At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect with alumni to raise funds for student support and charitable projects.
- Company: University of Birmingham's Development and Alumni Relations Office.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, gain valuable experience, and enhance your CV.
- Other info: Flexible shifts around your studies and mandatory training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing communication and negotiation skills.
- Qualifications: Good spoken English, excellent communication skills, and a passion for fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
We are looking to recruit passionate student callers for our Autumn 2026 Telethon Fundraising Campaign. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly team where you can develop new skills, make a difference, and gain valuable fundraising experience.
The University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) raises money for charitable projects across the University, with the majority of donations coming from our graduates. Thanks to their support, we have been able to transform the campus, support under-represented students, and fund ground-breaking research that impacts lives worldwide.
As a Student Fundraiser, you'll play an integral role in our annual Telethon Campaign, engaging with thousands of alumni to raise funds that open doors for students through mentoring, scholarships, and financial support. This campaign is not just about raising much-needed funds; it is also about reconnecting alumni with the University, learning about their experiences and interests, and for callers to gain valuable insights into life after graduation.
Working within the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO), you will have a unique opportunity to connect with University of Birmingham graduates over the phone, inviting them to support students through charitable donations. This role offers you the chance to hear inspiring stories from alumni, build your confidence, and gain valuable transferable skills such as effective communication and negotiation – all of which will boost your career prospects after university.
Please note, this is a hybrid role with both on-campus and remote working. To work from home, you must have:
- A stable internet connection
- Access to a laptop and smartphone (calls are free to you)
- A quiet, private space to work
- UK residency during employment
Mandatory paid training will take place on campus from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026. Attendance on both days is required.
Main duties include:
- Aim to meet and exceed campaign fundraising and engagement targets by securing charitable donations from alumni.
- Confidently and respectfully ask for donations, using persuasive communication and negotiation skills to support our fundraising goals.
- Handle each phone call with professionalism, courtesy, tact, and sensitivity, representing the University at all times.
- Create personalised videos through ClipConnect to thank alumni after each call (full training is provided).
- Demonstrate enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to your role, your team, and the overall success of the campaign.
- Handle all alumni data with care and precision, ensuring confidentiality and data protection policies are upheld at all times.
- Follow employment expectations and performance standards, including working a consistent number of weekly shifts throughout the campaign.
Required knowledge, skills, qualifications & experience:
- Have a good standard of spoken English, particularly when using the telephone.
- Have excellent communication and listening skills.
- Be comfortable communicating and building rapport with a wide range of people.
- Be able to convey a confident, friendly and positive telephone manner.
- Be confident in asking for donations and have good negotiation and persuasion skills.
- Be comfortable recording personalised videos through ClipConnect to alumni.
- Be able to use your own initiative and work independently towards targets.
- Be reliable, hardworking and punctual.
- Be able to work well as part of a team.
- Have a good general knowledge of the University of Birmingham and a passion for the work we do, with a willingness to learn more.
- Have an understanding of Data Protection (successful applicants will receive full training).
- Be able to manage university workload and the Student Fundraiser job commitments.
Further details:
Call shifts will take place from the 19th October 2026 to 29th November 2026. You will be expected to work a minimum of three shifts per week, including at least two weekend shifts (either Saturday or Sunday). Calling shift times are likely to be as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 6pm – 9pm (on-campus shift)
- Saturday: 11am – 2pm (remote shift)
- Saturday: 2pm – 5pm (remote shift)
- Sunday: 5pm – 8pm (remote shift)
Successful callers are also required to attend mandatory training on 17th and 18th October.
The University of Birmingham restricts all students to working up to 20 hours per week during term time for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks. If your application is successful and your course does not follow the usual academic term timetable (e.g. PGT, PGR or PhD student), you and your supervisor must formally agree vacation periods if this role exceeds 20 hours per week.
For any informal queries, please contact Zarah Alam (z.alam@bham.ac.uk).
Student Casual – Student Fundraiser – Development and Alumni Relations Office – Grade 2 – 900397 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to quality service, staff are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the university's mission of excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Casual – Student Fundraiser – Development and Alumni Relations Office – Grade 2 – 900397 in Birmingham
✨Leverage Local Networks
In fundraising, building relationships is key! Attend local charity events, workshops, or networking nights. It’s a great way to meet like-minded folks and discover potential opportunities at organisations like The University of Birmingham. Don’t be shy—chat with the organisers and share your interest in part-time roles!
✨Volunteer for Experience
Consider volunteering at non-profits or fundraising events even if it’s on a casual basis. This gets you hands-on experience and helps you build a solid reputation in the fundraising community, which could lead to part-time gigs. Plus, you might find that many organisations prefer hiring from within their volunteer pool!
✨Connect on Social Media
Join fundraising groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. We often see part-time gigs pop up in these communities. Engage with posts, share your own insights, and don’t be afraid to ask for leads on opportunities at places like The University of Birmingham!
✨Showcase Your Passion
When reaching out to organisations like The University of Birmingham, make sure your passion for fundraising shines through. Whether that’s through a personal project, a blog, or even social media—having something that highlights your commitment can set you apart from the crowd. Let's make sure they see your enthusiasm when you apply!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Casual – Student Fundraiser – Development and Alumni Relations Office – Grade 2 – 900397 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Fundraising Skills:When applying for a part-time role in fundraising development at The University of Birmingham, make sure to highlight any previous experience you've had in fundraising initiatives. Include specific projects, the strategies you implemented, and the impact they had — numbers matter! We love seeing what you've achieved.
Passion Matters!:In your cover letter, let your passion for the cause shine through. Talk about what drives you to work in fundraising and any personal connections you have to the mission of The University of Birmingham. This is your chance to connect on a human level, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV to Fundraising:When crafting your CV, focus on including relevant skills such as communication, relationship-building, and project management. For a part-time position, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running without needing too much guidance.
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve worked on specific campaigns or created fundraising materials, consider attaching samples or a link to a digital portfolio. This gives us tangible evidence of your work and creativity, helping you stand out from the crowd at The University of Birmingham.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Showcase Your Passion for Causes
In the fundraising development field, it’s all about showing you genuinely care about the mission. During the interview, be ready to share personal experiences or stories that illustrate your passion for the causes you want to support. This will not only demonstrate your commitment but also help you connect with the interviewers at The University of Birmingham.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in fundraising contexts. They might ask how you would handle a donor who is hesitant to contribute or how to turn a potential sponsor into a commitment. Practising these types of scenarios can make you feel more confident and prepared!
✨Flexibility Matters in Part-Time Roles
Since this is a part-time position, be prepared to discuss your availability and how you can work flexibly with the team at The University of Birmingham. They may be interested in how you manage your time and balance commitments, so highlight your organisational skills and any strategies you use to stay on track.
✨Share Your Past Success Stories
Bring along examples of past fundraising campaigns or events you’ve been involved in—this could be anything from a successful bake sale to a well-executed charity event. If you have any metrics or achievements to share, like money raised or increased awareness, include those as well. It shows your capability in the field!
