3 Director of development and alumni relations jobs
How's your job search on our site?
The University of Southampton is a research‑intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. Our aim is to change the world for the better through research, education and knowledge. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), we build lifelong relationships with our global alumni and supporters, helping them stay connected to Southampton and make a difference through their time, expertise and philanthropy. If you're excited by the idea of shaping and strengthening these communities, this role is for you.
About the role
This is an opportunity to lead a wide-ranging programme of engagement across our alumni and supporter communities. You will lead and develop a team of four, working across ODAR and the wider University to identify opportunities and deliver impactful programmes.
Your portfolio spans engagement and volunteering that advances University priorities – including student recruitment, graduate employability and philanthropy – while strengthening relationships with our international and high‑profile supporters.
A central part of the role is leading the volunteering strand of our first University‑wide fundraising and engagement campaign, the £100m Campaign for Southampton. You will also contribute to projects supporting Southampton's brand and reputation, and international engagement in key countries such as China and India.
As a member of ODAR's senior team, you will represent alumni and supporter engagement on cross‑University working groups and build relationships with stakeholders across the institution.
This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days a week at Highfield, plus international travel typically once or twice a year.
About you
You'll bring experience building meaningful relationships with alumni, supporters, volunteers, members or similar stakeholder groups, with a track record of delivering successful engagement programmes – ideally drawing on insight and creativity to reach diverse audiences.
An excellent communicator and relationship‑builder, you can influence and work collaboratively with people at all levels. You combine strong organisational and project‑management skills with sound judgement to turn plans into measurable outcomes. You're also an experienced people manager who enjoys developing others.
A background in higher education, fundraising, advancement, charity, membership or another relationship‑led environment would be valuable, but transferable experience is equally welcome.
About us
ODAR has enjoyed an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the Campaign for Southampton. With backing from University leadership, we are investing in the people and programmes needed to deepen alumni and supporter engagement and deliver greater impact for Southampton.
We're a friendly, hardworking team with a passion for making a difference, looking for colleagues with intellectual curiosity, fresh ideas and the confidence to shape something ambitious.
We welcome applicants with direct experience or transferable skills and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can thrive.
Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter of up to two sides of A4, outlining how your skills and experience meet the role's requirements and what attracts you to the opportunity.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) is responsible for the University of Southampton's global community of more than 285,000 alumni.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
University College, Oxford (Univ), is seeking an ambitious and experienced fundraising professional to lead and develop our established regular and individual giving programme.
It is an exciting time to join the College and become part of our high-performing, supportive fundraising and alumni relations team.
The well-established regular giving programme has a strong track record from telephone fundraising appeals to direct mail, online campaigns, Giving Days and face-to-face asks. Regular giving makes an important contribution to the College providing crucial support for core activities enabling us to continue to deliver world-class teaching, research and student support.
The post-holder will take strategic ownership of regular and individual giving, developing targeted campaigns to increase participation, grow philanthropic income and strengthen long-term relationships with alumni and friends. You will also lead the development and stewardship of the 1249 Society, using data and donor insight to increase membership and retention.
The post-holder will need to be a self-starter who is highly organised, innovative and able to work on their own initiative. You will have a keen eye for detail, strong data skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people with tact and sensitivity.
This post is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, free lunch, an employee assistance programme and a range of other benefits.
If you're looking for a busy role where every day is varied and challenging, this could be the perfect role for you.
For more information about how to apply, please read the Further Particulars below or click the “Redirect to recruiter” button above.
Thank you!
Do you want to be part of a dynamic and innovative fundraising team? Do you want to raise money for some of society’s most pressing challenges and play a key role in an ambitious fundraising and volunteering campaign?
We are looking to recruit a Philanthropy Officer to join us at this very exciting time. The Philanthropy Officer will be responsible for the relationship management of a portfolio of around 100 prospective donors in order to raise funds for a range of key projects. They will be responsible for the entire prospect relationship management process including researching, cultivating, asking and stewarding.
This role will play an integral part in supporting donations to improve student experience and across key areas of research.
As part of an award-winning team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you’ll get the chance to work across the team and wider university to encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable and significant £10k plus gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with our senior team on proposals to top donors enabling you to get experience of working with some of the most successful and experienced major gift fundraisers in the UK Higher Education sector.
You will be provided with a robust induction and an ongoing training program that will include support from the University as well as expert external providers.
As a Philanthropy Officer you will have responsibility for managing a portfolio of current and prospective donors. You will have the confidence to ask for donations, be a strong communicator, and be passionate about making a difference to some of the biggest challenges the world faces.
The Philanthropy Officer will take ownership of the end-to-end relationship management process of a prospect, from initial research to stewardship activity:
1. Personally manage a portfolio of circa 100 of the University’s (4- and 5-figure) donors and prospective donors, maintaining close relationships with each prospect and integrating them with the University whenever possible to bring the prospective donors to the point where you can ask for philanthropic support.
2. Secure over £100,000 of donation pledges in the first year and develop a sustainable pipeline of prospects and philanthropic income.
3. Demonstrate an understanding that successful fundraising is based on building effective relationships, which match a prospective donor’s philanthropic interest with an area of strength and/or opportunity at the University. Be responsible for the end-to-end relationship management process of your contacts including:
· Identifying new prospective donors from your networks.
· Making the approach and managing a cultivation process, tailored to your prospect.
· Understanding the University’s campaign priorities and bringing them to life for individual supporters. through various communication channels.
· Asking confidently, passionately and effectively for key priorities.
· Building long-term relationships that are centred on the donor, including maximising volunteering opportunities where appropriate.
· Stewarding the donor once a gift is made, ensuring the individual remains connected to the University, the project, and the impact which they have made.
4. Responsible for adhering to relevant fundraising regulation and GDPR whilst ensuring fundraising processes are ethical and that due diligence is undertaken as necessary.
5. Deliver against set targets including money raised, asks made, meetings secured and gift close rate.
6. Communicate effectively with prospects, donors, volunteers, alumni, academics, researchers and businesses using a wide range of communication skills.
7. Communicate effectively with prospects and donors by phone, email, LinkedIn, letter and face-to-face.
8. Work internally with academics to showcase projects to potential donors and work with colleagues across the university to bring gifts to fruition.
9. Work closely with the Volunteering, Events, Campaign Management, Donor Experience, Regular Giving and Legacy Teams to maximise opportunities for collaboration with prospective donors.
10. Working in partnership with other fundraisers and members of DARO including sharing best practice and ensuring prospect development by playing in senior stakeholders at the right time.
11. Use Blackbaud CRM to record meetings and proposals effectively to allow accurate performance monitoring and reporting.
12. Take ownership of all processes and communications in relation to your prospects to include writing proposals, first approach communication, thank you letters and gift paperwork as appropriate.
13. Work with the Philanthropic Finance Team to ensure pledges are fulfilled and donations are correctly managed.
14. Being familiar with methods of tax efficient giving in the UK.
15. Seeking out opportunities for professional development.
16. Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff.
17. Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
18. Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
World-class research and outstanding global education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.