Major Gift Officer – Eton College

Main Duties

• Work with the Director of Communications, Engagement and Development and Head of Development to create and implement a highly ambitious and sustainable leadership gifts strategy in support of the College’s short-, medium-, and long-term vision;
• Build a pipeline of engaged potential future major donors, utilising a variety of methods including face-to-face and virtual meetings;
• Take responsibility for a portfolio of around 100–130 leadership gift prospects (£25,000+); • Develop effective data-driven strategies to engage and solicit gifts and so expand and retain donor support;
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure rigorous gift management administrations systems and accurate maintenance of prospect data;
• Manage follow-up action when pledges and gifts are received, including ensuring that supporters are appropriately thanked for their support;
• Support the fundraising strategy through the implementation of strong support systems and day-to-day practices for potential donor identification, research, stewardship and cultivation, gift management and accounting, whilst maintaining the highest levels of fundraising practice;
• Conduct data analysis to understand donor behaviour and prevailing themes and trends;
• Develop relationships with corporations and secure sponsorship in a local region, in support of the Star Academies programme;
• Ensure all fundraising activities undertaken in support of the College are performed to the highest standards and in accordance with best practice as established by professional bodies, such as the Institute of Fundraising;
• Support the fundraising activities of senior leaders, staff and volunteers including the Vice Provost and Fellows;
• Work with external stakeholders, volunteers, and other supporters to maximise their relationships and networks;
• Produce timely, relevant, and accurate reports on progress and projections
• Maintain knowledge of best practice in fundraising and related matters, refreshing skills as necessary;
• Carry out other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director of Development and Head of Development;
• Support the delivery of the College’s charitable vision by attending events and presentations and acting as a strong ambassador for Eton;
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Attributes

The following are viewed as essential qualities for the post:

• Relevant fundraising experience in a Charity or Educational setting or the Arts;
• Proven track record of developing stakeholder and donor relationships with a responsibility for raising gifts from individual donors;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• High levels of commercial awareness, tact, and discretion;
• Experience with CRM systems (ThankQ preferred);
• Passion for the transformational impact of education and empathy with the College’s Aims and Vision;
• An appreciation of tradition and history as well as innovation; The following are viewed as desirable qualities for the post:
• Experience gained within a high-performing fundraising environment;
• Experience of using research techniques to identify good prospects.

Personal Qualities

To be successful in the role, the incumbent should also be:

• An individual with exacting standards and high attention to detail;
• A strong team player;
• A self-starter with initiative, confidence, drive and flexibility.