Donor Relations Officer

Job title:  Donor Relations Officer

Department: Advancement

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade: 7

Salary: £42,217.29 - £49,381.29 per annum inclusive of London Weighting. 

Location: Bloomsbury

Hours: 35

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

Maintaining strong and mutually rewarding relationships with our donors is crucial to our current and future fundraising success. The Donor Relations Officer is a key role within the Advancement team.  A busy and varied role, you will be responsible for the stewardship of all donors to SOAS. Working closely with the Deputy Director Philanthropy, the Philanthropy team and other colleagues across Advancement, this is an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on donor connections to the institution. You will plan and deliver a best practice programme of stewardship for donors to SOAS, ensuring that all donors receive professional and imaginative stewardship support.

The Donor Relations Officer is responsible for all components of the stewardship of donors including high quality and compelling communications, the process associated with the donor journey, activities related to the donor journey, the co-ordination of donor gifts, and the delivery of donor focused events such as the annual Donor Thank You event, dinners, visits, and scholarship events.

About the Department

Over the last three years, there has been a step change in the strategic direction and pace of the Advancement function at SOAS, with significant success in raising philanthropic income, year on year. The Advancement team works closely with the Vice Chancellor and the senior team to deliver core strategic objectives in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Great strides are being made in engaging the University’s 75,000 plus alumni who are spread across the world. In the last financial year, philanthropic income exceeded £10 million.

[About you]

As a Donor Relations Officer, you'll be at the heart of our Advancement team, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and strengthening our relationships with donors. This dynamic and varied role offers you the chance to work closely with the Deputy Director Philanthropy, the Philanthropy team, and other colleagues across Advancement to create meaningful connections that drive our fundraising success.

You will possess excellent planning and project management skill, will be innovative in creating a stewardship programme that leaves a lasting impression on our donors. You'll be responsible for crafting high-quality, compelling communications that resonate with our supporters, coordinating thoughtful donor gifts, and orchestrating memorable donor-focused events like the annual Donor Thank You event, elegant dinners, exclusive visits, and inspiring scholarship events.

You'll be the driving force behind our efforts to show donors just how much their support means to us, making them feel valued and appreciated every step of the way

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement. 

Closing date:  8th June 2025                

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
 

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.