This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to work as part of our Development and Alumni Relations team.
Reporting to the Development and Alumni Relations Manager, the key elements of this role are to:
Maintain contact with former pupils and other members of the EA community* through appropriate communications and events
Facilitate career support and networking within the EA community
Raise philanthropic income to benefit the school and its pupils.
The role involves the planning and managing of a series of engagement events for former pupils and other external stakeholder groups, which may at time involve working occasional weekends and evenings.
As the key point of contact with former pupils (also known as Accies), you will be responsible for updating and maintaining our database (Access/ThankQ) to ensure contact details for our Accie community and other key stakeholders are accurate.
Our ideal candidate will thrive in a busy environment and will be used to balancing competing demands and delivering results under pressure. You will be working collaboratively with the Development and Alumni Relations Manager, as well as other stakeholders internally and externally. You will have outstanding interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, alongside a positive, can-do attitude.
* Our EA Community is comprised of former and current pupils, former and current staff, former and current Court Directors, former and current parents, other family members etc.
Due to internal promotion the role is available from December 1st, 2024.
Package DescriptionThe Role
The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.
Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.
Our reward package includes:
Enrolment into generous DC pension (11% employer contribution)
Access to onsite gym
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to a number of major retailers, holiday, electric car and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being option
A three course lunch is provided during term time
Main ResponsibilitiesMain areas of responsibility may include:
Leading the effective delivery of Development & Alumni Relations Office communications (paper and electronic), working closely with in-house colleagues and third-party suppliers as required, including:
“The Academical” magazine
Development/Fundraising materials
Newsletters and E-Newsletters
Social media
Invitations, publicity, etc
Website.
Taking frontline responsibility for the practical organisation, administration/logistics and running of events held by the Development & Alumni Relations Office, working closely with colleagues within the department and the wider school community, including:
Reunions
Networking and social events
Founders’ & Benefactors’ Day
Cultivation events
Stewardship events
Fundraising events
Recognition events.
Leading the effective maintenance and development of the database of former pupils and other contacts (Access/ThankQ), inputting data, and running reports as required.
Acting as the main point of contact for Accies (former pupils) and other contacts, including:
Careers/Mentoring Programme
Liaise with Honorary Archivist regarding queries/events and requests for information
National & International EA Ambassadors Programme
Visits by Accies
Liaison with, and support for, the Edinburgh Academical Club Council.
Fundraising activities.
Giving. Act as a point of contact for fundraising enquiries and be required to advise potential donors of a range of giving methods as well as being able to provide information about key projects
Fundraising. Work with Development and Alumni Relations Manager to develop and implement sustainable fundraising initiatives and communication channels
Analysis of appeals. Keeping accurate records of communications with the EA Community to enable accurate reporting on appeals / event attendance against agreed KPIs, on a regular basis
Reporting. Provide updates, assimilate complex information and present findings which clearly articulate key points, and give recommendations using a range of graphical formats
Gift Administration. Assisting with the general gift administration, updating Access/ TQ database and providing philanthropic reports as required.
The Ideal CandidateEssential
Educated to degree level or equivalent
High standard of oral and written communications skills
Excellent time management
Flexible, adaptable and proactive approach to work
Team player with strong work ethic
IT literate, with high level of expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, email, databases and other packages (querying/ exporting and analysing data)
Ability to work under pressure in a busy office environment while maintaining a calm and friendly manner
Methodical and careful working practices with meticulous attention to detail including accurate data entry skills
Ability to handle confidential material with tact and discretion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and high standards of personal work presentation required to deal effectively with people at all levels.
Desirable
Experience of working in a relevant environment (education, communications, marketing, charitable sector, fundraising, events management)
Experience of working with relational databases
Understanding of the ethos and issues facing independent schools
Driving licence
Experience of social media communication and creative design in a professional or equivalent voluntary environment
Working knowledge of GDPR and PECR.
About the school/organisationThe Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.
