Alumni communications executive jobs

Help shape the future of education by building a vibrant community as our new Development and Alumni Relations Officer. You will connect former students, parents, and local groups to create life-changing opportunities. It’s a dynamic role where your people skills, organisation, and passion will make a lasting impact.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make an Impact: Directly support the transformational power of education by engaging the community in the lives of our students.
• Never a Dull Moment: Enjoy a varied workload where "no two days are the same".
• Connect with People: Build meaningful rapport across a wide network of former students, staff, and parents.

What You'll Do

• Event Management: Coordinate everything from casual coffee mornings to formal reunions and careers events.
• Communications & Media: Source inspiring stories, draft newsletter copy, and utilize traditional and digital media.
• Relationship Building: Act as the primary bridge between the department and the local community.
• Administration & Database: Maintain accurate records and ensure smooth day-to-day departmental operations.

Who We Are Looking For

• A "real people person" who excels at making authentic connections and building rapport with others
• A highly organised problem-solver capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and with a meticulous eye for detail
• A self-motivated person with a 'can do' attitude and a willingness to lend a hand, whatever the task
• Someone with a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Are you a strategic senior fundraiser with a track record of building influential relationships and securing significant philanthropic support?

The University of Oxford is seeking a Senior Development Executive to help secure philanthropic support for the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA). This is a rare opportunity to build philanthropic partnerships that enable ground-breaking research, transformative student opportunities, and deeper understanding of the world's diverse societies, cultures, and regions including Africa, Asia and Latin America

Location: Oxford

Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum, with a possible extension to £63,489 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per annum

Contract: Full-time, Fixed-term for 2 years

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The University of Oxford's ambitious Oxford Excellence campaign is creating new opportunities to advance research, education and global understanding through philanthropy. As part of Development and Alumni Engagement, and working closely with the OSGA, you will help build philanthropic partnerships to support world-leading research, scholarship and teaching, deepening understanding of the societies, cultures and global issues shaping our interconnected world.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in advancing one of the world's leading centres for research and teaching on global societies, cultures and international affairs. Through philanthropy, you will help enable research that informs policy, broadens understanding across cultures, and addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the world.

This role offers the opportunity to support some of OSGA's key academic priorities, including African Studies, Asian Studies and Latin American Studies, helping to secure philanthropic support for research and teaching that deepen understanding of diverse societies and cultures around the world.

Success in this role will come from your ability to build trusted relationships, develop compelling cases for support, and inspire philanthropic partnerships that advance both the priorities of OSGA and the wider ambitions of the Oxford Excellence campaign.

About You

• Proven success in securing major philanthropic gifts (high six-figure gifts) and managing relationships with high-value donors, trusts and foundations and stakeholders.
• Experience of delivering results within a target-driven environment.
• Ability to develop and implement major gift fundraising strategies.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong interest in global issues and the ability to discuss them with confidence and credibility.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 20 July 2026.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 30 July 2026 and will be held face-to-face.

Fundraising Manager

Salary: £65,000–£70,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) or Part-time (30 hours per week considered, salary pro rata)
Location: Hybrid working between home and our offices at Great Portland Street and Kennington Lane, London
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Report: Fundraising Assistant

About International Students House (ISH)

International Students House (ISH) is a unique charity in the heart of London's West End, bringing together students from across the world through affordable accommodation, social activities, welfare support and cultural exchange.

For over a century, ISH has been creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to live, learn and build lifelong international friendships. As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are investing in our fundraising capability to secure the long-term future of our charity and expand our impact.

We are now seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-focused Fundraising Manager to establish and lead our fundraising function.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created senior role offering the opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at ISH.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and senior leadership team, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows philanthropic income and builds sustainable funding streams.

You'll lead on developing relationships with trusts and foundations, major donors, alumni, corporate partners and international supporters while creating compelling fundraising campaigns that inspire long-term engagement.

If you're an experienced fundraiser looking for the opportunity to build something meaningful and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

As Fundraising Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement a 3–5 year fundraising strategy aligned with ISH's strategic objectives.

• Build a diverse fundraising portfolio across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, alumni, community fundraising and international philanthropy.

• Identify, cultivate and steward major donors and strategic partners.

• Lead the development of compelling funding applications and grant proposals.

• Secure significant income from trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate sponsors.

• Develop donor stewardship and recognition programmes that encourage long-term support.

• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Alumni Relations, Events and CRM colleagues to deliver integrated fundraising campaigns.

