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- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and engage with a global alumni community.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a top 100 global research institution.
- Benefits: Join a vibrant community with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education and research while shaping future leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement required.
- Other info: Exciting leadership role in UK higher education with a focus on collaboration.
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.
Director of Development and Alumni Relations in Sheffield 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 Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and current staff at the University of Sheffield. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for fundraising! When you get the chance to speak with anyone from the university, share your ideas on how to enhance their fundraising strategy. This shows initiative and that you’re already thinking about how to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the university’s recent campaigns and achievements. Being well-informed will help you engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development and Alumni Relations in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and alumni relations shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission at the University of Sheffield.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement. We’re looking for someone who can bring creative vision and leadership, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to this role.
Collaborative Spirit: Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. We value teamwork, so share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to achieve ambitious goals in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our Development and Alumni Relations efforts.
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 and values. Understand their fundraising strategies and recent campaigns like 'Forged in Sheffield, Shaping the Future'. This will help you align your vision with theirs and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in principal gift fundraising and strategic advancement. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led fundraising initiatives or cultivated donor relationships in complex environments. This will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've worked with different teams to achieve common goals. The Director role requires a natural collaborator, so showing your teamwork skills will be crucial.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the university's future fundraising goals and how they envision the role contributing to those objectives. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
