Development Officer

Contract: 3 years, full or part time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

Closing date: 2 January 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Development Officer to join the Directorate, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

The role:

Working closely with the Director of Development, The Development Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the new fundraising function for the JIC/TSL Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) Project, its HP3 vision and aligned strategic activities.

This newly created role is vital in supporting the key programmes within the Development team, including coordinating and implementing development initiatives, managing donor relationships, prospect research, donor stewardship, desk-based research, donor database management, donor event delivery, report generation, as well as being the team’s administrator and managing the Director of Development’s calendar and assisting with various fundraising activities to help achieve JIC’s financial goals.

Is it important that the post holder will have a good understanding of the philanthropic landscape, with a focus on philanthropic trusts and foundation opportunities.  The postholder will scan the horizon, undertake research and recommend opportunities, then work with the appropriate scientific staff to coordinate and submit proposals. 

The postholder will work closely with colleagues across JIC, NBI and TSL, as well as provide support within the JIC Directorate team and the Chair of Governing Council. The role involves collating information for presentations at a variety of forums.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will be educated to a degree level or equivalent. They will understand the funding landscape and the processes, policies and implication for philanthropic opportunities, as well as an ability to assimilate information from a wide variety of sources.

The candidate will have proven experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, ideally in a scientific research/educational charity or equivalent. They should also have experience in a “front of house” role, dealing with donor demands and expectations or equivalent.

It is essential that candidates are detail–oriented, with excellent time management, planning and organisational skills to effectively manage competing priorities/deadlines. Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge donor management software would be advantageous.

Additional information:

We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time or other flexible working arrangements.  Some elements of homeworking may be feasible, and candidates can discuss further at interview or by contacting the Human Resources team.

Interviews will be held week commencing 13 January 2025.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004797. 

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award and we are also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

Advert information