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PRINCIPAL GIFTS MANAGER
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WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS about the unique heritage and location
years, including a £10.5 million grant
results. We are looking for an ambitious,
of their alma mater as well as the
from the Heritage Lottery Fund and six
experienced and creative fundraiser with
excellence in our teaching and research.
figure donations and bequests.
a background in either major donor or
Having joined the team in 2014, and as
We are now seeking a Principal Gifts
trust fundraising who is as confident in
an alumna myself (MSc International
Manager to take forward our ambitious
developing strategies and targets as they
Politics 2013), I feel privileged to be
plans for major donor income in support
are in tailoring creative and inspiring
working with our community of 65,000
of a £22 million project to transform Old
fundraising proposals to a range of
alumni and leading our strategy and
College, the birthplace of the University
major donor prospects. We are seeking
team during a period of unprecedented
and Higher Education in Wales, by our
candidates with a track record in working
ambition for our fundraising and in the
150th anniversary in 2022. The Manager
collaboratively and opportunistically
Higher Education sector more widely. As
will also lead strategies to establish a
with a range of internal and external
a close knit University, I and my team
wider major donor strategy in line with
stakeholders and with experience in
work with the full and active support
the University’s 2018-2023 strategy. Our
developing and delivering imaginative
of our Vice-Chancellor, senior academic
Principal Gifts Manager will have the
stewardship programmes.
and professional staff, Council members
part time support of an Appeal Officer
I hope very much that you will consider
and Honorary Fellows in this period of
shared with a colleague and also have
this opportunity to contribute to the
exciting capacity building.
the support of a fundraising consultancy.
ambitions of the University and our
The University’s first Development and
You will work closely with myself and
team.
Alumni Relations team was established
Vice Chancellor and a network of alumni
Please continue through this recruitment
in 2009 and quickly built upon the
and supporters around the world.
document and then make contact with
longstanding support of alumni to
We are confident that we have significant
Execucare, our recruitment partner, to
inspire and harness their support for our
opportunities to grow our income given
discuss your suitability.
first individual giving campaigns. Working
our recent fundraising success, a strong
in partnership with our alumni and
Our University is often described as
prospect pipeline and support of our
supporters around the world, the team
one that ‘punches above its weight’
£6 million appeal strategy. Fundraising
has now delivered record breaking levels
with alumni who are deeply passionate
has already begun for our £1.6 million
of fundraised income in the last three
major donor target with promising initial
Thank you for your interest in Aberystwyth University. I am delighted that you are considering joining us as our new Principal Gifts Manager and hope you will find this an exciting opportunity.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
Louise Jagger Director of Development & Alumni Relations
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ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY There is nowhere quite like Aberystwyth:
For student experience, Aberystwyth
no other University offers the unique
University is in the top ten in the UK and
combination of long academic tradition,
first in Wales – up 11 places on 2017.
outstandingly beautiful location, and a
In its overall league table, the 2018 Good
campus that brings together state-ofthe-art facilities, an Arts Centre, and provides easy access to one of the six copyright libraries in Britain. Beneath the mountains and beside the sea, Aberystwyth is a centre of national and regional, as well as cultural and commercial, importance. Based on three main sites in and around Aberystwyth, the University is a close community of over 2,000 staff and some 9,000 students from across the globe. There are 16 academic departments, which are organised into six Institutes. Aberystwyth University was named ‘University of the Year’ for Teaching Quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. It is the first time a university in Wales has been awarded the prestigious accolade by the Guide, which was published in September 2017. The Guide’s league table also propels Aberystwyth University into the top 50 universities in the UK, up nine places on last year and ranked 47th in the UK out
University Guide ranks Aberystwyth University fifth for teaching quality across the UK - up five places on 2017. The findings of the latest Good University Guide echo the results of the National Student Survey (NSS) published in August 2017, which placed Aberystwyth in second place across the UK for the quality of its assessment and feedback. On overall student satisfaction, Aberystwyth was ranked the best in Wales and one of the top five mainstream universities in the 2017 NSS. The University’s employability rates are also at their highest ever with figures published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in July 2017 showing 95% of Aberystwyth students were in work or further study six months after graduating in 2016. Please see the following links for further information: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/why-aber/ https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/why-aber/ facts-and-figures/awards-rankings/
of 131 higher education institutions.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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HISTORY The establishment of Aberystwyth
campus. This finely landscaped site
University is one of the great stories
enjoys spectacular views over the
of pioneering achievement in modern
town of Aberystwyth and the sea. New
Welsh history. It was the work of a small
buildings, including major arts and
group of patriots, led by Hugh Owen, a
science developments, halls of residence,
London Welshman, who sought from the
a magnificent arts centre and first
1850s onwards to raise enough money
rate sports facilities are located here.
