Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history as one of England’s oldest universities. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. The global perspective and expertise of our talented people and our dynamic collaborations with partners locally, nationally and internationally enable us to bring communities together – to enrich lives, address the challenges facing our region and share solutions that are transferable across an increasingly connected world.

Our global alumni, now numbering more than 190,000, is an integral part of our community. The Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team is the link between the University and our alumni and supporters, providing bespoke engagement opportunities that build connections and raise philanthropic funding. The team sits within a newly formed directorate bringing together our external engagement activities across Marketing, Communications, Student Recruitment as well as Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive members, you will provide strategic leadership to the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team and as part of the leadership team of the new directorate, you will also play an integral role in ensuring our alumni and supporter communities remain engaged and central to our wider strategy.

Moreover, your remit will be to drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, you will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions.

With demonstrable experience in philanthropy and alumni engagement, preferably within higher education, you will have a track record of delivering fundraising campaigns, managing major donor relationships and achieving ambitious income targets. Our values of being inclusive, empowering and progressive are critical to our community, and we are committed to appointing an ambitious, proven and strategic leader who embodies these values.

How to apply

To find out more and have an informal conversation please contact Mike Dixon at mike@dixonwalter.co.uk or on 0787 6751896.

Applications should be made via email to mike@dixonwalter.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026 and include on separate documents: 

• - a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the person specification
• - a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
• - details of three referees and notice period (Referees will not be contacted without your permission)
• - a completed Personal details form (available above)

Final stage selection will be held on campus in mid-March 2026.

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