Philanthropy Manager

Closing Date: 16 May 2024 - 12:00 noon

Interview date: 4 and 5 June 2024 on campus

Flexible and remote working are an option but must be able to attend Milton Keynes at least a few days per month and ad hoc as required. There will also be expected travel to donors in line with business needs.

Change your career, change lives.

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role

The Open University is recruiting a Philanthropy Manager.  A highly motivated, self-driven individual who will be able to drive new business and to secure philanthropic income for the University in the Open University’s Development Office. This will be achieved through sourcing and securing philanthropic funds primarily through corporates, wealthy individuals, trusts and foundations both in the UK and internationally.

Working with the Head of Partnerships, you will take a lead role in identifying and developing external partnerships with Trusts, Corporates, and Individuals to support philanthropic partnerships.

You will develop new and existing long-term relationships and be creative about the introduction of new business. You will be based within the Philanthropy Team, a dynamic and supportive team of five including the Head of Partnerships and the Head of Philanthropy alongside a Philanthropy Manager, a Philanthropy Officer and a Research Team.

You will have experience of identifying, disseminating and developing tailored and compelling opportunities for funding partnerships and a track record of securing philanthropic donations both in the UK and globally, including the ability to influence and work collaboratively across boundaries and develop external networks.

Skills and experience

• Graduate or holds an equivalent qualification.
• Proven track record in fundraising for Higher Education, cultural or charitable institutions, with securing and delivering high five to seven figure gifts/partnerships/sponsorships both within UK and Internationally from either trust, individuals or companies.
• Ability to influence senior decision-makers internally and externally in philanthropic organisations; as well as wealthy individuals to ask/ negotiate for major gifts.
• Ability to work flexibly, to deadlines, with tact and diplomacy, using judgement and initiative.
• Excellent persuasive writing, communication skills and team working.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex subjects into persuasive proposals and presentations for an external audience.

More information can be found in the Job Description.

If you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Adriana Klaasen at Resourcing Hub on 01908 655544 or Resourcing-hub@open.ac.uk quoting the reference VRF 21625.

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews of your training and development needs.

We also offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Staff Benefits include an attractive pension proposition and 33 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days.

How to apply

Please click on the above 'Apply' button to apply

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