustrate research activity
· Work with academic colleagues to provide an outstanding support for the University’s Schools
o Support the Head of Fundraising Support in establishing, developing and delivering an outstanding support service to Deans of Schools and Head of Departments
o Attend meetings with key representatives from Schools and other departments, where requested, to identify better ways of connecting the Development and Alumni Relations operation to the staff within Schools
· Work collaboratively with Professional Services colleagues across different disciplines
o Support the work of the Head of Fundraising Support in working closely with colleagues responsible for UK and international recruitment, Careers, Professional Mentoring and Outreach activities to help achieve and exceed their strategically important objectives by establishing processes where the benefits of individual alumni and other relationships are maximised.
· Be an effective member of the DARO team
o Work collaboratively with DARO colleagues to help deliver an outstanding service to those the team serves
o Be an outstanding Ambassador for the University at all UK and international functions that are attended
The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post and in consultation with the post holder. All members of staff are required to be professional, co-operative and flexible in line with the needs of the post, Department, School and the University.
Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed and at least prior to the annual appraisal, if applicable or on a regular basis to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post.
Sustainable Development
The University is committed to a policy of best practice to assist in building a sustainable way of life by taking a positive, solutions-orientated approach. All post holders are encouraged to contribute through their roles to improving the environment, for the University and the wider community. This is promoted via The Forum for the Future – Higher Education Project. Details of policy, information and the staff development supporting the policy on the environment will be promoted through the website and various University communication channels.
Candidate Specification
Post Development Researcher
Department: Development and Alumni Relations Office
Grade: 5
Tenure: Permanent, Full time
Reports to: Head of Fundraising Support
Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
Knowledge
· A strong understanding of current political issues
· A strong understanding of the role of Higher Education in the context of the wider economy
· A strong understanding of the issues currently facing those studying at University
· A strong understanding of Raisers Edge
· A strong understanding of the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation
· A clear understanding of the University's Strategic objectives
Skills
· Excellent team working
· Determination
· Resilience
· Ability to work independently of the team
· The ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues whose professional objectives may differ from own
· The ability to work to demanding deadlines
· The ability to prioritise
· Accuracy
· Excellent communication skills in terms of written and spoken English
· Strong time management skills
· Good IT skills in terms of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook
· The ability to take ownership of a situation
· Outstanding customer service skills, both internally and externally
· The ability to act as an Ambassador for the University
Experience
· At least 2 years research experience
Personal qualities
· Educated to A level standard
· Probity
· A passion for self-development
· Preparedness to work unsocial hours where the need dictates
· The ability to act as an Ambassador for the University
Salary and Conditions of Service
The salient features of Conditions for Clerical and Certain Related Administrative staff are as follows:
· The salary will be in the range of £27,047 to £33,230 per annum. This is on Grade 5 of the salary scales for Clerical and Certain Related Administrative staff.
· Annual Leave is 26 days, plus 8 statutory and 3 additional days during the Christmas holiday period.
· You will have the option to join the London Pension Fund. Employees electing to join make a 6.5% contribution from their annual salary.
· This post is permanent and full time (35 hours per week).
· All offers of appointment are subject to the University receiving satisfactory references and medical clearance.
· All posts at City University are subject to reasonable adjustment under the Equalities Act (2010).
· All appointments at City University are subject to a probationary period.
Applications
When preparing your application, you should address carefully the post details enclosed and in particular the qualities outlined in the Person Specification. Please include examples where appropriate.
All applications must be received by 26th August 2013.
Further Information
We operate a no smoking policy.
The University offers an excellent pension scheme, generous leave allowance, season ticket loan, a good working environment, and access to our student fitness and social facilities.
If you would be moving to the UK, please visit www.internationalstaff.ac.uk. This one-stop shop of information is designed to assist and support your move to live in the UK and work at a UK University and includes information specific to City University London.
City University confirms its commitment to equal opportunities in all its activities. It is intended that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. Selection and promotion criteria will be kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits, and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements, which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
If you have a disability and are interested in this post, your application is welcomed. For an informal discussion you may wish to contact the Recruitment Team on:
Telephone: 020 7040 3085
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