Communications Manager

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of Development and Alumni Relations team at the University of Southampton, creating and delivering a range of strategic communications for our alumni and supporter community.  

You’ll be responsible for planning and delivering a whole plethora of communication tools to support our fundraising and engagement, with a particular focus on our upcoming Campaign for Southampton. Due to launch in 2027, this will be our biggest fundraising campaign ever, with a target of £100m. One of our key fundraising focusses will be the Institute for Medical Innovation; we will raise £50m to build this groundbreaking facility, which will address the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary research. You have the chance to make a real difference. 

We are looking for an experienced communications professional to support us with creating engaging communications. You will be responsible for activities such as: 

• Developing compelling propositions
• Delivering the communications to support major gift prospect fundraising events, from creating invitations and shaping the themes, through to developing event materials and briefing speakers 
• Creating and editing a wide range of communications pieces for our major gift prospect audience, from written case studies through to web content and video 
• Managing the development and execution of new creative for the Campaign for Southampton
• Sourcing new stories and gathering information through interviews and desk research
• Supporting the team where needed on both fundraising and alumni engagement communications

This is a part-time role, working four days a week, on a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Like many organisations we’re currently working hybrid, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. There is the opportunity to work more days in the office as desired. The successful applicant should be available to work on campus as and when there is a requirement. 

About us 

The University of Southampton is among the top 100 universities in the world and is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group. Our diverse global staff and student community are helping to change the world for the better. 

In the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, our mission is to engage and grow our alumni and supporter community through philanthropy, giving time/expertise and reputation raising to help achieve the University’s strategic objectives. It’s such an exciting time to join us, as we embark on our first University-wide fundraising and engagement campaign!  

About you 

First and foremost, you’ll have a strong understanding of communications and marketing. You’ll have a number of years of marketing communications experience, ideally gained in a charity, education or agency environment. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and has the expertise and experience to take ownership of projects.  

You'll thrive in a busy environment, have robust project management and organisation skills, and be adept at collaborating with a wide range of different stakeholders.  

You'll be a strong copywriter with a passion for language, and the ability to write different types of copy.

To be considered, the successful candidate must be able to commence this role no later than 12th January 2026.  

If you’d like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Beth Brown, Head of A&S Communications and Marketing on B.K.Jewitt@soton.ac.uk.   

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