Post Title:
YuCall Student Fundraiser
Department:
Development and Alumni Relations Office,
External Relations
Background
YuCall is part of the Giving to York programme which offers an opportunity to those closest to us (our alumni and friends)
to play an important role in the University today and in the future. Giving to York ensures there are flexible funds
available to allow us to respond quickly and appropriately to the areas of greatest need within the University, including
bursaries, student societies, departmental and college projects. Generally student fundraisers ask graduates to make a
regular donation of between £10 and £50 per month. Last year more than 950 graduates pledged a donation to Giving
to York through YuCall, worth over £280,000.
The funds raised through YuCall are split between student support (bursaries, scholarships etc) and YuFund (to which
societies, clubs, departments etc can apply).
YuCall campaigns take place termly and you are expected to be available to the Spring and Summer campaigns 2016.
Dates are below. If you cannot work both you should state why on your application form:
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1 February – 10 March 2016
11 April – 5 May 2016
Being a student fundraiser is an extremely rewarding job but there is also a lot to learn in order to become a good
fundraiser, therefore all training sessions are compulsory:
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Saturday 30 January 2016: 09:00-13:00
Sunday 31 January 2016: 14:00-18:00
Saturday 13 February 2016: 14:00-16:00
Sunday 10 April 2016: 10:00-11:30
Shifts take place in the evening:
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6.30pm-9.45pm, Monday-Thursday
5.30pm-8.45pm Sunday
We make calls to alumni in the US and Canada in the Spring campaign. Everyone is expected to work one of
these shifts each term– they are a great experience and our alumni in the US and Canada are particularly
generous!
Calling shifts take place in G169, a large computer room in James College on Heslington West campus.
There are up to 50 student fundraiser positions on the team at any one time, with 20 students working each shift. Some
places for the 2016 campaigns are already filled by YuCall student fundraisers from 2015.
Job purpose
Your primary purpose as a member of the YuCall team is to raise money for Giving to York, while cultivating positive
relations with York graduates. Some graduates will not be able to give – in these calls you need to concentrate on
maintaining a positive relationship between the graduate and the University and updating any information that you can.
Your responsibilities
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To be an ambassador for the University of York
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To engage graduates in conversation and establish a rapport
To communicate York’s activities, accomplishments and goals
To help the graduate understand the goals and the importance of Giving to York
To handle each phone call with courtesy, tact and sensitivity and answer questions to the best of your ability
To develop techniques to improve your performance, deal with objections and develop the structure and style
of your calls
To process online payments and update alumni details with accuracy and confidentiality
To adhere to employment expectations and performance standards including attending the required two shifts
per week and all training sessions
To display a positive, responsible and committed attitude towards the role and the team
To promote Giving to York and YuFund around campus
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What you can gain
This role provides you with the opportunity to learn and improve valuable skills, including communication, negotiation
and persuasion, which benefit both life at York and a future career. You will be working both independently and as part
of a team, meeting like-minded York students in the process. You will get the chance to find out about the experiences
of alumni and gain a valuable insight into life after university. A full reference will be available following your time
working with the team.
Person specification
Qualifications
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You must be a current student at the University of York
Knowledge
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General knowledge of the University of York and involvement in student life
Skills, abilities, competencies
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Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written
Excellent listening skills
Ability to use your own initiative and work independently
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to manage your university workload and a part time job
Negotiation skills would be an advantage
Experience
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Of communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds
Previous experience in telephone fundraising or sales would be an advantage
Personal attributes
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Reliability and dedication to the role
Determination and resilience
Confidence
A positive and friendly disposition
Enthusiasm for the difference that Giving to York can make
You will be asking alumni for money: you will receive training but you need to be prepared to ask
confidently and to negotiate downward. If the idea of asking for money makes you feel uncomfortable, this
is probably not the job for you!
Pay, benefits and expectations
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£8.66 per hour including holiday pay
Payment is by bank transfer, monthly in arrears
Minimum of 6.5 hours per week
Full pre-campaign training, mid-campaign training and on-going training (all training is paid at the training wage,
£7.65/hour including holiday pay)
All candidates who work a minimum of two shifts for the duration of the campaign and attend all obligatory
training sessions will be paid for the pre-campaign training at the end of the campaign
There is the opportunity to progress to the role of YuCall Senior Fundraiser or Fundraising Supervisor for future
campaigns
A short refreshment break is included in each shift; biscuits and sweets provided
Incentives, games and prizes throughout the campaign
Shifts
Before starting the campaign, each Student Fundraiser will fill in a doodle poll indicating when they are free to work. A
rota will be drawn up before the campaign starts. You will only be allocated to shifts that you have said you can work.
You can then swap shifts with other fundraisers as long as the correct procedure is followed.
Application process
Please download an application form from www.YorkSpace.net/YuCall. We expect to receive in excess of 200
applications; if you want the job please take time and care to make yours stand out. All applications must be received
by midnight on 10 January 2016. The next stage will be a phone interview w/c 11 January and if you progress to the
next stage you will need to be available to attend an assessment centre w/c 18 January.
Further information
If you have any questions, please direct them to: Ellie Haines, Annual Giving Officer, yucall@york.ac.uk, 01904 324463.