Development Research Officer

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Job description

Development Research Officer (Maternity cover)

Manchester Metropolitan University is a thriving modern University located in the heart of a global city. It is committed to developing its outstanding buildings and facilities whilst striving to ensure that bright, young people from all backgrounds have access to an unrivalled education and are adequately supported throughout their studies at the University.

The Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team supports these strategic priorities by building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with its alumni, other influential individuals, companies and charitable trusts and foundations. Working towards an ambitious three-year plan that aims to significantly grow alumni volunteering and its beneficial impact on student success and grow fundraising income ten-fold, the Development Research Officer will play an important role towards these goals in the DAR team.

The role

We are seeking a Development Research Officer (maternity cover), who will play a key role in developing and delivering the identification of and research into potential supporters, partners and influencers. This will include individuals, trusts, foundations and companies, with a view to maximising support for the University's priority fundraising projects and enabling colleagues in both alumni relations and development to reach their goals.

You will support the alumni team by identifying alumni that may help support our alumni volunteering and ambassador programmes and you will support and assist all fundraisers in the management of their portfolios of key relationships.

The ideal candidate

You will have significant proven experience of delivering high quality research, ideally in a similar setting in higher education or Development Office. You will have excellent written, listening and verbal communication skills and be comfortable working with a number of fundraisers closely to proactively develop their pool of prospects to tight deadlines.

You will have recent experience of implementing prospect research strategies, gathering and cross-referencing high quality information from a wide range of sources in a timely manner and will be able to demonstrate effective use of CRM databases, preferably the Raiser's Edge.

Tenacity and the ability to use your own initiative is a must in this role, whilst having the flexibility to work in a close-knit team on a number of projects at any one time.

How to apply

Please submit your CV with a Covering Letter detailing your relevant experience in relation to the Person Specification in the Job Description.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 6th January.

This role is a maternity cover and will run for 12 months or the earlier return of the substantive post holder.

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who we recognise are underrepresented in this area.

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.

Closing date: 13 December 2021