Head of development and alumni relations jobs

As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia, you will play a key role in growing Birmingham’s philanthropic programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six-figure+ giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation and from the wider region. Most of their warm donors are based in Malaysia and Hong Kong, but there is an active community of alumni in Singapore and scoping to be done across Asia to drive the next phase of their strategy forward beyond alumni donors, and to build on a recent seven-figure donation as a catalyst for further giving.

The University established their Hong Kong Foundation in 2019 and giving is off to a strong start. Continuing on this trajectory you will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong.

As a senior fundraiser in the Development & Alumni Relations Office (DARO), you will be expected to be innovative, self-motivated and to take ownership of fundraising in this region. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate gifts to key philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make significant gifts. You will also have the opportunity to work with the senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region.

The University believes there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. They are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. They have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. They are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of their strategy.

Working closely with the Director of Development, this individual will be responsible for raising funds and managing relationships with prospects and donors, organising fundraising campaigns and delivering events.

You will support the Director of Development to raise philanthropic funds through major gift and regular giving fundraising to support key development projects for the College. About Us Clifton College is a leading independent day and boarding school educating over 1,200 pupils aged 3 to 18.

Founded in 1862, the College provides an all-round education, a rich heritage with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Located in the beautiful suburb of Clifton, we lead the way as one of the best independent schools in the country.

What you’ll be doing:

 Donor Relations and Stewardship

● Work closely with the Director of Development to deliver the fundraising strategy, with a focus on securing major gifts, regular giving, and corporate sponsorships.

● Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with prospective and existing donors.

● Identify new prospects and funding opportunities.

● Meet with donors and prospects with the Director and alone to develop the pipeline of future support.

● Ensure timely and personalised communication with donors to acknowledge gifts, provide updates on impact, and cultivate long-term relationships.

● Write compelling proposals and impact reports.

● Work with the Head of Alumni to develop engagement strategies for legacy giving to the 1862 Club. 

 Work with marketing to create promotional materials and build our portfolio of testimonials.

Event Management

● Create engagement events for potential donors.

● Work with the alumni team to plan stewardship events for supporters.

● Support the development of parent engagement events.

● Support the Head of Alumni with the career mentoring programme. Administration

● Manage gift processing using Raiser’s Edge, including receipting and thanking supporters, and managing pledge payment reminders. ● Create tailored communication and engagement plans for prospects and donors.

● Provide regular updates on fundraising progress and donor reports for the Director of Development.

● Develop and manage fundraising budgets, ensuring all fundraising activities are cost-effective and within financial targets.

About You

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, highly organised, and have fundraising experience within the education or charity sector.

Required Qualifications & experience

● Proven experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, ideally within an educational or non-profit organisation.

● Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, regular giving, legacy giving, grant writing, and event management.

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including current and former parents, alumni, pupils, staff, Governors and donors.

● Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlineseffectively.

● A passion for education and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing independent schools.

● A team player who positively contributes to a collaborative and ambitious team culture. Adaptable and flexible to change as required.

● Experience with managing budgets and using fundraising CRM systems (preferably Raiser’s Edge).

● A proactive, results-driven attitude and a desire to make a tangible impact in a school environment.

● Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes

● Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts

● An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising

● A degree or equivalent.

Desirable Skills

● Experience in organising and leading fundraising events.

● Knowledge of UK charitable giving regulations

● Experience in working with high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors.

● Previous experience in alumni relations or school development.

What’s in it for you £38,000- £42,000 salary

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays • BUPA Employee Assistance Programme •BUPA Confidential counselling and advice • Career development and training • Cycle to work scheme • Discounted onsite gym and pool membership • Subsidised lunch • Enhanced Pension scheme • Life Assurance • Menopause clinic • Onsite Flu vaccine clinics • Pop up bike servicing • Refer a friend scheme • Subsided Holiday Club employee benefit which is available for children from Reception Year up to Year 8 • Wellbeing benefits

Clifton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. That’s why we apply robust selection principles to our recruitment, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). 

Although not all the roles at Clifton College are pupil-facing, we treat all roles as regulated activity. This means we can be safe in the knowledge that we have applied the most stringent recruitment checks to safeguard our pupils. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to contact your referees. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975,2013 and 2020. If you join us, we’ll expect you to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Safeguarding legislation, and our safeguarding policies and procedures. We’ll also ask you to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Equality and Diversity legislation and associated policies, as well as Health & Safety legislation. But don’t worry because we’ll provide training to do this! Equal Opportunities Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or disability. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Clifton College is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. How to apply Please note that we can only accept applications via our vacancy website application form (which will also allow you to attach your CV or any other supporting information). Clifton College and the Clifton College Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, all staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to contact your referees.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding individual to join the School’s successful Development Team. Reporting to the Head of Development, working alongside the other members of the team and within the wider External Relations department, the successful candidate will coordinate and develop the School’s substantial programme of events and engagement activities for its alumni, manage the School’s fundraising and stewardship communications and activities, and oversee the day-to-day administration of the Department’s work.

Educated to degree level, with proven experience in both developing relationships with individuals and wider community engagement, the successful candidate will be an outstanding communicator and effective decision maker who will use their impeccable organisation skills to ensure the continuous improvement of the team’s work.  Fundraising or alumni relations experience is desirable, although candidates from a variety of backgrounds will be considered.

With some 2,500 pupils, Bolton School is a large, thriving, academically selective day school. It is situated a mile or so from the town centre in a stunning 32 acre campus and is within easy reach of some of the nation’s finest cities and countryside.

A large Foundation Services Department supports the School operations and within this there is a trading arm, Bolton School Services Limited (BSSL). This includes BSS Leisure Services, Kidzone and Patterdale Hall, a superb Outdoor Pursuits Centre situated at the Southern end of Lake Ullswater. Those who work within the organisation are able to combine the experience and pleasure of educating and being around young people with some of the challenges of a business environment.

An attractive salary and benefits package is available. 

For further details and to apply online for the position, please visit the School website.

Closing date for applications:  Tuesday 05 May 2026 at 12.00 noon

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 13 May 2026

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace to reflect the diversity of our pupils and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and to join Bolton School. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees.  We do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Bolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Check for Regulated Activity.

We look forward to receiving your application.