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- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and engage with a global alumni community to support university ambitions.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a top 100 global research institution.
- Benefits: Join a vibrant community with a focus on innovation and excellence in education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education and shape the future of students worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement in a global context.
- Other info: Exciting leadership role with significant career growth opportunities in UK higher education.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a world-leading research institution, ranked in the top 100 universities globally, home to 26,000 students and 7,800 staff from 150 countries. As a founding member of the Russell Group, we combine our proud heritage with a contemporary and ambitious strategy to deliver life-enhancing research, innovation and education that transforms the lives of our students and shapes the world we live in.
An outstanding Development and Alumni Relations function is critical to delivering the University's strategic ambitions. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to fulfil the role of Director of Development and Alumni Relations, bringing creative vision and strategic leadership to drive our fundraising activity. Building on our highly successful Forged in Sheffield, Shaping the Future campaign, the Director will lead our fundraising strategy and cultivate our global alumni community, working closely with colleagues across the University to engage alumni in support of our broader strategic ambitions and enhance our global reputation.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role involves working closely with the President and Vice-Chancellor and the wider University Executive Board on fundraising activity and the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of our most significant donors and prospects. A natural collaborator, the Director will work closely with Professional Services colleagues in supporting the University’s wider strategic ambitions, and will lead the Campaigns and Alumni Relations team to deliver ambitious fundraising targets, secure transformational gifts that enable the University to pursue its mission of excellence in teaching, research and innovation, and harness the influence of our alumni to enhance student recruitment and employability. This represents one of the most exciting and rewarding development leadership roles in UK higher education.
You will bring significant experience of principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement in a complex and global context. Passionate about our values and mission, you will join a community that thrives on shared ambition, celebrates world-leading academic strengths, encourages bold, independent thinking and contributes significantly to the civic life of Sheffield and the wider region.
For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please visit quoting reference number 8251. For informal inquiries please contact Thomas Cameron at. The deadline for the receipt of applications is 09:00 am GMT on Monday 9th March 2026.
Director of Development and Alumni Relations in London employer: University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development and Alumni Relations in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Talk about why you’re excited about the University of Sheffield’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Passion is contagious!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the University’s current initiatives and challenges in fundraising. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’re engaged and ready to tackle their strategic ambitions head-on.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the University of Sheffield.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development and Alumni Relations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The University of Sheffield is looking for someone with a creative vision and strategic leadership. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements in principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact. We want to see how you've driven success in previous roles!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! The University values bold, independent thinking, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for their mission. Share why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the instructions provided!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Sheffield's mission, values, and recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising campaigns, especially the 'Forged in Sheffield, Shaping the Future' initiative. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your success in similar roles, particularly in complex and global contexts. This will help the interviewers see how your background fits perfectly with their needs.
✨Collaboration is Key
As a natural collaborator, be ready to talk about how you've worked with various teams in the past. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully engaged stakeholders or alumni to support strategic goals. This will illustrate your ability to work closely with the University Executive Board and other colleagues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the university's ambitions. Inquire about their future fundraising strategies or how they envision the role of alumni in enhancing student recruitment. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
