Head of development and alumni relations jobs

Help shape the future of a globally recognised university as Durham builds towards its bicentenary and an ambitious fundraising campaign.

Location: Durham / Hybrid - At least two days on campus

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 24th August 2026.

Who we are
Durham University is one of the world's leading universities, combining academic excellence, a distinctive collegiate community and a global network of more than 200,000 alumni and supporters.

As we approach our bicentenary in 2032, philanthropy will help us widen opportunity, support world-leading research, enrich student experience and invest in projects that benefit future generations through an ambitious fundraising campaign. The campaign will build on almost 200 years of achievement and create new opportunities for students, researchers and communities.

The Development and Alumni Relations Office sits at the centre of this work, building lifelong relationships with supporters and securing philanthropic investment.

About the role
This is a pivotal appointment at an important moment in Durham's fundraising journey.

The Head of Principal Giving will focus on developing and securing transformational philanthropic support from some of the University's most significant donors and prospects. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, senior academic leaders, Campaign Board members and influential volunteers, you will help shape the next phase of principal giving at Durham.

You will manage a carefully selected portfolio of high-potential relationships, leading conversations that result in seven- and eight-figure gifts. Alongside securing major commitments, you will help strengthen Durham's principal giving capability, build a sustainable pipeline of future support and contribute to the success of the bicentenary campaign.

The role also offers the opportunity to engage with philanthropists and global networks across key international markets, including North America and Asia, helping to unlock new opportunities for investment in Durham's future.

What we are looking for
We are interested in experienced fundraising professionals who have secured significant philanthropic support and enjoy building long-term relationships with donors, colleagues and partners. You may already lead a major or principal giving programme within a university, or bring experience from another setting where you have worked with major philanthropists, family foundations, trusts, corporates or high-profile supporters.

You will be comfortable operating at a senior level, building credibility with influential stakeholders and translating complex ideas into compelling opportunities for support. You will be collaborative, thoughtful and motivated by the impact philanthropy can have on people's lives. You will enjoy working across a large organisation and bringing people together around shared ambitions.

If you are excited by helping to shape Durham's future through transformational giving, we would love to hear from you.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 24th August 2026

Job title: Engagement Officer
Department: External Relations 
Responsible to: External Relations and Communications Manager
Location: London (UK) - Hybrid working
Salary: £32,500 gross per annum
Working pattern: Full-time, 38.5 hours per week
Duration of contract: Permanent 
Start date: As soon as possible

Do you enjoy creating connections and turning them into opportunities?

Join our dynamic team as an Engagement Officer at UWC International, where you will play a crucial role in the External Relations team. With over 90,000 alumni worldwide, you'll collaborate with colleagues from our 18 schools across four continents and UWC International to connect alumni who are making a difference at local, national, and international levels.

We are seeking someone with experience in alumni engagement who is eager to grow and develop with us. This role is central to identifying and connecting with the alumni community, creating opportunities for collaboration, sharing impactful stories, and expanding our reach. With the support of senior colleagues your work will involve key areas, including the UWC hub and events such as our Impact Forums and UWC Day.

You will work closely with the External Relations and Communications Manager, the Head of External Relations, and the Chief of Staff, as well as colleagues in the Development, Funded Programmes, and Education teams.

The ideal candidate should be a people person who is passionate about helping talented young people access education, regardless of their background, and be committed to bringing together changemakers from around the world. You will also be a self-starter, innovative and curious who can support the growth and expansion of our engagement activities.

If this is you, please do not hesitate to apply.

About us

Changing the world takes passion and dedication

UWC is a global movement of 18 schools across four continents with a shared mission: to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. Each year, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and diverse backgrounds to live and learn together in richly diverse, international settings – developing not only academic excellence, but cross-cultural understanding and a drive for social impact. UWC students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare to lead change. Through real-world challenges, they build the skills, compassion and courage to make a difference. 

Our students go on to become leaders in politics, NGOs, business, education and grassroots movements – people shaping a more just and sustainable world. Today, our global network includes more than 85,000 changemakers united by the values they lived at UWC. 

About UWC International 

UWC International is the operational arm of UWC, a UK-registered and Germany-registered charity at the heart of the global UWC movement. Based in London and Berlin, our team works closely with stakeholders across the UWC network and supports a global alumni community of over 85,000 changemakers.

Our work includes global fundraising, communications, promotion and support for the network of more than 150 UWC national committees. We also lead on global strategy and provide key services to UWC schools and colleges.

We are proud to reflect the diversity we champion. Our international team represents over 25 nationalities, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) across all aspects of our work – ensuring our organisational culture reflects the values we promote across the UWC movement.

