Development Research Manager

Right now is Manchester’s time to shine. We’re currently in the planning phase of a major fundraising and volunteering campaign. And we’re excited to mark our university’s 200th anniversary this year, 2024.

At Manchester we don’t just focus on what we’re good at. We ask what we’re good for.

Through our teaching we are educating a new kind of socially responsible graduate – tomorrow’s thinkers, doers and leaders of a better world. Through our research we are addressing the most pressing global challenges with bold and brilliant solutions. Through innovation we are turning ideas into reality, creating the jobs and industries that will sustain us in the future. And in the heart of the city and beyond, we are breaking down barriers to art, science and learning in order to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Manchester people are different. Not only do we share the values of integrity, being bold, being ambitious, and being collaborative, we also share a pioneering spirit and the courage to make a difference. If you have a fearless personality, boundless optimism, and a desire to create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world, we’d love you to get in touch.

Exciting? We think so too.

We are looking for a Development Research Manager to join us in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR).

This is a key management role within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), critical to the direction and success of fundraising at the University.

You will:

• Be the University’s resident expert on all aspects of prospect research, pool and pipeline management, and gift due diligence.
• Through proactive prospect research, ensure the provision of quality fundraising prospects in a quantity sufficient to enable the achievement of fundraising objectives.
• Ensure fundraisers are fully supported to achieve fundraising targets through provision of ongoing research and fundraising pipeline support and management.
• Act as secretary to the University’s Gift Oversight Group (GOG), delivering a watertight and robust donor due diligence process to safeguard the University’s reputation.
• Ensure that all prospect research activity is ethical, transparent, and conducted in line with data subject expectation, appropriate legislation, and the University’s approach to data protection and information management.
• Identify and deploy technology and develop processes and policy to support fundraising.
• Lead and develop a high performing prospect research team that effectively supports and enables the work of the Division and University.

The DDAR Research team is made up of six specialists and sits within the Development Services function in DDAR.  The Research team is responsible for the core areas of prospect research, fundraising pool and pipeline management, and due diligence and gift acceptance. 

With over 550,000 alumni and 7,000 donors annually, the University benefits from one of the biggest and most generous alumni and donor communities in UK higher education.  This scale mirrors our global reputation and position as a research, social responsibility, and innovation powerhouse, which is a foundation for strategic partnerships with philanthropists across the world.  The opportunities this role offers to the right candidate are significant in more ways than one.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and how you meet the person specification outlined in the job description.

Interviews will provisionally be held in person at the University on Monday 5th August.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area.  

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered            

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Tom Jirat

Email: tom.jirat@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.