University of Oxford - Development and Alumni Engagement

Who we are

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD - Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE)

DAE is led by Liesl Elder who, as Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer at the University of Oxford, reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. DAE’s mission is to help secure philanthropic support for the University, and build an engaged, informed and active alumni community. Through working in partnership with academic, development, and alumni colleagues throughout the collegiate University, DAE builds enduring relationships with external constituencies – including alumni, non-alumni, corporate and foundation donors – and increases financial support for agreed academic priorities.

The office is one of the central administrative departments of the University, collectively known as University Administration and Services. Due to the nature of its work, DAE collaborates closely with a number of other units and teams, particularly Public Affairs, Finance, Research and Legal.  

In 2019, the University and the colleges completed the Oxford Thinking Campaign, which raised £3.34bn, and is the most successful higher education fundraising campaign in Europe. The University is currently planning its next major campaign and, as a member of DAE, the post holder will have a key role to play in helping realise its successful delivery.

In addition to front-line fundraising and alumni engagement staff, DAE has a number of teams that cover particular support functions. These include:

* Donor Relations

* Events

* Research

* International Engagement

* Development and Alumni Relations Systems (DARS) (which supports the Development and Alumni Relations database)

* Communications

* Marketing and Insights

It also works closely with Gift Registry, part of the Finance Division, which records and processes donations received by the University and on behalf of colleges. In addition, there are four overseas offices whose remit includes development and alumni engagement; these offices are located in North America, Japan, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

For further information please visit: www.development.ox.ac.uk and www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/.

Our culture and values

Development and Alumni Engagement values

The following points lay down the foundations of DAE’s working ethos, culture and values. Aspirational and celebratory in turn, they provide a central framework for individual members of staff and teams, encouraging personal and professional growth.

• We value each other – We respect the professional expertise of our colleagues. An approachable, friendly and kind office, we work in an environment where transparency of action and clarity of intent create openness and trust.
• We work collaboratively – Whether within our own teams, across DAE, the collegiate University, or beyond, working collaboratively is second nature to us, and enables us to navigate complicated landscapes successfully.
• We go beyond – We prize working with a high degree of autonomy and trust, and deliver a wide range of projects to the very highest standards. We are committed to personal, professional development.
• We are part of something bigger – Our work supports the strategic priorities of the University of Oxford. We take pride in the contribution we – individually and collectively – make to the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Applications are welcome and encouraged from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply. Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to equality, and values diversity.

The University holds a silver Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.