What we offer

As part of a commitment to our employees, we offer the following:

UWC International London

• Hybrid working - we operate hybrid working arrangements, with at least 20% of the week in the office and up to 80% working from home.
• Flexible working hours - our standard working hours are 38.5 per week. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss different working patterns.
• Generous annual leave allowance – we offer 28 days holiday per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part-time or fixed-term contracts).
• Paid leave for personal growth - up to 2 days per year for volunteering or up to 2 days per year for study leave.
• Learning & development opportunities – we have access to various learning and development platforms to support your professional growth, as well as a budget set aside for professional development.
• Enhanced sick pay
• In-person meetings: Yearly Staff Away Days, team retreats and travel to our international schools and international events as needed to create connected teams.
• Income Protection & well-being support - We offer income protection to all employees, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with access to a legal support helpline, remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, mental health support, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, personal trainer and nutritionist sessions, and a well-being calendar featuring podcasts and webinars.
• Exclusive discounts & perks - with access to a range of discounts across shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment, with thousands of offers on hundreds of top retailers.
• Cycle scheme and eyecare vouchers
• Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity leave
• Higher-than-standard pension contribution scheme - UWC International will contribute up to 8% of the employee’s gross salary toward their Pension scheme with NEST in the UK.

Visa requirements

Anyone who applies to work at UWC International in London must have a work visa before starting employment, in compliance with the relevant immigration rules. Please provide confirmation of your eligibility to indefinitely work or reside in the UK in your application. If you are planning to be USA based, please make this known in your application. Any offers of employment made by UWC International will be subject to a right-to-work check on your immigration status.

Application Process

Do you want to be part of our team? To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover letter in English (each a maximum of 2 pages):

Your cover letter must:

• Outline your experience, skills and competencies against the Person specification section in the attached Job Description.
• Explain why you want to join UWC International.
• Confirm your eligibility to work or reside in the UK.
• Provide the name and contact details of two professional referees, including their job title, email address and the capacity in which you are known to them. References are taken up prior to the second round interviews. We will not contact your referees without first letting you know.

Please note that CVs received without a cover letter, including the information requested above will not be considered.

Deadline for application: 10:00 AM UK time, Monday 10 August 2026

Interview and/or assessment dates:

• First round interviews week commencing 17 August (remote)
• Second round interviews  week commencing 24 August (remote)

Safeguarding Statement

The job holder might have to travel to UWC schools and colleges. Therefore, a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) or international equivalent will be required before any job offer is made. We will also take up references before the second stage of the interview process. Referees will not be contacted without your consent.

Diversity Statement

UWC places deliberate diversity at the heart of our educational model because of its critical importance in our mission ‘to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’.

At the UWC International Office, we believe this commitment to deliberate diversity must be reflected within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and accessible.

We will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. 

We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment and to act accordingly as we aspire best to serve the UWC mission and our global community. It is an ongoing journey and we welcome all those ready to travel with us.

Saïd Business School is entering an exciting new chapter. As we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary and deliver an ambitious new five-year strategy, we are expanding our Development and Alumni team and seeking two exceptional Senior Philanthropy Officers to help drive a transformational step change in philanthropic support. Working closely with senior academics, School leadership, alumni and supporters, you will build meaningful relationships with philanthropists whose generosity can help tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges through business, entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact.

You will manage a portfolio of high-potential prospects, developing tailored engagement strategies that connect donors' passions with Oxford Saïd's strategic priorities. From identifying opportunities and cultivating relationships through to securing significant gifts and delivering outstanding stewardship, you will play a leading role in growing philanthropic income and impact across the School.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing and developing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and selected philanthropic organisations.
• Securing gifts typically ranging from £50,000 to £1 million+.
• Building trusted relationships with senior academics, School leadership, alumni volunteers and University colleagues.
• Translating world-class academic research and thought leadership into inspiring donor propositions.
• Supporting cultivation events, donor visits and stewardship activities that deepen engagement and demonstrate impact.

You will be an experienced and strategic fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts and building successful donor relationships within complex organisations. You will have experience engaging high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic organisations, consistently achieving ambitious income targets and managing prospects through the full fundraising cycle. Additionally, you will possess the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling philanthropic opportunities. A strong understanding of fundraising best practice, ethics and data governance is essential, alongside experience using fundraising CRM systems.

Further information on this role can be found in the job description.

At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.

We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:

• Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme
• Discounted bus travel
• Subsidised onsite catering
• Cycle loan scheme
• Plus, many other University benefits

All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary.

The closing date for applications is Friday 7 August 2026 at 12.00 noon. Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than advertised if we receive a high number of suitable applications.

Job title: IT and Digital Systems Officer
Department: External Relations 
Responsible to: Head of External Relations
Location: London (UK) - Hybrid working
Salary: £32,500 gross per annum
Working pattern: Full-time, 38.5 hours per week
Duration of contract: Fixed term, 18 months (with potential to become permanent)
Start date: As soon as possible

We're building the future of our digital systems — and we need a curious, capable IT and Digital Systems Officer to help us do it.

