Earn while you learn

Earn £12.21 an hour fundraising for the University of Leeds

A student sat in a workplace with a grey tee-shirt. There are more students working to the left of him. There are wooden desks and a wooden bookshelf behind him.

About the role

The Advancement Team are looking to recruit lively and enthusiastic students to work as telephone fundraisers in our latest telephone campaign:

  • Earn £12.21 per hour plus holiday pay
  • Work two evenings minimum per week Monday to Thursday, 5.30 to 8.30pm and benefit from flexible shift patterns
  • Take paid training and earn experience in communication and negotiation
  • Benefit from a range of campaign incentives
  • Help level the playing field so students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to study at Leeds
  • Autumn Telephone Campaign runs 7 October to 5 December

You’ll be part of a friendly, sociable team dedicated to raising funds that ensures students from all backgrounds can fully benefit during their time at Leeds.

You’ll chat with the University’s alumni community made up of people of all ages and backgrounds. The call campaigns are our primary way of building positive relations with our alumni. It’s a chance for current students and graduates to talk and share their experiences of student life - with good conversations resulting in the added bonus of a gift for students in need.

Don’t worry — previous ambassador, fundraising or telephone experience are not essential. Much more important is an enthusiasm for life at Leeds and good listening and communication skills.

What will you do?

  • Call selected alumni of the University and talk about their time at Leeds
  • Confidently ask for donations to the University to support student scholarships
  • Gain feedback and update on University’s alumni events and publications
  • Negotiate over the phone
  • Keep accurate records of all telephone calls made
  • Write ‘thank you’ emails and send more information to all alumni spoken with
  • Act as an ambassador for the University
  • Any other work to support the Advancement Team that are commensurate with the role.
A student sat in a workplace with a grey tee-shirt. There are more students working to the left of him. There are wooden desks and a wooden bookshelf behind him.

Our goal

As well as raising vital funds for deserving students, we aim to enhance communication and engagement between the University and its alumni — and that all starts with you.

We aren’t cold-callers – the lines of communication are already open between us, such as through our alumni magazine and newsletter.

It’s normal for people to be called by their former university and people enjoy hearing from us. Anyone not wishing to be called can opt-out at any time.

Campaign dates

Our upcoming calling campaign is this autumn (7 October to 5 December 2024.)

This round of recruitment is specifically for autumn but, if successful, you will immediately be eligible to take part in our Spring and Summer Campaigns. Autumn calling will take place from 7 October to 5 December, but you must be available from the week commencing 30 September 2024 for training. Shifts will be on Monday to Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30pm and you will be required to do a minimum of two shifts per week. Please note that this role is campus-based and there is no scope for it to be undertaken remotely due to GDPR.

Please note that campaign dates may change, depending on the University's calendar.

Did you know that the University of Leeds is a charity?

Since 2004, more than 17,000 alumni and friends of Leeds have donated over £7 million to the University supporting students through undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, the building of the Laidlaw Library, upgrading Leeds University Union, groundbreaking research and much more.

The University fundraises to help students access opportunities to make the most of their Leeds experience.

By joining the team you will help to fundraise for scholarships and other student support initiatives which help students from less advantaged backgrounds make the most of their time here.

How donations support students

The Laidlaw Library. It is a grey stone building with lots of glass windows. There is a pavement, some trees, a bus stop, and some people walking around outside.

Qualities of a great caller...

  • Positive outlook on life at Leeds and ability to project a good image of the University
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English
  • Listening skills and ability to build quick rapport with a large cross-section of the Leeds student and alumni community
  • Strong negotiation skills

Training

You must be able to attend two training sessions during the weeks commencing 23 and 30 September 2024. More information about timings and location will be provided if you are offered a place on the team.

Training is mandatory - if you are unable to make it to training, we will not be able to offer you a place on the team.

Three people sat around a desk and grey chairs. One is holding an iPad and showing the screen to the other two.

Application process

Please complete your application by 23:59 on 22 July 2024.

After reviewing your application we will be in touch to let you know if you have been selected for an interview.

If you are invited to an interview, you will be notified by email. If you do not hear from us within two weeks after the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful.

Interviews will be conducted by phone and will last approximately 20 minutes. If you are offered a contract of employment you will be expected to attend the Student Telephone Fundraiser Training Days. Details about dates and timings during the week of 30 September 2024 will be provided closer to the date. Failure to attend will result in the withdrawal of any offer of employment.

Pay

Your pay will be £12.21 per hour and is paid monthly. It does include holiday pay, which is paid at the end of each campaign. You will also be paid to attend the training sessions and any additional team meetings or one-to-one meetings that you may be required to attend during the campaign. Please note that refreshment breaks are unpaid.

Right to work

Before you commence employment we will need a copy of your photographic ID or proof of right to work in the UK (e.g. passport, national ID card, birth certificate), National Insurance Number and bank details.

We welcome applications from all kinds of students, including international students. If you are on a study visa, you will need to fill out an additional form and provide your date of birth as well as your share code.

More information on this is available on the UK Government website. Please ensure that you bring these to the training days (unless otherwise instructed), or we will be unable to guarantee prompt payment.

Two students are talking outside, sat on a grey stone wall. There are green bushes behind them.

Careers Centre

The Careers Centre can provide advice and guidance throughout the application and interview process and offers a drop-in service 9am to 4:15pm, Monday to Friday, you can book appointments via the MyCareers page. You can use this service to have your application form reviewed and to help prepare for an interview.

Application form advice is available online. You can also browse and sign up for workshops and presentations that include effective applications and interviews. Good luck!

Visit the Careers website or email them at careerscentre@leeds.ac.uk

Apply now

If you have any queries regarding the role, please email give@leeds.ac.uk