Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement (25001849) in North East

Durham University is seeking an outstanding senior leader to appoint as Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement, a pivotal role within the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). This position will provide strategic, integrated leadership across Advancement Operations, Stewardship, Campaign Management and Alumni Engagement – translating institutional priorities into coordinated delivery and measurable fundraising and engagement success. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will play a central role in driving income growth, diversifying fundraising streams and delivering a compelling, high‑quality experience for alumni and donors worldwide. As a member of DARO's Senior Management Team, you will help shape strategy while ensuring operational excellence and strong governance underpin every aspect of our work.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Development Operations, Stewardship, Campaign Management and Alumni Engagement, aligning activity with DARO and University priorities.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards, driving income growth and diversification across priority fundraising streams.
• Co‑develop income stream strategies with senior colleagues and lead the delivery of Durham's alumni engagement strategy.
• Play a leading, externally facing role with key alumni and donor stakeholders, working closely with some of the University’s most influential supporters.
• Oversee the strategic deployment of alumni communications, events, volunteering, benefits, and recognition programmes, ensuring best practice stewardship and compliance.
• Contribute centrally to campaign governance, including case development, gift opportunity design, and campaign narrative.
• Lead, recruit, coach and performance‑manage high‑performing teams through a clear metrics and outcomes framework.
• Build strong partnerships with academic and professional services colleagues to maximise institutional impact and foster a collaborative, results‑driven culture.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate senior‑level experience in development operations, alumni engagement, or advancement within a complex organisation.
• Balance strategic vision with operational delivery, ensuring excellence in systems, processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Build credibility and influence with senior leaders, alumni, and donors at the highest level.
• Lead and motivate teams through change, embedding a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in one of the UK’s leading universities – strengthening lifelong alumni relationships, enabling philanthropic success, and ensuring Durham’s ambitions are delivered with impact, integrity, and excellence. We operate hybrid working (minimum of two days per week onsite, subject to business demands).

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under‑represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our E‑Recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.