Philanthropy Officer

Role

Title:

Philanthropy Officer

Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £38,448 - £48,337 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full‑time (35hrs per week) Open‑ended

Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot‑Watt University.

Heriot‑Watt University combines a proud Scottish heritage with a truly international outlook, bringing together education, research and industry to address some of the world"s most pressing challenges.

The Advancement team works with alumni, friends, philanthropists and partners to build lasting relationships, strengthen the University"s global community and secure support for its strategic ambitions.

Through the Shaping Futures campaign, we are creating new opportunities for students, advancing impactful research and helping to shape the University"s future.

This is an exciting time to join the team. With the University"s Strategy 2035 setting a new direction, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop relationships with philanthropists, work alongside leading academics and help secure support for projects with meaningful impact.

We are looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, is motivated by achieving results and wants to develop their career in major gifts fundraising.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, the Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in securing philanthropic support for Heriot‑Watt University"s strategic priorities, including research, education, scholarships and capital projects. The postholder will manage a portfolio of prospective major donors, building strong relationships, identifying opportunities for philanthropic investment and securing gifts of £25,000 and above. Working closely with academic colleagues, senior leaders and the wider Advancement team, they will contribute to the University"s fundraising ambitions and the development of a strong, sustainable pipeline of philanthropic income.

1. Major gifts fundraising - Personally lead the cultivation and solicitation of prospective individual donors, developing compelling opportunities for philanthropic support and securing gifts of £25,000 and above. Work towards agreed individual fundraising targets and contribute to the delivery of the University"s wider philanthropic ambitions.

2. Prospect and portfolio management - Manage an agreed portfolio of prospective major donors, developing and implementing tailored engagement and solicitation plans. Proactively identify and qualify new prospects, build relationships and progress opportunities through the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a consistent focus on securing philanthropic commitments.

3. Developing relationships and fundraising opportunities - Build effective relationships with academic colleagues, senior University leaders and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for philanthropic support. Coordinate their involvement in donor cultivation and solicitation, ensuring that fundraising approaches are informed by University priorities and the interests and motivations of prospective donors.

4. Fundraising proposals and communications - Work with academic and Advancement colleagues to develop persuasive proposals, presentations and other fundraising materials that communicate the significance and potential impact of the University"s work. Translate complex academic and scientific information into clear, engaging propositions tailored to the interests of prospective donors.

5. Donor engagement and stewardship - Plan and deliver meaningful engagement opportunities for prospective and existing donors, including individual…