Fundraising Officer

Overview:

UWC ISAK Japan is Japan’s first fully residential international high school, established in 2014 with the aim of developing leaders who will make a positive impact on the world. In 2017, it became a United World College, of which there are now 18 around the world.

Our students come from 80 different countries, and we provide scholarships to 70% of them to create an environment that is uniquely diverse, in many different ways. UWC ISAK Japan is always filled with the energy of faculty, staff, students, and parents who resonate with the school’s mission. Each member working here actively contributes to the development of the school by leveraging their own strengths and special qualities.

The Fundraising Officer will actively engage in fundraising and related activities. The main aim is to keep positive relationships with all existing donors, explore new fundraising opportunities, and acquire new donors. The work base will be, ideally, on campus in Karuizawa, liaising closely with the Fundraising Officer based in Tokyo. This is an exciting role in a well-functioning and highly motivated Advancement Team that is growing in size and capacity.

Key Areas of Responsibility

General Responsibilities

Fundraising Activities

• Join discussions for fundraising activities and proactively support new initiatives and fundraising campaigns by the Development Team;
• Work with the Fundraising Officer in approaches to existing donors and new donors (individuals and corporate);
• Explore new fundraising opportunities for High School programs and Short Course programs (Summer and Winter Schools);
• Help to set fundraising targets for the year, help strategize how to reach these, and then participate in reaching these goals;
• Take on and steward agreed donor partnerships, with a view to deepening these donor relations;
• Become knowledgeable about current students and alumni, and gather intriguing stories of the community which could be presented to prospective donors and others, all the while liaising closely with the Alumni and Community Engagement Officer;
• Understand and help to communicate the significance of the fundraising program for Financial Assistance in the School;
• Answer phone inquiries about fundraising.

Relationship Management

• Understand the school’s donor base and provide the necessary activities/support to keep up positive relationships with them;
• Preparation for donor events on campus and off campus, including setting up the site, meal/drink arrangements, and others required;
• Assist student selection for each event when necessary (choose appropriate students who can join the events and speak with the donors);
• Become familiar with the scholarship students who participate in the students/donors matching program and other programs set up by UWC International Office (Dare to Dream program), have them write regular reports to their sponsors and, when necessary, set up in-person meetings for the donors to meet the matched students;
• Assist in creating content (get student stories) and sending out newsletters, SNS, and email campaigns;
• Assist the Accounting Office with donor-related matters (payment requests, receipts, etc.).

Fundraising Activities

• Liaise with the Development Team to get student/alumni stories which are worth spreading to and sharing with prospective donors;
• Join the discussions for fundraising activities and proactively support new initiatives and fundraising campaigns by the Development Team;
• Liaise with the Marketing and Communications team and assist the development of the Annual Report (Japanese version) and the revamping of the school website when needed;
• Answer phone inquiries about fundraising.

Database Management

• Updating donor information regularly;
• Report creating.

Safeguarding:

All employees at ISAK must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the ACE becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, they must report those concerns to the DSL immediately.

Other duties:

Other duties may be assigned from time to time by the Head of External Relations, Head of School, or the Chair of the Board.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years’ experience marketing for consumer-facing services
• Business level fluency in English and Japanese
• Outstanding communication skills (Most importantly, being a good listener)
• Ability to commute to campus in Karuizawa at least twice a month if working remotely

Prefered Qualifications:

• Ability to thrive and to stay positive in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
• Experience launching a new project or business
• Experience working with younger generations

How to Apply:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Please submit the following documents to [email protected]

Application Deadline:

Until filled

Note: The selected candidate will need to complete a criminal background check before the start of employment. UWC ISAK Japan will be responsible for the cost of the background check.