At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect with alumni and create engaging volunteering opportunities to support students.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield's dynamic Alumni Relations team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on shopping and travel.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by fostering community connections and supporting future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer management and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a natural communicator with a passion for project management? We’re looking for an engaging, highly organised Community Engagement Officer to join our Alumni Relations team. You will be a central link connecting our global community of 300,000 former students back to the heart of the University, creating diverse opportunities for alumni to share their time, influence, and expertise. Your mission is to create meaningful ways for our alumni to give back their time to support the University's strategic goals. From facilitating career‑shaping connections for current students to sourcing the inspirational stories that attract prospective applicants, you will identify and steward the next generation of supporters through high‑touch volunteering experiences. You’ll be the go‑to person for our volunteers, nurturing relationships and designing creative new ways for them to share their talents. You’ll also advise colleagues across the University on engagement best practices, enhancing how we value and recognise our alumni community. If you’re an excellent communicator who thrives on project management and believes in the power of community to drive impact, we want to hear from you.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Project Development and Management: Project‑manage a diverse calendar of volunteering activities, from webinars and alumni speaker panels to in‑person networking events and business visits. Proactively develop new initiatives that bring our community together, which includes occasional travel across the UK and hosting evening events to engage with our alumni where they are.
- Strategic Internal Partnership: Act as a dedicated partner to teams across the university, including our Careers and Employability Service, Global Engagement, Marketing and Student Recruitment teams. You’ll share your expertise in volunteer management to help them design and deliver bespoke initiatives that bring alumni insights directly to their students and prospective students. Provide guidance to departments on the 'gold standard' of volunteer engagement. You’ll ensure that all activities are inclusive and well‑structured, so that every alum has a high‑quality experience while supporting student success. Use our CRM (Raiser’s Edge), social media, and digital platforms to find the right volunteers for specific departmental needs. You’ll ensure our outreach is strategic and coordinated, protecting our alumni from 'ask fatigue' while maximising their impact.
- Volunteer Care & Recognition: Manage the end‑to‑end experience for our volunteers, from their first expression of interest to the completion of their role. You will ensure every volunteer feels genuinely valued and recognised through our appreciation strategies. Partner with the Fundraising team to identify high‑profile volunteers and work with the International team to create meaningful opportunities for our networks across the globe. Collaborate with the Communications team to promote opportunities via a range of channels, ensuring we reach a diverse range of alumni. Work with the Data team to ensure all volunteering impact is accurately captured, helping us tell the story of the incredible impact our alumni volunteers have across the institution.
Person Specification
- Proven experience in volunteer management, client relations, or community engagement, ideally in a target‑driven environment. (Experience outside of HE is welcomed).
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team and build strong partnerships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience in planning and delivering high‑quality events or volunteer activities, whether in‑person or digital.
- An understanding of the 'bigger picture' with the ability to contribute to strategy development and service improvements.
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines without losing attention to detail.
- Experience in crafting engaging digital content and the ability to translate complex information into persuasive oral and written communications.
- A proactive approach to using initiative and working independently to find creative solutions to challenges.
- Proficiency in MS Office/video tools and the ability to handle sensitive data with total integrity.
- Experience using large customer relationship databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) to manage complex information.
Further Information
- Grade 6
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Duration: 10/08/2026 - 09/08/2027
- Line manager: Head of Volunteering
- Direct reports: None
Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/welcome-car
For informal enquiries about this job contact Lizzie Ruse, Head of Volunteering at l.ruse@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Tuesday 07 July. This will consist of an interview and exercise. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing Monday 29 June. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact our Office manager, Sarah Hamilton: sarah.hamilton@sheffield.ac.uk
A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. A range of generous family‑friendly policies including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for those going through the menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right.
Closing Date: 22/06/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among its staff. As a Community Engagement Officer, you will benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and numerous opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of alumni and current students. With a commitment to employee well-being and recognition, this role provides a unique chance to connect with a global community and contribute to the University's strategic goals in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! Reach out to alumni and current staff on LinkedIn or at events. Building those connections can open doors and give you insights into the role that you won't find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for community engagement during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your skills in volunteer management and project coordination. We want to see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching the university's current initiatives and alumni engagement strategies. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of connecting alumni and creating meaningful opportunities.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in volunteer management and project development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and build strong partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise:When crafting your application statement, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured communication that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and ideas.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the alumni community and their needs. Familiarise yourself with recent initiatives and how they’ve impacted alumni engagement. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to enhancing those connections.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of past projects you've managed, especially those involving volunteer activities or community engagement. Highlight your organisational skills and how you successfully coordinated events or initiatives, as this role heavily relies on effective project management.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Think of instances where you’ve worked with diverse teams or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you built partnerships and shared insights to achieve common goals. This will resonate well, as the role requires collaboration across various university departments.
✨Engage with Creative Solutions
Come prepared with innovative ideas for engaging alumni and enhancing their volunteering experience. Whether it’s through digital platforms or in-person events, showcasing your creativity will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to think outside the box.
