Director of Community, Alumni Relations & Development

Director of Community, Alumni Relations & Development

Community, Alumni Relations & Develop

Location: Aston University John Cadbury House

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 27 June 2025

Interview Date: Friday 25 July 2025

Reference: 0673-24

Release Date: Friday 16 May 2025

About the Role

Are you passionate about building powerful communities, creating lasting relationships, and unlocking transformational opportunities through engagement and philanthropy? Aston University is looking for an exceptional individual to lead our Community, Alumni Relations and Development (CARD) function at a time of unprecedented ambition and growth.

As Director of CARD, you will play a critical role in delivering Aston's 2030 Strategy, a bold vision that places our community at the heart of everything we do. This is more than an advancement role - it is an opportunity to reimagine how a university works with its alumni, partners, and supporters to create shared value for society.

You will lead a talented, dedicated team, nurturing a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. You'll work alongside senior leaders including the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Commercial Officer to shape and execute a strategic approach to alumni engagement, civic partnership, and philanthropic fundraising. You will be a senior voice for Aston externally, representing the University with key stakeholders across the city, region, and beyond.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader who can inspire internal teams and external audiences alike - someone who understands how to leverage networks, build meaningful relationships, and unlock opportunities that benefit our students, our partners, and society. You will personally steward a portfolio of senior relationships, including alumni, business leaders, and community influencers, and be pivotal in delivering a thriving culture of engagement and giving across the University.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an ambitious, socially-driven university, at a time when the power of community and philanthropy has never been more vital.

Why Aston University?

At Aston, we believe that universities exist to transform lives - not just for our students, but for the communities we serve locally, nationally and globally. Situated in the heart of Birmingham, one of Europe's youngest and most diverse cities, Aston has a proud heritage of delivering accessible, career-focused education and applied research that makes a real-world difference.

Our Aston 2030 Strategy sets an ambitious course: to be a leading university known for innovation, impact, and inclusive excellence. Community, alumni relations, and development are central to achieving this vision. From our Civic University Agreement, co-designed with our city partners, to our ground-breaking "Aston for Life" alumni platform, we are committed to building deep, meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

Aston is a university that genuinely values partnership, enterprise, and social mobility. We are proud to be ranked among the UK's top universities for graduate employability, and our graduates go on to change industries, communities, and lives. In joining Aston, you'll become part of a vibrant, supportive and forward-thinking environment where your leadership will drive lasting impact.

Aston may be able to sponsor the successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route according to the salary offered for the role. Please contact the recruitment team if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, please visit our website.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team.