Development Manager (High Value Giving)

Major gifts are central to successfully delivering the fundraising growth strategy at Kingston University.  We are an ambitious team and we have seen significant success in major gift fundraising over the last several years.

Reporting to the Head of Development and Alumni Relations, the postholder is responsible for managing a targeted portfolio of donors and high net value prospects composed mainly of individuals as well as some corporates and trusts and foundations. As senior member of the Major Gifts team, the postholder will be expected to deliver against ambitious income and meeting targets. This key role will help support Kingston University’s vision for its future and beyond. 

This role is available immediately on a full-time, fixed-term basis. Part-time working will be considered. This is being offered as a 6-month fixed term contract; however, we are looking for a candidate who can grow with us, with the possibility of a permanent position after the fixed-term period dependent on performance and departmental requirements.

The Person

You will be a motivated fundraising professional looking for the next step in your career.  You will have a track record of securing 4+ figure gifts, ideally in an educational charity or the higher education sector.  You will be hardworking and motivated by the challenge of growing your portfolio. You will bring an inclusive, entrepreneurial, and creative approach.

The ideal candidate will have outstanding relationship management and communication skills as well as a high level of motivation to meet alumni, trustees, corporates, and others to engage their support.

Directorate/Function

With clear alignment to university core objectives and support from senior leadership, Kingston University’s Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement Team is poised to take forward an ambitious three-year strategy which will elevate its focus on transformative giving and diversify income streams to include more robust trusts and corporate giving programmes alongside maintenance of our solid foundation of annual giving and alumni engagement.

As part of the three-year plan, we seek to recruit and appoint, individuals with exceptional skills and vision to help us drive forward our plans and who align with our values of innovation, ambition, entrepreneurship, and inclusion.

The DARE team works across three key areas: development/major giving, alumni and supporter engagement, and alumni data. DARE sits within the Student Directorate (recruitment, admissions, student services and graduate success) which demonstrations our student-led approach and value placed on ensuring the quality of the journey from applicant to graduate and beyond.

Further information

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.