• Establish fundraising KPIs, monitor performance and report regularly to the CEO, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.

• Manage and develop the Fundraising Assistant while fostering a collaborative fundraising culture across the organisation.

• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with charity law, the Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection legislation.

About You

You will be a motivated fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic income and developing successful fundraising strategies.

You'll bring:

Essential

• Significant experience in fundraising, philanthropy or income generation.

• Demonstrable success securing funding from trusts and foundations, major donors and/or corporate partners.

• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies.

• Outstanding relationship management and networking skills.

• Excellent proposal and bid-writing abilities.

• Strong financial awareness and project management skills.

• Experience using CRM systems and analysing fundraising performance.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• A collaborative, proactive and results-driven approach.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, higher education or international education sectors.

• Alumni fundraising experience.

• Knowledge of UK trust and foundation fundraising.

• Experience securing international philanthropic funding, particularly in North America.

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or equivalent.

• Fundraising qualification or professional accreditation.

Why Join ISH?

This is an exciting opportunity to build a fundraising function with significant scope for innovation and growth while helping transform the lives of students from around the world.

In return we offer:

• Salary of £65,000–£70,000 (depending on experience)

• Full-time or part-time working options

• Hybrid working

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service

• Defined benefit contributory pension scheme

• Vitality private health insurance (Senior Management Team)

• Healthcare cash plan

• £3 daily meal allowance for use in our catering facilities

• Sage employee benefits platform

• Interest-free annual travel loan (after probation)

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Join Us

If you are an experienced fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, build meaningful donor relationships and help secure the future of an organisation that has supported generations of students from around the world, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the next chapter of International Students House.

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Individual Giving 

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.  

• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.  

• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.  

• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.  

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.  

• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.  

• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies  

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)  

• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects  

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters  

• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters  

• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes 

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades  

• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition  

• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs  

• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund 

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes. 

• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance. 

• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience  

• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures  

• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns  

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention  

• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting   

• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.  

• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system 

• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.  

• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.  

• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising  

• Commitment to high level of professional standards  

• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience  

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors  

• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

Part-funded by a generous donation from Backstage Trust, this is a new and pivotal role designed to transform Theatre Centre's fundraising capacity by strengthening systems, increasing income diversity, and building long-term financial resilience. The postholder will play a key role in helping the organisation capitalise on its artistic impact and case for support, while building momentum towards its 75th anniversary in 2028.

This role will keep us focused on our development strategy and will have support from across the whole company: the Board, Executive and the core TC team. We have been steadily building our foundations and have some good funding relationships in place, committed individual givers, a strong, evidenced case for support, some incredible stats and feedback and above all an inspiring and exciting programme of work to offer for young people, artists and teachers across the country.

Our Development Manager will help us to bring in resources so that we can continue share our high-quality, specialist work as far as we can. We see development as a collaborative effort and we understand the need for the whole team to support development, that effective fundraising needs to be resourced with realistic timelines and expectations.

About the Role

Contract type: Fixed term to March 2028

Hours: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE) - we're happy to discuss flexible working patterns that work best for you.

Salary: £24,000 per year (based on £30,000 per year pro rata)

Location: This role can be hybrid or predominantly home based, with some time spent working with colleagues in the office. Theatre Centre is based near Three Bridges station at Unit 4 Crawley Business Centre, Stevenson Way, Crawley, RH10 1TN.

Job Requirements

• A strong affinity with Theatre Centre's mission and a passion for creating opportunities for young people through the arts.
• A values-driven approach, with commitment to equity, inclusion, social justice and environmental responsibility.
• Collaborative, open and transparent working style.
• Comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Proven experience of fundraising within an arts organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking skills.
• Good written communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support and reports.
• Good understanding of the financial context of this work.
• Experience of building and managing relationships with funders, donors and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including data management.
• Experience of monitoring and reporting to demonstrate impact.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work flexibly under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Job Responsibilities

The Development Manager will lead delivery of a phased fundraising strategy:

Phase 1 - Foundation: Build on our strong systems and processes and give us consistency in fundraising delivery, including building a robust pipeline of Trusts & Foundations and developing place-based income in Crawley and the Gatwick area.

Phase 2 - Private Phase: Expand individual giving by deepening relationships, developing major donors, and securing multi-year funding partnerships.

Phase 3 - Public Bring together all strategic and fundraising priorities in our 75th year, amplifying them into a public campaign that advocates for our change-making work.

If you'd like more information you're welcome to visit our website and download the job pack.