Development Officer (Database and Research)

Package Description

Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, with the requirement for some evening and weekend work, as well as travel within Scotland and the UK. Flexibility is therefore required.

Salary: £35,651 - £40,619 per annum

Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)

The Role

George Watson’s College provides a world class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6. We are proud of our heritage and passionate about our plans for the future. 

We are currently seeking a skilled and motivated individual to join our Development Team. This key role will focus on the management and maintenance of the School’s stakeholder database - Raiser’s Edge. The role holder will have advanced database skills including: building data imports and exports; an understanding of table and field structures; and an ability to build strategic business reports to allow analysis and interrogation of data.  

Reporting to the Head of Development, you will be a highly personable and organised team player who possesses outstanding database management experience alongside fundraising, research and communication knowledge and skills (including across print, digital and social media).  The ability to support the planning and delivery of  innovative large scale fundraising events is essential, this will include Annual Giving Days and telephone fundraising campaigns.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include your CV along with a letter of application, addressed to Andrew Grant, Head of Development, of not more than two sides of A4 giving us information about you and why you are suitable for the role.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Friday 26 January 2024

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 6 February 2024

If you have any questions about the role, or wish to have an infromal discussion ahead of applying, then please do not hesitate to contact Andrew Grant, Head of Development (a.grant@gwc.org.uk).

Main Responsibilities

Database (CRM) Management

The role holder is responsible for all functions relating to the School’s stakeholder CRM (Raiser’s Edge/RENXT)(c.33,000 records). This includes system development, data management protocols, staff training and legislative compliance. Tasks will include:

• Set the CRM system standards and take responsibility for the system architecture, including how fields and tables are used to store data. Developing system protocols and user manuals to ensure adherence to these

• Devise a data cleansing programme, sourcing relevant suppliers and ensuring ‘data sharing’ agreements are in place, in accordance with School IT policies

• The role holder is the key point of contact with the system supplier (Blackbaud), ensuring that upgrades are run and that issues/ errors are resolved quickly and efficiently for self and colleagues

• Responsible for ensuring the management, storage and use of personal data is GDPR and data protection compliant, whilst maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality

• Responsible for complex imports and exports of data sets for mailings, events, benchmarking (IDPE and CASE) and other activities. This includes working directly with mailing houses to ensure data is properly transferred to questionnaires, mail carrier sheets, etc

• Work with IT on the systems that allow for the accurate import of new records and updates from the pupil record system; and HR on the processes for capturing and updating current and former staff data

• Manipulate financial data to produce reports for the Director, Head of Development and Volunteer Boards that track income against targets

• Work directly with mailing houses to ensure data is properly transferred to letters, mail carrier sheets and donation forms.

Research and Data Analytics

• Using the database alongside a variety of external resources; develop a programme of research that identifies key stakeholders capable of providing financial support to fundraising priorities

• Utilise the School’s historic records and archives to capture information about former staff and pupils

• Prepare briefing notes for the Principal, Governors and colleagues ahead of events and individual prospect meetings

• Responsible for generating communication lists for events and fundraising

• Utilise data mining techniques and other insights to devise seating plans and align relevant hosts to guests

• Identify Watsonians of interest for potential stories in publications.

Fundraising and Financial Responsibility

• Develop and maintain the Prospect Module to ensure that it supports colleagues with the tracking and management of their prospect lists through the different solicitation stages. Ensure that relevant data is being captured to allow for useful monitoring and reporting

• To develop, implement and manage, with the support of the Director and Head, the School’s regular giving programmes through a range of innovative and targeted mailed, telephone and digital campaigns

• Work closely with colleagues to ensure that appropriate donor stewardship and recognition processes are in place. Reviewing and updating these as necessary. This will include inputting into the planning and delivery of the School’s annual programme of donor cultivation and stewardship events

• To support the team with the creation of the annual donor report, with a particular focus on data analytics.

Other

Support the work of the Development Office by undertaking other duties as specified by the Line Manager.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• Must be an advanced user of Raiser’s Edge or similar Stakeholder database system
• Previous experience working in a fundraising or membership team, which should include an understanding of prospect management and pipelines, research and donor stewardship
• Research experience, utilising online and other resources to help segment and target different stakeholder groups
• Understanding of data protection, GDPR, PECR and Scottish Charity legislation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Good planning and organisation skills
• Good team working skills – collaborative in approach
• Must work responsively and flexibly to meet the demands of the role
• Sound decision and judgement making ability
• High levels of attention to detail and accuracy
• Diplomatic, discreet and demonstrates high integrity
• A willingness to become involved with the Watsonian community outside normal working hours.

Desirable:

• Experience of supporting the delivery of a range of fundraising programmes, including mailed and phone campaigns
• Understanding of charitable giving, including gift aid
• Previous web editing/ use of content management systems
• Experience of managing social media channels in a business/ work context

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