Major Gift Officer

This is unique opportunity to develop mid-range giving in this rapidly developing and ambitious Development Team. Reporting to the Head of Development, the Major Gift Officer will focus on securing mid-range gifts (£25,000+). Whilst working collaboratively as part of the team, the Major Gift Officer will manage their own portfolio of around 130 to 150 donors. They will have some recent relevant fundraising experience and be looking to further develop their development career in one of the UK’s most ambitious fundraising environments.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with: Susannah Thompson, Search Consultant: susannahthompson@rsacademics.com.

Early applications are encouraged as we may conduct some preliminary interviews before the closing date. Candidates should submit:

A completed application form (available to download from https://www.rsacademics.com/current-vacancies/major-gifts-officer-eton-college/).

A covering letter addressed to the Director of Communications, Engagement and Development, Mr Justin Nolan. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10am on Monday 4 March 2024

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application please upload your documents according to the instructions on the RSAcademics website- https://www. rsacademics.com/current-vacancies/major-gifts-officer-eton-college/. If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments), at: applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.

All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact RSAcademics’ Head Office by telephone.

Preliminary virtual interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams in the week commencing 4 March 2024.

Further information about the College can be viewed at etoncollege.com and etoncollege.com/about-us/our-strategy

If you have any queries about the application process, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply.

Main Duties

• Work with the Director of Communications, Engagement and Development and Head of Development to create and implement a highly ambitious and sustainable leadership gifts strategy in support of the College’s short-, medium-, and long-term vision;
• Build a pipeline of engaged potential future major donors, utilising a variety of methods including face-to-face and virtual meetings;
• Take responsibility for a portfolio of around 100–130 leadership gift prospects (£25,000+);
• Develop effective data-driven strategies to engage and solicit gifts and so expand and retain donor support;
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure rigorous gift management administrations systems and accurate maintenance of prospect data;
• Manage follow-up action when pledges and gifts are received, including ensuring that supporters are appropriately thanked for their support;
• Support the fundraising strategy through the implementation of strong support systems and day-to-day practices for potential donor identification, research, stewardship and cultivation, gift management and accounting, whilst maintaining the highest levels of fundraising practice;
• Conduct data analysis to understand donor behaviour and prevailing themes and trends;
• Develop relationships with corporations and secure sponsorship in a local region, in support of the Star Academies programme;
• Ensure all fundraising activities undertaken in support of the College are performed to the highest standards and in accordance with best practice as established by professional bodies, such as the Institute of Fundraising;
• Support the fundraising activities of senior leaders, staff and volunteers including the Vice Provost and Fellows;
• Work with external stakeholders, volunteers, and other supporters to maximise their relationships and networks;
• Produce timely, relevant, and accurate reports on progress and projections
• Maintain knowledge of best practice in fundraising and related matters, refreshing skills as necessary;
• Carry out other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director of Development and Head of Development;
• Support the delivery of the College’s charitable vision by attending events and presentations and acting as a strong ambassador for Eton.
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Attributes

The following are viewed as essential qualities for the post:

• Relevant fundraising experience in a Charity or Educational setting or the Arts;
• Proven track record of developing stakeholder and donor relationships with a responsibility for raising gifts from individual donors;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• High levels of commercial awareness, tact, and discretion;
• Experience with CRM systems (ThankQ preferred);
• Passion for the transformational impact of education and empathy with the College’s Aims and Vision;
• An appreciation of tradition and history as well as innovation; The following are viewed as desirable qualities for the post:
• Experience gained within a high-performing fundraising environment;
• Experience of using research techniques to identify good prospects.

Personal Qualities

To be successful in the role, the incumbent should also be:

• An individual with exacting standards and high attention to detail;
• A strong team player;
• A self-starter with initiative, confidence, drive and flexibility

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.