Legacy Manager

This role is based in The Open University Development Office, which plays a key part in bringing the OU's social justice mission to life through ongoing philanthropy, partnerships, fundraising campaigns and alumni engagement. A key function of the Development Office is to secure philanthropic giving which enables the OU to continue reaching and supporting even more students and funding projects and programmes. We are also the home of the Alumni Association and work to create an engaged and connected global alumni and Honorary Graduate community.

• You will be responsible for the day-to-day development and implementation of the Legacy programme to generate long-term philanthropic income into the University.
• You will actively approach, engage and build relationships with alumni and other individuals and negotiate the terms of their support to the University, whether through lifetime or planned giving.
• To manage a pipeline of current and potential legacy donors and develop appropriate contact strategies (telephone, direct mail, personal contact), to nurture legacy enquirers, pledgers and committed donors towards leaving The Open University a legacy.
• You will monitor the impact of the legacy programme and report on legacy income and forecasted pledged income.
• You will provide help and advice where necessary to supporters and their families who are unsure about how best to (or most effectively) give to the OU i.e. tax-effective or planned giving.
• You will undertake stewardship activity with legacy supporters after receipt of contributions and pledges. This includes preparing acknowledgements, arranging visits, events and periodic reports on OU progress.
• To work alongside the Fundraising Manager and key stakeholders to undertake elements of the day-to-day administration of the legacy programme. This includes taking initiative and responding to enquiries, administering incoming legacies and notifications, liaising with academic departments, solicitors, executors and legators' families.
• You will take a strategic lead on legacy events, including providing recommendations on guest lists, attending the events to steward legacy prospects in a face-to-face capacity, and contributing to the design of the programme for events.
• You will undertake ongoing horizon scanning across the fundraising sector to keep up-to-date with legacy fundraising best practice and build networks across the sector.

• A degree (equivalent qualification) or proven track record of extensive experience working in a professional fundraising, communications or marketing department.
• Considerable experience of delivering a legacy fundraising programme in a university or charitable organisation, with excellent knowledge of legacy giving.
• Proven Experience of face-to-face fundraising, developing relationships with a broad portfolio of prospects and alumni.
• Excellent spoken, written and face-to-face inter-personal and communications skills, negotiation and customer relationship skills.
• Excellent team working but with the ability to work alone without supervision.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work to deadlines, manage a number of activities simultaneously and to juggle a conflicting workload.
• Ability to work flexibly, using initiative and judgement to establish and progress prospects, programmes and projects.
• High level of I.T. skills and the ability to quickly learn new programs - in relation to managing complex documents which includes using Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint software.
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, the aims and objectives of The Open University and the position of the OU externally, with a strong commitment to excellence in working with a diverse student and alumni population.
• Ability to travel effectively to visit potential donors.
• Experience of working in a Development Office at an educational institution.
• Evidence of understanding or knowledge of Higher Education and distance learning.

Terms: This is a part time, permanent position of 22.5 hours per week with a negotiable work pattern.

Work location: It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We'd expect this to be approximately once per week. Some travel will be required to visit potential donors which may require overnight stays.

Flexible working: We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it's a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

How to apply: To apply for this role please submit the following as separate documents;

• CV
• Supporting statement, up to 1,200 words, you should set out in your statement why you're interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the job and person specification.

Early close: We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.