Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement

Durham University is seeking an outstanding senior leader to appoint as Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement, a pivotal role within the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). This position will provide strategic, integrated leadership across Advancement Operations, Stewardship, Campaign Management and Alumni Engagement — translating institutional priorities into coordinated delivery and measurable fundraising and engagement success.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will play a central role in driving income growth, diversifying fundraising streams and delivering a compelling, high-quality experience for alumni and donors worldwide. As a member of DARO’s Senior Management Team, you will help shape strategy while ensuring operational excellence and strong governance underpin every aspect of our work.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for Development Operations, Stewardship, Campaign Management and Alumni Engagement, aligning activity with DARO and University priorities.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards, driving income growth and diversification across priority fundraising streams.
• Co-develop income stream strategies with senior colleagues and lead the delivery of Durham’s alumni engagement strategy.
• Play a leading, externally facing role with key alumni and donor stakeholders, working closely with some of the University’s most influential supporters.
• Oversee the strategic deployment of alumni communications, events, volunteering, benefits, and recognition programmes, ensuring best practice stewardship and compliance.
• Contribute centrally to campaign governance, including case development, gift opportunity design, and campaign narrative.
• Lead, recruit, coach and performance-manage high-performing teams through a clear metrics and outcomes framework.
• Build strong partnerships with academic and professional services colleagues to maximise institutional impact and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Demonstrate senior-level experience in development operations, alumni engagement, or advancement within a complex organisation.
• Balance strategic vision with operational delivery, ensuring excellence in systems, processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Build credibility and influence with senior leaders, alumni, and donors at the highest level.
• Lead and motivate teams through change, embedding a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in one of the UK’s leading universities — strengthening lifelong alumni relationships, enabling philanthropic success, and ensuring Durham’s ambitions are delivered with impact, integrity, and excellence.

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