by public and private subscription to
Most recently, major investment from
establish a college of university status in
the Welsh Government has led to the
Wales. A project of enormous ambition,
founding of the Institute of Biological,
the University first opened its doors in
Environmental and Rural Sciences
1872 initially with only a small number of
(IBERS). The University is now organized
teachers and students in a half finished
across three main sites: Penglais
hotel building (‘the Old College’).
Campus; the Llanbadarn Centre, which
The first decade presented many
is home to the Institute of Management,
challenges for the University’s survival. The generosity of a few individual
Law and Information Science; and Gogerddan, which is the main centre for
benefactors and organised appeals for
IBERS.
support from the ordinary people of
Throughout its growth, both in its estate
Wales kept the University in being, and,
and student numbers, Aberystwyth
perhaps more importantly, deeply rooted
has retained its traditional friendly
it in the minds and the affection of the
intimacies, its vigorous student social life,
Welsh people. A matter of considerable
and its high academic standards.
pride is that the University has made a
In 2007, the original colleges of the
significant contribution to the education of women, being one of the first institutions to admit female students. In 1893, Aberystwyth became part of the federated structure of the University of Wales, now dissolved.
University of Wales entered a new phase of existence as independent universities, though strong bonds of co-operation remain, re-affirmed in the St David’s Day accord of 2009. Aberystwyth University reflects with pride on the heritage
From the 1960s the University relocated
of its past, and faces the future with
from the seafront to the Penglais
confidence.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE Governance
University Executive Group
Aberystwyth University is a chartered
The University Executive Group
COUNCIL
institution whose Royal Charter was first
has responsibility for delivering the
SENATE
awarded in 1889, and currently functions
institutional strategy approved by the
under its most recent Supplemental
governing body, and has the authority VICE-CHANCELLOR
Royal Charter as revised in 2014. The
to make decisions that put operational
University is also a registered charity.
plans and actions into effect. The
The University meets its many
Executive Group includes the Vice-
obligations and accountabilities through the following governance structure: •
The Charter defines the objects, powers and officers of the University, and principles such as
PRO VICE-
PRO VICE-
PRO VICE-
PRO VICE-
INSTITUTE
CHANCELLOR
CHANCELLOR
CHANCELLOR
CHANCELLOR
DIRECTORS
CHIEF OPERATING
RESEARCH
STUDENT
WELSH LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE &
& CULTURE
INTERNATIONAL
& EXTERNAL
OFFICER
the power to teach and examine. •
ENGAGEMENT
The Statutes comprise the rules
•
and Planning. INSTITUTE
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
The Council is the University’s supreme
Both bodies are established by Charter.
is led by an Institute Director who, HEAD OF THE
HEADS OF
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S
DEPARTMENTS
OFFICE
together with members of an Executive Committee, has responsibility for teaching and learning, quality assurance and enhancement, research, internationalisation and collaboration,
governing body while the Senate is responsible for academic governance.
organised into six Institutes. Each
DIRECTOR OF HR
University is governed within the and Statutes.
Academic Structure Academically, the University is
The Ordinances concern how the general framework of the Charter
Academic Quality and Records, Campus Human Resources, Information Services,
members and officers of the University institution.
Institute Directors; and the Directors of and Commercial Services, Finance,
MANAGERS
concerning statutory bodies,
Chancellor; the Pro Vice-Chancellors: the
student recruitment, Welsh language and DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
culture, and health and safety within that Institute. Each Institute’s professional service is led by an Institute Manager.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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LIVING AND WORKING IN ABERYSTWYTH Aberystwyth is a historic market town
Housing and Schools
with stunning views of Cardigan Bay with
For families, Aberystwyth is home to
a population of over 13,000, as well as around 9,000 students. Nestled on the West Wales coast, Aberystwyth is much more than a seaside town. Apart from the University, Aberystwyth is also home to a number of institutions of national significance, including the National
a range of primary schools and two secondary schools with more on offer in the surrounding Ceredigion area. A range of properties are available, from town and suburb to rural and countryside homes.
