Senior Philanthropy Officer

Package Description

Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Salary: £36,721 - £41,838 

Benefits: Eight weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year, automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club

The Role

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please click the apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application outlining your suitability for the role, and your motivation for joining George Watson’s College addressed to Ms Emma Lacroix, Director of Development. 

If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 26 July 2026

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 5 August 2026

Main Responsibilities

Individual Giving

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience. 
• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue. 
• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content. 
• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation. 
• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals. 
• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities. 
• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies 

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events) 
• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects 
• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters 
• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters 
• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades 
• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition 
• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs 
• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes.
• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance.
• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• Relevan degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience 
• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures 
• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns 
• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention 
• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting  
• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage. 
• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system
• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices. 
• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions. 
• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising 
• Commitment to high level of professional standards 
• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable:

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications.
• Event management experience 
• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors 
• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

About the school/organisation

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.

We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.

Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.

When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.

Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.

All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk