At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver engaging alumni programmes and events that inspire support for the College.
- Company: St John’s College, Oxford - a historic and vibrant community with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 38 days’ holiday, hybrid working, USS pension, and free hot lunch.
- Other info: Opportunity for international candidates with visa support available.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on alumni engagement in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Strong project management, marketing skills, and excellent interpersonal abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 52815 - 61198 £ per year.
St John’s College, Oxford is a vibrant, international and socially diverse collegiate community, characterised by a strong sense of identity and belonging, and a long tradition of academic excellence. Through its teaching and research, St John’s seeks to transform lives and to have a positive impact on society locally, nationally and internationally. It is particularly recognised for its innovative and pioneering ‘Inspire’ access and outreach programmes.
The College sits on an impressive site in the heart of Oxford. Its historic buildings and extensive gardens are complemented by first-class modern facilities. St John’s 7,570 alumni are members of a lifelong community - global, dynamic and mutually connected to this unique and beautiful place.
A recent feasibility study of the College’s Development and Alumni Relations operations highlighted the potential for a broader and more creative approach to engaging its alumni and supporters - individuals whose networks, mentoring, advocacy and intellectual connection to the College matter as much as their generous financial support.
This is a pivotal moment for St John’s. The recent appointment of a new Director of Development coincides with the launch of a new strategic plan and the College’s ambition to embark on a step change in its philanthropic and engagement activity. The President, Professor Lady Sue Black, and College’s broader leadership, are fully engaged across Development and Alumni Engagement, with a clear vision and their fullest support.
The Head of Alumni Engagement is a newly created role, responsible for shaping and delivering the College's alumni engagement strategy, driving a compelling offer that inspires our community and encourages them to support the College through their gifts of time, talent, and philanthropic support. We are looking for someone with ideas and drive to craft and deliver a set of programmes to engage alumni and supporters through high-profile events, communications, careers and mentoring, networking and volunteer activities.
Joining the St John’s Development and Alumni Relations team is an opportunity for a creative professional with strong project management and events experience, marketing and communications expertise, and excellent interpersonal skills: Someone who will thrive on the opportunity to build a new programme, as part of an established and well-resourced team, working with an already engaged alumni base and St John’s extraordinary heritage. The opportunity to work in this beautiful central Oxford college and be part of the St John’s community is rare and special.
If all of this appeals, we’d love to hear from you.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process. International candidates who are interested in relocating to the UK will be considered as visa support is available for this position.
St John’s College is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all. We encourage job applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply for advertised positions.
Closing date for applications is 09:00 on Monday 7th September 2026.
Head of Alumni Engagement in Oxford employer: The Wild
At Aquarium of the Lakes, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As part of Parques Reunidos, you will benefit from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as complimentary attraction tickets and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic leisure park setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Alumni Engagement in Oxford
✨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 The Wild.
✨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 The Wild.
✨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 The Wild.
✨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 The Wild. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Alumni Engagement in Oxford
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 The Wild. 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 Head of Alumni Engagement, 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 The Wild
✨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 The Wild. 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!
