Fundraising Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a tangible impact on education, research, and community projects? As a Fundraising Officer at the University of Reading, you’ll be at the forefront of philanthropic initiatives during a landmark year – our centenary in 2026.

Your role will focus on planning and delivering creative fundraising campaigns designed to attract charitable donations from alumni, supporters, and the wider community. You’ll manage a variety of initiatives, including:

• International giving day campaigns to engage global supporters
• Telephone campaigns to connect directly with alumni
• Direct mail and online crowdfunding appeals
• Fundraising at public events across University campuses

This is your opportunity to directly contribute to the success of our centenary celebrations while supporting students, research, and community initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising campaigns across multiple channels.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure fundraising initiatives are engaging, compliant, and impactful.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance to demonstrate outcomes and support future planning.
• Maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the University’s long-term philanthropic strategy.

Person Specification

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Proven experience in planning and managing projects
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
• Competency in IT and digital tools for campaign management
• Prior fundraising experience is desirable, but not essential

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, 35 hours per week (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday), with some out-of-hours work required during campaigns
• Hybrid working model supported, with some presence required at Whiteknights Campus
• Opportunities for flexible working arrangements, including job-share or part-time, will be considered

Visa and Eligibility Information

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, please check your eligibility before applying. The University can only discuss visa routes with candidates invited to interview.

Professional Development and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to:

• Building a diverse and inclusive workforce
• Supporting gender equality through Athena SWAN
• Promoting race equality with the Race Equality Charter
• Championing LGBT+ equality
• Being a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

Internal applicants may consider this role for secondment, with approval from their line manager. Applications for flexible, part-time, or job-share arrangements are welcomed where aligned with business needs.