DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS & ALUMNI RELATIONS | UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OXFORD

University College (known as "Univ" for short) was founded in 1249 and is thought to be the oldest college of the University of Oxford. The College combines an ancient heritage with a forward-thinking and modern approach, and is a champion of inclusivity. Occupying a historic site in central Oxford, the College is a friendly and lively community of around 420 undergraduates and 230 graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Univ has been a pioneer of outreach and access initiatives over the years, demonstrating that academic excellence and diversity go hand in hand. In this drive, it has had the unstinting support of its alumni body, who have been the champions of change. Most recently, they have supported a transformational capital development - ‘Univ North’ - which represents the College’s most significant expansion since the 17th century. Construction has begun with an ambitious target of the delivery of the first buildings in September 2024.

The College is looking for an exceptional individual to lead its Development, Communications and Alumni Relations Office, which brings together three important areas of support for the delivery of the College’s academic mission. Working closely with the Master and with an inspirational academic Fellowship, you will lead and inspire a team of eleven, building upon what is one of the longest-established and best-performing development programmes in Oxford.

The Director will be responsible for devising and implementing a fundraising and alumni relations strategy which aims to enrich the long-term relationships between the College and its wider community and deliver on a range of philanthropic goals. They will also work to develop the College’s internal and external communications strategy, particularly in the context of the construction of Univ North and the College’s broader communications objectives.

The successful candidate will be a good listener with well-developed interpersonal skills and outstanding leadership abilities. You will demonstrate emotional intelligence and strategic ability and will readily inspire confidence in others. You will operate in a calm, thoughtful, collaborative and respectful manner. You will have a proven track record in income generation, outstanding organisational skills and a passion for the advancement of education. The postholder will be a champion for the College and will be expected to undertake face-to-face meetings with a range of key stakeholders including current or prospective donors in the UK and overseas.

This is a particularly exciting time in the College’s history, as it celebrates its 775th anniversary in 2024. This role is a unique opportunity to play a key part in the advancement of a college with deep rooted values and a bold and progressive agenda. The Master, Baroness Valerie Amos, is the first woman Master at University College and the first black Head of any Oxford college.

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The College is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage applications from women and black and ethnic minority groups. No applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of his or her sex, marital status, race, ethnic or national origin, disability or sexual orientation.