Alumni programme officer jobs
The Sutton Trust delivers a suite of high-impact programmes in partnership with top universities and employers, supporting young people to access competitive courses, apprenticeships, and careers in the UK’s leading professions. As Senior Programmes Officer for Marketing and Communications, you’ll play a key role in driving engagement and recruitment across our entire programmes portfolio. You’ll bring fresh ideas, take ownership of campaigns, and help shape how the Trust tells its story to the people we support.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the voice and reach of sector-leading programmes that transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the UK.
We’re looking for a creative, digitally savvy marketing and communications professional with a passion for educational equality. This role offers the chance to lead on campaigns that span digital, print, and events - creating standout content for diverse audiences focused on students but including teachers, universities, parents, and alumni.
This role sits within the Programmes Directorate, working closely with a small, collaborative team of six led by the Head of Digital & University Access. You’ll be line managed by the Senior Programmes Manager: University Access and collaborate extensively with the central Communications Team.
Main duties
Marketing & Engagement
- With a strong audience focus, develop appropriate marketing strategies to support the recruitment of students to Sutton Trust programmes with Programme Managers
- Develop creative content ideas and tactics to target key audiences including creating engaging copy and visual assets for marketing campaigns, including digital content (e.g. email campaigns, social media) and physical collateral (e.g. posters, brochures)
- Create engaging copy and visual assets for marketing campaigns and programme
- Support the capture of content at selected Sutton Trust events, including photography, video, and stakeholder feedback, to enhance marketing assets and engagement strategies
- Lead on the creation or commissioning of programme collateral and marketing assets
- Coordinate stakeholder focus groups (e.g. students, parents, teachers, alumni) to evaluate and refine our marketing and comms strategies
- Work with the central communications team to highlight our programmes and alumni activity in wider Trust communications and the media
Digital, Web and Social Media
- Ensure all programme information is accurate and up to date across the Sutton Trust website and microsites.
- Lead the rebranding and redevelopment of programme microsites and marketing materials in line with brand guidelines and with support from the central communications team.
- Work closely with the Senior Digital Communications Officer and Head of Communications & Advocacy to ensure brand consistency and coordinated scheduling across digital and social channels.
- Manage, plan, and create impactful social media campaigns to support marketing and engagement, with an increasing focus on video content.
- Collaborate with Heads of Department and Programme Managers to produce blog content that supports outreach, partnerships, and engagement.
Data Analytics
- Use internal data systems (e.g. Salesforce, analytics dashboards) to assess campaign performance and inform future communications strategy.
- Regularly track key KPIs such as application conversion rates, social media engagement, and stakeholder reach.
Other
- Keep abreast of digital developments, providing expertise to the wider organisation
- Work with the team to suggest improvements to our marketing and communications strategy
- Other duties as necessary from time to time
Person Specification
We welcome applications from individuals who have experience in:
- Experience in marketing and communications planning, ideally in the education or non-profit sectors
- Experience developing content and campaigns targeted primarily at young people, while also engaging diverse stakeholders such as teachers, parents, and alumni.
- Demonstrated ability to use data and digital tools (e.g. Salesforce, Google Analytics, social media scheduling) to drive communications
- Strong copywriting, editing, and content design skills across print and digital
- Experience working with brand guidelines and delivering multi-channel campaigns
- Excellent verbal and written communication and strong analytical skills
- High degree of initiative and the ability to take responsibility for discrete projects and workstreams
- Personable, flexible and discreet; able to fit in to a small team
We are also looking for an individual who:
- Is sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage;
- Has knowledge and experience of the higher education and/or education sectors;
- Has excellent attention to detail;
- Has first-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust in a range of settings;
- Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)
Terms of Appointment
- Salary: £34,000 - £36,000 per annum
- Contract: Full time, Permanent
- Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
- Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends
- DBS check may be required
Interviews
Applications should reach us by midnight, Monday 26th May, with first round interviews held over Zoom on Tuesday, 3rd June, and second round interviews held at our London offices on Monday, 9th June.
Safeguarding statement
The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to be part of a dynamic and creative team? We are recruiting an Events Officer to work in the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) to deliver creative, sector leading events. The Events Officer has responsibility for delivering both in-person and online events for our global community of alumni, donors and volunteers. From our mass engagement ‘Bringing Birmingham to You’ event series, to bespoke events hosted by senior members of University staff, and stewardship events to thank our donors and volunteers at all levels, the Events Officer will ensure a high-quality, engaging, and tailored experience for alumni, donors, volunteers, and VIPs.
DARO is an ambitious office and we support our team to succeed. You will contribute to a busy programme of events, and over the year will focus on delivering activity as part of our 125th anniversary celebrations as well as a series of high-profile events in the lead up to the close of our fundraising and volunteering campaign, Birmingham in Action. You will have the opportunity to shape a creative and impactful programme which engages our alumni and supporters with the University.
