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- Tasks: Lead the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team to connect with our global alumni community.
- Company: University of Hull, one of England’s oldest universities with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving fundraising campaigns and engaging alumni.
- Qualifications: Experience in philanthropy and alumni engagement, preferably in higher education.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on shaping the future of our university.
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 Philanthropy 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 Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and connections in the field of philanthropy. A casual chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you want to make at the University of Hull. Let them see your vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for scenario-based questions about fundraising campaigns or alumni engagement strategies. Think through your past experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of our community from the get-go!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Philanthropy 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 achieving income targets and managing donor relationships.
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. Share your vision for the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team and how you plan to elevate our initiatives.
Follow Application Instructions: Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Include all required documents and send your application via email to ensure it reaches us on time. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your success in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've managed major donor relationships and delivered fundraising campaigns, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Align with Their Values
The University values inclusivity, empowerment, and progressiveness. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the university's culture and goals align with your own aspirations.
