Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Do you want to shape the future of a world-leading university through transformational philanthropy and lifelong alumni engagement?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Director of Development and Alumni Relations to lead the university’s philanthropic and alumni engagement agenda.
Reporting to the Interim Chief Strategy Officer, you will shape and deliver an ambitious advancement strategy that secures sustainable philanthropic income, strengthens alumni advocacy, and enhances the university’s global reputation.
This influential role offers the opportunity to make a lasting institutional impact.
You will lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team and working collaboratively across the University to deliver strategic priorities.
As an impactful leader, you will:
• Lead an integrated advancement and alumni engagement strategy aligned to the university’s current and future ambitions.
• Provide leadership for the major fundraising campaigns and annual giving programmes, securing sustainable and transformational philanthropy.
• Build strong global alumni relationships that drive advocacy, volunteering and lifelong support.
• Serve as the university’s senior ambassador for philanthropy, engaging donors, alumni, volunteers and partners.
• Partner with the Vice-Chancellor, Council and senior leaders to shape compelling cases for support.
• Lead a diverse, high-performing teams, fostering culture of collaboration and professional growth, championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across all areas of DARO.
To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:
• Inspirational leadership style with the ability to build, lead and develop high performing teams.
• Proficiency in translating high-level ambitions into a team vision and implementing a strategic framework for service delivery to achieve strategic objectives.
• Senior level experience in advancement or related fields in large, complex organisation.
• Effective stakeholder management and influencing skills at the senior level, with advanced negotiation skills to resolve complex issues.
• Knowledge and expertise in leading and delivering high-value fundraising campaigns.
Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a modern, integrated advancement function at a world-class, research-intensive global institution. We are ranked among the top 20 in the UK and top 100 globally. You will play a central role in shaping philanthropic sustainability, strengthening global alumni relationships, and advancing the University of Nottingham future impact and reputation. Learn more about us by visiting our website.
What we can offer you in return:
• A welcoming, diverse community that values your contribution
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Generous benefits including 30 days’ holiday and pension scheme
• Access to health, travel, and lifestyle perks
• Opportunities to develop your career and make a meaningful impact
Visit our benefits website to find out more.
What next
To apply for this position, please complete an online application, attach CV and two-page statement evidencing your experience and skills against the role profile (attached to the advert).
Further details:
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.
We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.
Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.
We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.
Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
View All Vacancies