Library of Wales and the Aberystwyth
Culture and Entertainment
Arts Centre.
Alongside all the amenities you’d expect
Aberystwyth’s sweeping seafront is a
from a thriving town – a wide range of
favourite with visitors and locals. The winding Promenade is popular with walkers, joggers, skaters, bikers – and those who just want to relax by the sea. Stroll along the full 2,000 metre length of the Promenade and you’ll pass a variety of Aberystwyth’s sights and landmarks. From the harbour and marina in the south and Constitution Hill to the north, you can enjoy a fresh sea breeze and beautiful panoramic view of Cardigan Bay and you will often see dolphins and porpoises.
shops, farmers markets, award winning restaurants and vibrant nightlife and café culture, Aberystwyth is also a bilingual town. Welsh is one of the oldest languages in Europe and there is a vibrant bilingual community. We have a welcoming town that offers a broad range of lively cultural events and social activities. Location For those travelling from overseas, Birmingham International is the most convenient airport for Aberystwyth. London’s airports are also fairly accessible and benefit from a wider choice of flights. Cardiff’s airport is also very convenient if travelling onward by car. Regular Train services operate and connect with Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and onwards to London.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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THE DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE (DARO) The Development and Alumni Relations
new strategy in 2014. As a relatively
department is an ambitious team and
small team, we work collaboratively
works closely with the Vice-Chancellor
and supportively on our plans and
and her Executive team and colleagues
relationships with each other and our
in Marketing, Communications and
colleagues and alumni and supporters.
International Office to shape and drive
Our driving ethos is partnership and we
an advancement vision for the University,
continually strive to target and develop
within a new five year strategy and as we
our communications and activities to
approach our 150th anniversary in 2022.
attract, inspire and grow the support
Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth
of our 65,000 alumni, working to the
Treasure is a strong, supportive and visible advocate of our work and seeks platforms to promote the importance of it and her commitment to it, saying recently that: ‘Aberystwyth University
highest standard of best practice and continual improvement. We are fortunate to have the partnership support of the Old Students’ Association, a membership organisation of 8,000 and one of the first
THE OPPORTUNITY
in the UK, and the Aberystwyth University
This is a newly created, permanent
Alumni Club of Malaysia. We work closely
role, which will focus on building long-
with our distinguished and influential
term, sustainable relationships with
Honorary Fellows around the world in
major donor prospects and secure
from the philanthropy of alumni, who
support of our plans.
transformational gifts for the University’s
benefited themselves from the generosity
The team was acknowledged for their
was built on the generous support of the local community and benefactors from around the world. This tradition continues today, with students benefiting directly
current and future fundraising priorities.
of previous generations. Maintaining
innovation, teamwork and enterprise
The role will initially lead plans and
active links with alumni and sharing in
through their shortlisting for the Times
activities to deliver priority income
their successes is a vital part of the work
Higher Education Leadership and
targets from major donations of up
of a modern progressive university as we
Management Award in 2016.
to £1.6 million within a total capital
develop our student experience for future generations’.
The new role of Principal Gifts Manager completes a new structure established
Led by Louise Jagger, a fundraising and
in 2017 following a strategic review and
relationship marketing leader with over
investment in our fundraising following
30 years’ experience of UK leadership
the successful award of £10.5 million
roles, the DARO team has rapidly grown
from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the
income and levels of engagement with
transformation of our iconic sea front Old
alumni around the world following a
College building.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
appeal target of £6 million to achieve the transformation of Old College by the University’s 150th anniversary in 2022. Trust income is targeted at £3 million and Individual Giving at £1.4 million.