Join our dynamic team as an IT and Digital Systems Officer. We are seeking an individual who is looking for a new role and enjoys a varied work environment. In this position, you will work as part of our IT-savvy External Relations team, providing support to UWC International across our IT and digital landscape, including Google Workspace. While experience with Google Workspace is preferred, we are open to candidates with an inquisitive mind who, with training, can learn new systems quickly.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we are undertaking a digital infrastructure project that includes developing a new application platform and CRM. Although you will not be managing these projects, there will be opportunities to get involved, allowing you to further develop your skills.

Currently, this is a fixed-term position related to the completion of the digital infrastructure project. However, there is potential for the role to become permanent and to grow once the new systems are fully implemented.

If this challenge appeals to you, we encourage you to apply.

About us

Changing the world takes passion and dedication

UWC is a global movement of 18 schools across four continents with a shared mission: to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. Each year, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and diverse backgrounds to live and learn together in richly diverse, international settings – developing not only academic excellence, but cross-cultural understanding and a drive for social impact. UWC students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare to lead change. Through real-world challenges, they build the skills, compassion and courage to make a difference. 

Our students go on to become leaders in politics, NGOs, business, education and grassroots movements – people shaping a more just and sustainable world. Today, our global network includes more than 85,000 changemakers united by the values they lived at UWC. 

About UWC International 

UWC International is the operational arm of UWC, a UK-registered and Germany-registered charity at the heart of the global UWC movement. Based in London and Berlin, our team works closely with stakeholders across the UWC network and supports a global alumni community of over 85,000 changemakers.

Our work includes global fundraising, communications, promotion and support for the network of more than 150 UWC national committees. We also lead on global strategy and provide key services to UWC schools and colleges.

We are proud to reflect the diversity we champion. Our international team represents over 25 nationalities, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) across all aspects of our work – ensuring our organisational culture reflects the values we promote across the UWC movement.

What we offer

As part of a commitment to our employees, we offer the following:

UWC International London

• Hybrid working - we operate hybrid working arrangements, with at least 20% of the week in the office and up to 80% working from home.
• Flexible working hours - our standard working hours are 38.5 per week. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss different working patterns.
• Generous annual leave allowance – we offer 28 days holiday per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part-time or fixed-term contracts).
• Paid leave for personal growth - up to 2 days per year for volunteering or up to 2 days per year for study leave.
• Learning & development opportunities – we have access to various learning and development platforms to support your professional growth, as well as a budget set aside for professional development.
• Enhanced sick pay
• In-person meetings: Yearly Staff Away Days, team retreats and travel to our international schools and international events as needed to create connected teams.
• Income Protection & well-being support - We offer income protection to all employees, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with access to a legal support helpline, remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, mental health support, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, personal trainer and nutritionist sessions, and a well-being calendar featuring podcasts and webinars.
• Exclusive discounts & perks - with access to a range of discounts across shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment, with thousands of offers on hundreds of top retailers.
• Cycle scheme and eyecare vouchers
• Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity leave
• Higher-than-standard pension contribution scheme - UWC International will contribute up to 8% of the employee’s gross salary toward their Pension scheme with NEST in the UK.

Visa requirements

Anyone who applies to work at UWC International in London must have a work visa before starting employment, in compliance with the relevant immigration rules. Please provide confirmation of your eligibility to indefinitely work or reside in the UK in your application. If you are planning to be USA based, please make this known in your application. Any offers of employment made by UWC International will be subject to a right-to-work check on your immigration status.

Application Process

Do you want to be part of our team? To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover letter in English (each a maximum of 2 pages). 

Your cover letter must:

• Outline your experience, skills and competencies against the Person specification section in the attached Job Description.
• Explain why you want to join UWC International.
• Confirm your eligibility to work or reside in the UK.
• Provide the name and contact details of two professional referees, including their job title, email address and the capacity in which you are known to them. References are taken up prior to the second round interviews. We will not contact your referees without first letting you know.

Please note that CVs received without a cover letter, including the information requested above will not be considered.

Deadline for application: 10:00 AM UK time, Monday 10 August 2026

Interview and/or assessment dates:

• First round interviews week commencing 17 August (remote)
• Second round interviews  week commencing 24 August (remote)

Safeguarding Statement

The job holder might have to travel to UWC schools and colleges. Therefore, a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) or international equivalent will be required before any job offer is made. We will also take up references before the second stage of the interview process. Referees will not be contacted without your consent.

Diversity Statement

UWC places deliberate diversity at the heart of our educational model because of its critical importance in our mission ‘to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’.

At the UWC International Office, we believe this commitment to deliberate diversity must be reflected within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and accessible.

We will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. 

We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment and to act accordingly as we aspire best to serve the UWC mission and our global community. It is an ongoing journey and we welcome all those ready to travel with us.