At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead alumni engagement programmes and build meaningful relationships with supporters.
- Company: The University of Southampton, a prestigious research institution committed to positive change.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to inclusivity and making a difference.
- Why this job: Shape communities and drive initiatives that enhance student recruitment and graduate success.
- Qualifications: Experience in relationship-building and project management, ideally in higher education or fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The University of Southampton is a research‑intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. Our aim is to change the world for the better through research, education and knowledge. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), we build lifelong relationships with our global alumni and supporters, helping them stay connected to Southampton and make a difference through their time, expertise and philanthropy. If you're excited by the idea of shaping and strengthening these communities, this role is for you.
This is an opportunity to lead a wide-ranging programme of engagement across our alumni and supporter communities. You will lead and develop a team of four, working across ODAR and the wider University to identify opportunities and deliver impactful programmes. Your portfolio spans engagement and volunteering that advances University priorities – including student recruitment, graduate employability and philanthropy – while strengthening relationships with our international and high‑profile supporters.
A central part of the role is leading the volunteering strand of our first University‑wide fundraising and engagement campaign, the £100m Campaign for Southampton. You will also contribute to projects supporting Southampton's brand and reputation, and international engagement in key countries such as China and India.
As a member of ODAR's senior team, you will represent alumni and supporter engagement on cross‑University working groups and build relationships with stakeholders across the institution. This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days a week at Highfield, plus international travel typically once or twice a year.
You will bring experience building meaningful relationships with alumni, supporters, volunteers, members or similar stakeholder groups, with a track record of delivering successful engagement programmes – ideally drawing on insight and creativity to reach diverse audiences. An excellent communicator and relationship‑builder, you can influence and work collaboratively with people at all levels. You combine strong organisational and project‑management skills with sound judgement to turn plans into measurable outcomes. You're also an experienced people manager who enjoys developing others.
A background in higher education, fundraising, advancement, charity, membership or another relationship‑led environment would be valuable, but transferable experience is equally welcome.
ODAR has enjoyed an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the Campaign for Southampton. With backing from University leadership, we are investing in the people and programmes needed to deepen alumni and supporter engagement and deliver greater impact for Southampton. We're a friendly, hardworking team with a passion for making a difference, looking for colleagues with intellectual curiosity, fresh ideas and the confidence to shape something ambitious. We welcome applicants with direct experience or transferable skills and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.
Head of Alumni Engagement in Southampton employer: University of South Hampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Finance Strategy Lead, you will benefit from a generous holiday package, a supportive environment, and access to on-site facilities, all while playing a crucial role in shaping the financial strategy of the institution.
Contact Details:
University of South Hampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Alumni Engagement in Southampton
✨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 University of South Hampton.
✨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 University of South Hampton.
✨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 University of South Hampton.
✨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 University of South Hampton. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Alumni Engagement in Southampton
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 University of South Hampton. 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 University of South Hampton
✨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 University of South Hampton. 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!
