Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations

The Head of Alumni Engagement and Operations will lead Kingston University's alumni engagement activities, helping to build stronger connections with graduates and support fundraising, volunteering, partnerships and lifelong engagement. Reporting to the Director of Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement, the role oversees alumni communications, events, volunteering, regular and legacy giving, as well as alumni data systems and operational processes.

Working with a global alumni community of more than 280,000 graduates, the postholder will use data and insight to shape engagement activity and support University priorities. This is a key leadership role that works across the University to champion the value of alumni engagement and philanthropy.

The successful candidate will be a strong relationship builder, able to work effectively with colleagues, students, volunteers and alumni to develop partnerships and opportunities that benefit both graduates and the University. Hybrid working with a minimum of 50% of working time in the office is required. Due to the dynamic nature of this position, some work outside normal working hours and participation in meetings on non-office days will be required, for example, support to the annual telephone campaign.

You will be an experienced alumni engagement, fundraising or relationship management professional who values building strong relationships and has a track record of delivering engaging programmes and communications that inspire people to connect, volunteer, mentor, give and stay involved. Using data and insight to guide decisions, you'll be able to identify opportunities, measure impact and build meaningful engagement that benefits both alumni and the University.

As an inclusive and supportive leader, you'll be experienced in developing high-performing teams and working collaboratively with colleagues, alumni, volunteers and partners. Most importantly, you'll be excited about the role alumni can play in increasing student success, employability, philanthropy and partnerships, strengthening lifelong connections with Kingston University.

The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre, Brand, Communications and Public Affairs and Development, Alumni Relations & Engagement (DARE). Collectively, the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University’s governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.

The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting-edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity. Our goal is to foster and sustain a vibrant research culture in which our researchers and research students can flourish.

As a directorate, we identify opportunities for innovation, see change as an opportunity, value constructive feedback and share good practice across the University. This is a full-time, permanent position with a starting salary of £60,996 per annum. Part-time working (0.8fte) will be considered for an exceptional candidate. Interviews are expected to be held in person on 28th or 30th September 2026.