Alumni Events Manager

Do you possess strong relationship management skills and have a passion for people and fundraising? If so, this could be just the job for you.

Job Purpose

The function of this role is to work with the Head of Development to devise and implement a programme of successful Alumni Events and fundraising for The Glasgow Academy.

Alumni Engagement: The focus is to build positive relationships with all members of the school and wider communities, including that of the former Westbourne School for Girls. The postholder will help to deliver The Academy’s alumni engagement strategy and volunteer programme, including various events, reunions and the like, with the aim of providing a pipeline of engaged individuals willing to support the School through their time, expertise, connections and philanthropy.

Development Manager:The post holder will coordinate and support the systems and procedures underpinning the cultivation and solicitation of donors; manage a series of 1-2-1 meeting with and small cultivation events for donors/prospects and prepare appropriate communications to support the same.

The post-holder will report to the Head of Development. The Development Team sits within the External Relations office which works to support the continuing development of The Academy through admissions, marketing, alumni relations, fundraising and by promoting the school’s achievements and aspirations as a centre of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising:

·         Maintain and grow relationships with key former pupils, current parents and potential donors to devise and execute bespoke programme of involvement and communication that lead to (major and regular) gifts.

·         Work with Head of Development to implement specific strategies for engagement opportunities including involvement in FP programmes, invitations to events, visits to campus, and individual meetings with members of staff or Senior Leadership Team.  

·         Devise and implement fundraising strategies to include: Capital Campaign Fundraising, Named Prizes, Fundraising for Bursaries/Legacy Giving/Regular Giving. Hold direct 1-2-1 solicitations and draft and send gift agreements to solicit gifts.

·         Ensure all donations are recorded and thanked promptly/appropriately in CRM In Touch database. Build and export queries or lists for various events, mailers and groupings as needed.

·         Maintain accurate, up-to-date and GDPR-compliant potential and current donor records.

Events and communications:

·         Manage the planning, execution and promotion of Alumni Events for potential supporters (alumni, parents and staff) – which will include some evening and weekend work.

·         Make full use of The Academy’s existing calendar of events as a means of engaging with potential supporters.

·         Organise catering, transportation and other elements necessary for the successful running of Alumni Events.

·         Contribute to and assist with the publication of the former pupil magazine.

·         Develop, collate and edit content (and edit copy written by others) for the alumni section of The Academy’s website, newsletters and publications as required, liaising with relevant staff for content, as required.

·         Create donation literature to include giving forms and gift agreements.

·         Produce, and test, written ‘case for support’ messaging.

·         Assist with the writing, design and production of fundraising communications.

·         Organise email communications with alumni via InTouch database email system.

·         Produce written materials for a range of school and alumni communications.

·         Maintain the school’s online alumni social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and drive up participation across all platforms.

Other:

Be prepared to undertake projects appropriate to the level of the role but that might fall outside its direct remit as the Head of Development, Director of External Relations, Rector or Chair of the Board of Governors may advise.

Person specification - knowledge, skills and experience

·         Interpersonal: The ability to build excellent relationships with a wide range of people, including alumni, parents, staff, pupils, volunteers, donors and prospects.

·         Written communications: The ability to write messages that are clear, convincing and inspiring. Experience of writing and managing mass communications by letter and email.

·         Enthusiasm: A positive attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for people and fundraising.

·         Organisational: Attention to detail and deadlines. The ability to manage multiple projects over long periods.

·         Independence: The ability to act independently using initiative and good judgement.

·         Strategic: The ability to think strategically and tactically, particularly in relation to fundraising.

·         Presentational: The ability to address and engage an audience or individual with confidence, authority and clarity. The capability to act as an informed, credible representative of The Academy.

·         Fundraising: A track record of successful income generation through fundraising. Experience of running fundraising campaigns, appeals, events.

·         Education: A good general level of education, including a degree or equivalent.

·         Creativity: The ability to adapt to new situations and address problems from new perspectives.

·         Flexibility: Prepared to travel nationally and internationally as necessary and to work outside regular hours as required.

·         Interpersonal: A good sense of humour and a willingness to work closely - and with flexibility - in a close and interdependent team.

·         IT: Proficiency in standard office software and, preferably, experience of working with a customer relationship management (CRM) or alumni database.

·         Commercial: An awareness of business and pricing negotiations as well as knowledge of the implications of gift aid and IHT on donations.

·         Engagement: An understanding of, and belief in, the aims and ethos of independent education.