Donor Relations Officer

As part of the Philanthropy Team, the Donor Relations Officer will play a critical role in the continued success of the team, providing strategic, bespoke support to enhance donor journeys and maximise giving opportunities.

In this newly created role, the Donor Relations Officer will be instrumental in ensuring that major donors and charitable trusts supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK experience high-quality, personalised, and memorable interactions, leading to closer engagement, and increased giving long-term.

The Donor Relations Officer will work closely with all members of the Philanthropy Team, developing an in-depth understanding of the audience, at the individual relationship level, which will enable them to create and deliver high-quality, tailored written, visual, and digital resources. They will also support the stewardship of members of the charity’s recognition circle (The Pioneers’ Circle) and giving club (The Accelerate Club).

The Donor Relations Officer will drive, plan, and manage an annual plan of donor engagement and stewardship activity, working with fundraisers to foster innovation and creativity, deliver outstanding resources and provide insights into Donor Relations developments within the sector.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Relationships

• Develop and foster close professional relationships with all colleagues within the Philanthropy team, working alongside them with a focus on support, collaboration, and donor-centred practice.
• Proactively establish and maintain highly effective relationships with colleagues in key support teams across the organisation, including Science, Media & Engagement; Design; Digital; CEO’s Office; Communications; Prospect Development; Merchandise; Events and Projects, and Stewardship.
• Develop an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the high-value external relationships held by the Philanthropy team (major donors, charitable trusts, and senior volunteers) and of key internal relationships the team has with senior stakeholders such as the CEO, Chairman, President, Trustees, Chief Scientific Officer, and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board.

Delivery & Project Management

• Take full ownership of and accountability for the creation and delivery of written, visual, printed, and digital resources to enhance the supporter relationships held by the Philanthropy Team. These will include:
• bespoke donor reports
• general application and report templates
• breaking news and general email updates
• brochures
• invitations
• infographics
• short films
• cards (thank you, Christmas etc)
• recognition gifts
• In consultation with Philanthropy Team members, the postholder will work closely with key support teams, project managing the creation and delivery of each item of resource from briefing and early development to troubleshooting and final production, ensuring deadlines are met.
• With input from Philanthropy Team members, the postholder will write tailored letters and email copy to support the team’s work with senior employees and stakeholders, and senior volunteers.
• Develop and execute an annual plan for the delivery of new and updated engagement resources for the Philanthropy team, creating a framework which underpins bespoke requests and discrete projects.
• Identify and present new stewardship/ engagement ideas to Philanthropy colleagues and lead on the implementation of those which the team want to take forward.

Processes

• Develop a good working understanding of, and follow, the required processes used by each support team for the submission and management of pieces of work.
• Create and manage new Philanthropy processes to ensure the creation and delivery of resources within the team is smooth and effective.
• Engage fully with the organisation’s CRM and use it regularly for a range of purposes including maximising knowledge of donor/ charitable trust relationships, entering data in an accurate and timely fashion as required.

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience of enhancing donor or client/customer journeys.
• Demonstrable experience of building positive and effective professional relationships across multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience and proven track record of project management, with an ability to drive projects forward without close supervision.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the principles of major gifts fundraising and the concept of donor motivation.
• Excellent communicator with an ability to build strong relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels. 
• Very strong, versatile written communication skills.  A rigorous proof-reader, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent listening skills, receptive to feedback and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity and an ability to learn.
• Strong team player who can work both independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with an ability to plan and set goals, work to deadlines and reprioritise work in accordance with the organisational needs.
• Demonstrates strong negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates a proactive and pragmatic approach to investigating and solving problems, strives for continuous improvement and identifies ways to deliver creative and innovative solutions.
• Strong attention to detail, sets high standards and strives for excellence.
• A good blend of strategic and analytical thinking with an ability to see the bigger picture.
• Ability to absorb and process new information quickly. Driven and highly proactive - adept at spotting opportunities and maximizing them.
• Adaptable and flexible with a growth mindset.
• Thrives within a fast-paced environment, with an ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong ethical standards and a high level of personal integrity.
• Excellent IT skills in Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abingdon, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Additional Information:

The closing date for applications is the 3rd July 2022, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 4th July 2022. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.  Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the channels on our website.

How to apply:

Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment System which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV and covering letter to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK:

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make life-changing breakthroughs possible.

You will be part of an organisation that has been recognised nationally as an outstanding place to work. In 2021, we were listed 69th in the prestigious 100 Large Best Companies to Work For.  We were also awarded a 2-star accreditation by Best Companies, recognising outstanding levels of workplace engagement and were listed in the 75 Best Companies to Work for in the East of England and the Charity’s 30 Best Companies to Work For.

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK