Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in development operations and alumni engagement at Durham University.
- Company: Join one of the UK's leading universities with a focus on innovation and impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by enhancing alumni relationships and driving fundraising success.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in development operations or alumni engagement is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of alumni relations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Durham, UK
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
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.
In this role, you will:
- 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.
We’re looking for someone who can:
- 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.
Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement - Durham in The Boldons employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement - Durham in The Boldons
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and professionals in your field on LinkedIn. A friendly message can open doors and lead to valuable connections that might just help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Know their mission, values, and recent achievements. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. A confident, clear presentation of your skills can make a lasting impression on interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email reiterating your interest can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement - Durham in The Boldons
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in development operations and alumni engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive strategic initiatives. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed teams and influenced stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Durham University's mission and values. Understand their current initiatives in development operations and alumni engagement. This knowledge will help you align your experience with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven strategic initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance strategic vision with operational delivery, as this is crucial for the Director position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Alumni Stories
Since alumni engagement is a key part of the role, think about how you can connect with alumni on a personal level. Prepare anecdotes or case studies that illustrate your understanding of effective alumni relations and how you've fostered strong relationships in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the university's future fundraising strategies or how they measure success in alumni engagement. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