DARO exists to support The University of Birmingham's academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
World-class research and outstanding global education





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to pivot their professional journey towards creating a regenerative, equitable and just future.
Key info:
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Based in London, UK
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Full-time (4.5 days at placement & one half day training weekly)
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£27,010 per annum salary
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Programme dates: October 2025 - September 2026 (49 weeks)
About On Purpose:
On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.
Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.
Programme summary:
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Two 6 month placements:
Through work placements with leading purpose-driven organisations, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Save the Children, BAFTA and Sustainable Ventures.
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Expert-led learning:
Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. This blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change.
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1-2-1 mentoring & coaching:
Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.
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Join a supportive, impactful community:
You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of 20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.
Benefits:
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Earn while you learn: On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs, all the while offering extensive learning and development.
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Develop your ability to make an impact: Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. You’ll join nearly 1000 purpose-driven alumni who are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.
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Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities: Our Associates have moved into a whole range of sustainability jobs and social impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former music label business owner now the CEO of Hubbub, a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK and a former civil servant now Climate Lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
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Standard UK holiday allowance
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A 3-day residential (all expenses paid)
Who we’re looking for:
This programme is ideal for:
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Individuals seeking a career change into the environment and social impact sector.
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Individuals already in the impact sector who want to develop new skills, have the opportunity to work in more commercial organisations, or to join an engaged network of people who share your values and are working toward the same goal.
Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:
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A minimum of three years full-time professional experience
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The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
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Fluency in English
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Office environment experience
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Skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.
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Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
How to apply:
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Read our Associate Programme brochure for more information.
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Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.
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Closing date for applications: Monday 19 May, 9:00 am (BST).
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Interviews will be held in mid-late June.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Radley College is seeking to appoint a dedicated and forward-thinking Radleian Society Manager to lead and develop the College’s alumni relations programme. This is a key strategic role, focused on fostering strong, lasting relationships with Old Radleians (“OR”s), current and former parents, and former staff.
Reporting to the Development Director, the post holder will be responsible for delivering an ambitious and wide-ranging engagement programme that reflects the values and vision of Radley College. This includes oversight of events, communications, digital engagement, and the facilitation of mentoring and networking initiatives through the College’s Futures Programme.
The successful applicant will
Lead a dynamic calendar of alumni and parent engagement events, including reunions, networking forums, and social gatherings
Oversee communications, both digital and print, to ensure high-quality, consistent outreach and storytelling
Act as liaison to the Radleian Society Committee and other affiliated groups, managing volunteer engagement and project delivery
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Development Office and Futures Team to connect alumni with current pupils and recent leavers
Utilise data insights to inform strategy, track engagement, and report on key outcomes
We’re seeking a passionate and strategic individual with a strong background in alumni relations, events, or community engagement. You’ll be an experienced team leader with excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to connect with a wide range of stakeholders.
We encourage early application and reserve the right to appoint at any time. Closing date for applications is 12 noon Thursday 15 May 2025 with first interviews being held on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May, and second interviews on Thursday 22 May.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
King’s College, Cambridge
Director of Development
Shape the Future of a World-Renowned Institution.
Salary: Starting salary in the region of £90,000 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record.
Location: Cambridge, UK
King’s College, Cambridge, founded in 1441 by Henry VI and known worldwide for its historic Chapel and Choir, is seeking a visionary Director of Development to lead its philanthropic fundraising and help shape its future.
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world’s most renowned academic institutions at a transformative moment in its history. Using the momentum of the visionary £100 million King’s Campaign, the new Director will develop and deliver an exciting, multi-year fundraising strategy that supports the College’s most ambitious goals - expanding access and student support, enhancing research capacity and preserving our architectural heritage.
You will bring a proven track record in major gifts fundraising, inspirational leadership and experience of cultivating deep, lasting relationships. A key member of the leadership team, you’ll engage a passionate global alumni network and forge new partnerships with individuals and organisations aligned with the College’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
King’s is a community that values independent thinking, creativity, and social impact. Among our alumni are Nobel laureates, world-changing scholars, and trailblazers. At its heart, the College remains deeply committed to ensuring that the brightest students - regardless of background - can thrive.
As Director of Development, you will be elected to a Fellowship of the College, joining a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community. This is more than a job - it is a chance to have a lasting impact on an institution where education and innovation have shaped the world for over five centuries.
King’s College, Cambridge is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday, 25 May.
First round interviews are expected to be held w/c 16 June, with second round interviews the w/c 23 June.
Interested?
The candidate pack and details to contact us for a confidential discussion are attached.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter via CharityJob or Institute of Fundraising no later than Midnight on Sunday, 25 May.
