Director of Development and Alumni Relations - (9379)

Manchester Metropolitan University is at an exciting stage of its journey. With a host of accomplishments to look back on over recent years – including outstanding performance in the National Student Survey, sustained growth in major research grants, the transformation of our campus, and being named Modern University of the Year 2026 by the Times and Sunday Times – we have recently refreshed our university strategy and set our sights on achieving even greater things for our students, alumni, staff and the world around us.

Building on our Success: The Road to 2035 reinforces and reinvigorates our core goals of delivering excellent education and excellent research with impact. It strengthens our commitments to Greater Manchester, to the United Kingdom, and to meaningful global engagement. And it underlines our ambition to achieve the highest quality across all our academic and professional services, driven by digital transformation and underpinned by a strong financial position.

Our new Director of Development and Alumni Relations will have an instrumental role in realising these ambitions. They will have firm foundations to build on, leading a team that is already one of the highest performing in British modern universities, to deliver further growth in philanthropic income and ever stronger engagement with our 370,000 alumni. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, our integrated External Relations directorate and talented colleagues across our values-driven, people-focused organisation, this is a wonderful opportunity for the right candidate to truly make a difference.

Further information and how to apply

If you would like a confidential conversation about the role prior to the closing date, please contact Tim Seamans, Executive Director of External Relations at ERDirector@mmu.ac.uk

Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought, as detailed in the job description document.

• The closing date for applications is Sunday 13^th September 2026
• There will be a two-stage process for shortlisted candidates, with the first stage taking place on the afternoon of Tuesday 29^th September or Thursday 1^st October 2026, and final interviews (if successful) on Wednesday 7^th October 2026.

About Manchester Met

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met Proud. Let's transform lives together.  

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

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Documents
Director of Development and Alumni Relations.pdf (266.45 KB)
Director of Development and Alumni Relations Brochure.pdf (4.19 MB)