At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with alumni and secure major gifts for impactful projects.
- Company: Join Durham University, a globally recognised institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse applicants, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and research while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising or client-facing roles, with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Job Number: Development and Alumni Relations
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time
Working Arrangements: Hybrid arrangements in place, flexible hours may be required on occasion to deliver key activities and maintain relationships.
Closing Date: 24-Aug-2026, 10:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
Location: Durham / Hybrid - At least two days on campus
Type: Permanent and Interim, Full-time
Help shape the future of a globally recognised university as Durham builds towards its bicentenary and an ambitious fundraising campaign.
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 roles: We are recruiting three Senior Development Managers to join our Major Gifts Team. There is one permanent opportunity and two 14-month maternity cover roles. Each postholder will manage a portfolio of alumni and supporters with the potential to make gifts of between £100k and £1m. You will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors, working closely with senior leaders, academics and colleagues across the University to develop compelling opportunities for support.
Although the roles share the same core purpose, each has a distinct focus. This permanent position is a broad major gifts role working across Durham’s campaign priorities, who will also take a lead on legacies and planned giving, helping to develop this work across the wider team and dealing sensitively with wills, estates and executors where the University is named as a beneficiary. This maternity cover role will focus on the Faculty of Science, particularly Computer Science, Physics and Mathematical Sciences. It will also include student and graduate enterprise and enrichment activity connected to the Venture Lab.
This maternity cover role has a varied portfolio includes the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Libraries and Special Collections, alongside student enrichment opportunities across sport, theatre and music.
What we are looking for: We are seeking confident, relationship-led fundraisers who can manage a portfolio, build trust with senior stakeholders and move significant opportunities forward. You will bring experience of fundraising, stewardship, business development or another relevant client-facing environment, together with evidence of securing significant support or developing high-value relationships. Higher education experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. We welcome candidates from charities and other values-led organisations who can demonstrate strong judgement, curiosity, initiative and the ability to communicate a compelling story. Candidates may apply for one, two or all three roles.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 24 August 2026
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.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
Senior Major Gifts Manager for Alumni Campaigns employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes understanding of diverse cultures. Located in a historic city, the university provides a unique setting for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Major Gifts Manager for Alumni Campaigns
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Durham University.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Durham University.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Durham University.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Durham University. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Major Gifts Manager for Alumni Campaigns
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Durham University. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Major Gifts Manager for Alumni Campaigns, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Durham University. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