Please do not apply via the King’s College website. No agencies please.
Download the candidate pack and send your tailored CV and cover letter no later than Midnight on Sunday, 25 May.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The School:
Merchant Taylors’ School is a large Independent Boys’ School, situated in 280 acres of parkland in Northwood, Middlesex. The School was founded in 1561, is owned by the Merchant Taylors’ Educational Trust and moved to its present site in 1933. There are four distinct boys’ day schools on campus. The Nursery, the Pre-Prep & the Prep cater for 370 boys, while the Senior School has over 960 pupils. The Senior School employs over 110 teachers and 160 Support staff across Merchant Taylors’ School.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Fundraising
· Developing and innovating the school’s regular giving programme, the Merchant Taylors’ Fund, to ensure a consistent income stream and increased participation from alumni, parents and friends.
· In conjunction with external consultants, running our (currently) biennial telephone fundraising campaigns and Giving Days.
· Liaising with school departments, clubs and societies to identify exciting projects to motivate supporters.
· Segmenting and targeting recipients for appeals to ensure the greatest impact and returns.
· Devising the strategy for promoting legacy giving as a means of supporting Merchant Taylors’, and to implement this strategy to increase the number of known legacy pledges to the school.
Stewardship
· Establishing and running a comprehensive benefactor stewardship programme that thanks and stewards donors at all levels, including legacy pledges, through regular communication and events.
Reporting
· Reporting on progress against all objectives to the Development and Alumni Relations Sub-Committee of Governors.
· Where appropriate, working with the Development Executive (Events and Communications), to produce benefactor report publications and contribute to other Development publications.
· Ensuring that all contact with OMTs and parents is recorded on the Development Office’s database, the Raiser’s Edge.
Safeguarding responsibilities:
It is the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy Statement at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the Head Master.
Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role will bring you into contact with children you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Further information on how the School uses personal data is set out in the School’s Staff Transparency Notice, which can be found n the Vacancy page of the School Website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the roles:
Are you a persuasive and compelling communicator? Are you an individual with a strong track record of negotiating and managing relationships? Do you have an interest in Higher Education and in making a difference? If so, this could be the perfect career opportunity for you.
The Advancement Division is in search of a tactful, and diplomatic Development Manager to join their ambitious team to help maximise philanthropic income opportunities for the Business School.
The overarching strategy of Advancement is to raise philanthropic funds for scholarships, academic positions, research centres and capital projects, securing donations and financial support from those who are committed to our academic mission and building Imperial’s global reputation. The Division oversees a wide programme of events that seek to expand the Imperial’s reach, strengthen and enlarge our supporter base, increase philanthropic support and engage alumni, friends and other stakeholders in the life of the College. This is a high impact and high visibility division which relies on extremely motivated and skilled fundraising professionals to deliver a quality end-to-end gift giving experience.
In addition to supporting College-wide fundraising objectives, the post will support the Business School to deliver their mission to provide the highest quality teaching, learning and research environment.
What you would be doing:
This career opportunity promises to be varied and will utilise your experience gained in roles such as a Development Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Development Officer, Fundraising Specialist or similar.
Key duties will include:
• Managing high priority donor and prospective donor relationships and strategic projects, with the aim of soliciting major gifts (£50k+) in support of the Business School, as well as the wider College’s fundraising objectives.
• Developing and delivering on key areas of major gifts fundraising strategy.
• Being a trusted advisor both within and outside the Advancement Division for identifying innovative ways to capitalise on fundraising opportunities.
This career opportunity will suit an individual with drive and a keen interest in higher education and the fundraising space.
What we are looking for:
• Educated to graduate level of equivalent.
• Evidence of success as a professional fundraiser in personally securing major gifts (£50k plus), preferably at the six-figure level.
• Persuasive and compelling approach to asking for donations face to face and in writing effective proposals and applications for funding within a not-for-profit setting (preferably higher education).
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy and thoughtfulness when dealing with sensitive matters.
• A knowledge of fundraising best practice in the higher education sector.
What we can offer you:
Candidates will need to complete an online application to be considered for this role. This is a full time and open-ended position (permanent). The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate relevant experience in building strong relationships, good attention to detail and a can-do attitude.
Imperial College London employees enjoy a range of benefits, including generous annual leave, subsidised leisure facilities and an excellent professional development programme.
Our Advancement Division has set out to define the values and behaviours we aspire to uphold, so as to create an inclusive, collaborative and successful working culture.
Further Information
If have any questions or would like to have an informal, confidential chat about a specific role, please contact: Alessio di Capua, Head of Development.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us. We're here to help.
Closing date: 11th May 2025
To apply, please click “Apply Now”.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.
Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.
This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination and creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity and innovation.