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- Tasks: Lead the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team to connect with our global alumni community.
- Company: Join the University of Hull, one of England’s oldest universities with a rich history.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at a prestigious university.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and alumni relations, preferably in higher education.
- Other info: Play a key role in launching our first comprehensive fundraising campaign by 2028.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history as one of England’s oldest universities. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. The global perspective and expertise of our talented people and our dynamic collaborations with partners locally, nationally and internationally enable us to bring communities together – to enrich lives, address the challenges facing our region and share solutions that are transferable across an increasingly connected world.
Our global alumni, now numbering more than 190,000, is an integral part of our community. The Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team is the link between the University and our alumni and supporters, providing bespoke engagement opportunities that build connections and raise philanthropic funding. The team sits within a newly formed directorate bringing together our external engagement activities across Marketing, Communications, Student Recruitment as well as Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive members, you will provide strategic leadership to the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team and as part of the leadership team of the new directorate, you will also play an integral role in ensuring our alumni and supporter communities remain engaged and central to our wider strategy.
Moreover, your remit will be to drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, you will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions.
With demonstrable experience in philanthropy and alumni engagement, preferably within higher education, you will have a track record of delivering fundraising campaigns, managing major donor relationships and achieving ambitious income targets. Our values of being inclusive, empowering and progressive are critical to our community, and we are committed to appointing an ambitious, proven and strategic leader who embodies these values.
To find out more and have an informal conversation please contact Mike Dixon at mike@dixonwalter.co.uk or on 0787 6751896. Applications should be made via email to mike@dixonwalter.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026 and include on separate documents:
- a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the person specification
- a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
- details of three referees and notice period (Referees will not be contacted without your permission)
Final stage selection will be held on campus in mid-March 2026.
In making an application for this role we ask you also to view our Privacy Notice which outlines our compliance to General Data Protection Regulations and the use and storage of your data.
Director of Philanthopy and Alumni Engagement employer: Dixon Walter
Contact Detail:
Dixon Walter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Philanthopy and Alumni Engagement
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the philanthropy and alumni engagement space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for philanthropy and alumni engagement shine through. Share your ideas on how to elevate alumni connections and fundraising efforts. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Research, Research, Research
Before any interview, make sure you know the ins and outs of the University of Hull and its alumni community. Familiarise yourself with their past campaigns and current initiatives. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running with us.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely – it shows you’re detail-oriented and serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Philanthopy and Alumni Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for philanthropy and alumni engagement shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission at the University of Hull.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and alumni relations. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your success in managing donor relationships and achieving targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not just repeat your CV but tell us a story about why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We want to know what drives you and how you envision elevating our alumni engagement efforts.
Follow Application Instructions: Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Send your application via email to the specified address and include all required documents. We appreciate attention to detail and following guidelines.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dixon Walter
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the University of Hull and its Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and how they engage with alumni. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your success in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Highlight any fundraising campaigns you've led, major donor relationships you've managed, and how you've achieved income targets. Use metrics to quantify your achievements where possible.
✨Emphasise Strategic Leadership
As a Director, you'll need to exhibit strong strategic leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your vision for the role and how you plan to drive the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign. Think about how you can leverage the centenary celebrations to enhance alumni engagement and support.
✨Align with Their Values
The University values inclusivity, empowerment, and progressiveness. During the interview, make sure to express how you embody these values in your work. Share examples of how you've fostered inclusive environments or empowered teams in your previous roles to resonate with their culture.
