About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated, self-driven individual who will be able to drive new business and to secure philanthropic income for the University in the Open University’s Development Office (DO). This will be achieved through sourcing and securing philanthropic funds primarily through corporates, wealthy individuals, trusts and foundations both in the UK and internationally.

Working with the Head of Partnerships, you will take a lead role in identifying and developing external partnerships with Trusts, Corporates, and Individuals to support philanthropic partnerships. 

You will develop new and existing long-term relationships and be creative about the introduction of new business. You will be based within the Philanthropy Team, a dynamic and supportive team of five including the Head of Partnerships and the Head of Philanthropy alongside two Philanthropy Managers and a Research Team.

You will have experience of identifying, disseminating and developing tailored and compelling opportunities for funding partnerships and a track record of securing philanthropic donations both in the UK and globally, including the ability to influence and work collaboratively across boundaries and develop external 

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to Milton Keynes, it is expected that some attendance will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be 2-3 times a month. Travel to other locations may also be required. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. Part-time hours of 22.5 and above will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for creating and managing a pipeline of prospects with a view to developing long-term relationships with each, securing funding of high five - seven figure gifts. In doing so, you will work closely with individuals and departments in the University to identify, explore and optimise funding needs and existing relationships.
• To design and implement cultivation and stewardship strategies for prospects and donors in order to ensure targets are realistic yet ambitious, and funding propositions are suitably tailored.
• Ability to create a compelling 'sales' process: writing high calibre proposals and devising creative and compelling presentations that involve other colleagues or relevant faculty members, where necessary.
• To develop and maintain knowledge of contemporary funding practices, opportunities and peer initiatives, to ensure the OU can play a key role in developing and maintaining a leading market practice.
• Ability to use judgement and sensitivity in the anticipation and resolution of any issues that could result in any damage to the OU's reputation.  

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Proven track record in fundraising for Higher Education, cultural or charitable institution with securing and delivering high five to seven figure gifts/partnerships/sponsorships from either trust, individuals or companies.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex subjects into persuasive proposals and presentations for an external audience.
• Ability to influence senior decision-makers internally and externally in philanthropic organisations; as well as wealthy individuals to ask/ negotiate for major gifts.
• Ability to work flexibly, to deadlines, with tact and diplomacy, using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent persuasive writing, communication skills and team working. 
• Knowledge of charity law, GDPR and contracts.

Desirable:

• Ability to manage a number of activities simultaneously and juggle a busy and varied workload.
• Understanding or knowledge of the widening participation agenda in Higher Education.

Essential Requirements

As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a separate Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words that demonstrates how you meet the essential/desirable criteria listed above.

Interviews are expectedt to take place at our Milton Keynes offices on 21/21 October.

*Early Close:  We reserve the right to close adverts sooner than the closing date.