The post-holder will work with major donors and prospects within the University’s 65,000 alumni community as well as with other supporters at national and international levels. This includes a range of internal and senior stakeholders across the University including the Vice- Chancellor, the Executive, Council, Honorary Fellows and the Old Students’ Association. This post-holder will lead strategies to develop income from major donations arising alongside and after the Appeal in line with DARO strategies and following the investment in major donor fundraising during the Old College appeal. For more information about the Old College plans please visit https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/oldcollege/ future-plans/
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STAFF DIAGRAM - DARO DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR & PA
DATABASE &
PROGRAMME
ALUMNI
PRINCIPAL
INSIGHTS MANAGER
DEVELOPMENT
ENGAGEMENT &
GIFTS MANAGER
OFFICER & BID
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
WRITER
MANAGER
DATABASE
APPEAL OFFICER
ASSISTANT ALUMNI
INDIVIDUAL
ENGAGEMENT
GIVING OFFICER
OFFICER
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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JOB DESCRIPTION REPORTS TO
JOB PURPOSE
Director of Development and
The role will lead plans and activities to develop a long term and holistic
Alumni Relations
major donor strategy and deliver priority income targets from major donations within a total capital appeal target of £6 million to achieve the transformation of Old College by the University’s 150th anniversary in
LINE MANAGES
2022.
Appeal Officer
The postholder will work with major donors and prospects within
(shared with Alumni Engagement and Individual Giving Manager)
the University’s 65,000 alumni community as well as with other supporters at national and international levels. This includes a range of internal and senior stakeholders across the University including the Vice- Chancellor, the Executive, Council, Honorary Fellows and the Old
DEPARTMENT Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO).
Students’ Association. Together with the Alumni Engagement and Individual Giving Manager, the role will line manage a shared Appeal Officer. The Officer will be required to work flexibly to support both roles to deliver plans and targets for major donors and individual giving.
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
Working with the Director and external fundraising consultants, you will also work with DARO team members: •
the Programme Development Officer and Bid Writer on synergies and matched funding opportunities,
•
the Alumni Engagement Officer and Individual Giving Manager on key relationships, special appeals and bequests,
•
the Database and Insights Manager to develop the prospect pool and research programmes and to monitor, analyse and evaluate the outcomes of research, approaches and stewardship programmes.
This role will lead strategies to develop income from major donations after the Appeal in line with DARO strategies and following the investment in major donor fundraising during the Old College appeal.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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JOB DESCRIPTION MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1.
To establish, manage, review and develop a dynamic rolling programme of approaches to a portfolio of existing and prospective major donors to achieve capital appeal targets for Old College.
2.
To increase the major donor prospect pool through systematic research and analysis of new prospects in conjunction with the Director, Database and Insights Manager, external agencies, alumni and their networks.
3.
To develop and present compelling and creative proposals through face to face meetings, presentations and fundraising events and written publications.
4.
To propose and deliver opportunities to recognise donors through naming opportunities and publicity.
5.
To brief senior internal and external stakeholders on major donor approaches and relationships and maximise their support in securing and stewarding of major donor relationships.
6.
To liaise with academic and services departments and students to negotiate, secure and support their support of relationship and fundraising plans.
7.
To communicate systematically and effectively with existing and prospective donors to develop relationships and respond to individual preferences and motivations.
8.
To research and present annual plans and targets and monitor and report to the Director and Project teams on progress.
9.
To part line manage and support the Appeal Officer and agree plans, targets and performance measures in conjunction with the Alumni Engagement and Individual Giving Manager.
