Head of Alumni Engagement

This role is for a Head of Alumni Engagement, responsible for leading a team to develop impactful engagement programs with alumni and supporters. Key duties include advancing university priorities through engagement and volunteering, specifically leading the volunteering strand of a major fundraising campaign, and contributing to international engagement efforts. Requirements include experience in building relationships with stakeholder groups, delivering engagement programs, strong organizational skills, and people management experience.

• 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'll 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.