10. To negotiate and draft Gift Agreements with major donors in line with the University Donations Acceptance policy. 11. To ensure that major gift income is accurately accounted for within DARO and reconciled with the Finance Department and that it is spent in accordance with donor’s wishes and in accordance with charity law. 12. To alert the Director on potential risks to reputation arising from major donor activity and recommend actions to address these. 13. To contribute to the development and delivery of the overall DARO departmental strategy. 14. To ensure compliance with data protection legislation, Fundraising Regulation and University policy and procedures. 15. To travel (including internationally if required) and to attend commitments outside normal office hours. 16. Be committed to taking responsibility for personal continued professional development. 17. To undertake other tasks as agreed with the Director in support of departmental objectives.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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QUALITIES (E) = ESSENTIAL
(D) = DESIRABLE
Qualifications
Educated to degree level or equivalent (E)
Experience
Relevant experience of developing and delivering major donor or related philanthropic plans and programmes (E) Achieving fundraising income targets (E) Experience of researching, targeting, cultivating and soliciting prospects (E) Experience of working with staff at Executive levels and lead volunteers in support of plans and activities (D) Experience of working in a target driven environment, and/or working towards set targets both at individual and departmental level (E) Demonstrable experience of producing plans and reporting on progress (E) Experience of working as part of a team and negotiating with team members to achieve joint objectives (E) Experience in a Higher Education context (D) Experience of achieving capital fundraising targets and/or campaign targets (D) Experience of undertaking prospect research and commissioning research from third parties (D) Experience of developing and presenting business cases for further investment in major donor fundraising (D) Experience of developing and presenting business cases for further investment in major donor fundraising (D)
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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QUALITIES (E) = ESSENTIAL Skills
(D) = DESIRABLE
Outstanding communication skills with compelling verbal and written ability; able to
*ORAL (SPOKEN) AND WRITTEN WELSH LEVEL A2. I can:
tailor written and verbal content and style to a range of audiences (E)
•
communicate in simple Welsh on familiar topics.
Ability to prioritise, work flexibly and to manage multiple priorities, particularly if
•
contribute to very short social conversations, even though I can’t, usually, keep the conversation going
under pressure (E) Ability to manage a staff member and maximise performance ( E)
myself. •
questions on my family and other people, the weather.
Ability to quickly inspire trust and confidence though high levels of personal effectiveness, persuasiveness, sensitivity, judgment, tact, discretion and tailored communications (E)
use a series of phrases to describe and answer
•
convey instructions or very simple telephone messages
•
write short simple notes and messages, connecting
Ability to think clearly about challenging problems and issues, to generate and
together simple phrases with simple connecting words
assess options and pursue pragmatic, proportionate solutions through persuasion
such as ‘and’, ‘but’ and ‘because’.
and negotiation (E) Ability to use initiative and to present options for continual development and
•
write a very simple letter or email, e.g. thanking someone for doing something.
improvement in activities (E) Ability to travel and attend activities outside office hours (E) An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually (E) Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A2 * (D) Knowledge
Knowledge of relational databases (E) Knowledge of Data Protection and Fundraising Regulation (E) Demonstrable good working knowledge of MS Office suite (E) Knowledge of the principles of other areas of fundraising including trusts, legacies, events and individual giving (D) Knowledge of Raisers Edge relational database (D)
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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TERMS & CONDITIONS Location
The role is based in Aberystwyth University but applications will be welcomed from candidates proposing home working arrangements and regular travel to London, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, and travel to other UK and international locations, as agreed
HOW TO APPLY Please apply by submitting a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter highlighting your suitability for the position by email to: catrin.atkins@execucare.com
Salary
Grade 7- £33,518-£38,833
Hours of Work
Full time 36.5 hours per week
Annual leave
27 days plus public holidays and University closed days
Aberystwyth University welcomes applications through the medium of
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/annualleave/
Welsh or English.
For an informal conversation prior to applying to this role, please contact Execucare, the University’s executive search consultants: Joanna Logan on 020 3589 0467 or Nicola Reames on 020 3621 1540
Probationary
12 months https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/departmental/
Period
humanresources/Probation-Procedure---final-PDF.pdf
Pension eligibility
Eligible to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) with 18% University contribution
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/employment-information/ financial-information/pension/academicrelatedpension/
Aberystwyth University is a Bilingual Institution which operates a Welsh
Travel
Language scheme and is committed to Equal Opportunities.
Reimbursement of expenses in line with University policy https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/finance/information-for-staff/travel/
Other benefits
•
Discount in University Hospitality Outlets
•
Discounted Sports Centre membership
•
Full access to the Universities libraries and Learning Resources
•
Access to training and development opportunities
•
Disability confident employer, Athena Swan Bronze award and recognised by Stonewall (116th Employer in the UK for LGBT inclusion in the workplace, 12th in Wales, Stonewall 2017)
•
Access to 24/7 employee assistance programme
Please see https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/staff-induction/working/ for further details.
Candidate Information Pack | Principal Gifts Manager, Aberystwyth University
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