Donor Experience Manager

The Development and Alumni Office (DARO) exists to support the University of Birmingham's academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

This is an exciting opportunity to join DARO as Donor Experience Manager, helping to shape and deliver outstanding donor journeys for multiple audiences. In this role, you’ll play a key part in deepening relationships with our donors and volunteers, ensuring that their experience of supporting beneficiaries is meaningful, personal and impactful.

You will lead on the planning and delivery of our donor experience programme, from tailored communications and impact reports to stewardship and cultivation events, campus visits and administration of our Recognition Circles. With a strong understanding of donor motivations, you’ll create experiences that reflect the transformative impact of philanthropy and build long-term engagement.

You will manage a team of two Donor Experience Officers, setting individual and team objectives while providing day-to-day support, clear direction, and opportunities for professional development. As a team leader, you’ll create a collaborative and high-performing culture, ensuring that workload is prioritised and balanced, deadlines are met, and work is consistently delivered to a high standard. This role sits in the Fundraising team within the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Charitable and Corporate Partnerships (Trusts and Foundations), Communications, Events, Data and Supporter Insight and Campaign Management, as well as academics and Professional Services colleagues across the University, you’ll ensure a joined-up approach that puts donors at the heart of our work. You’ll also support the engagement and recognition of volunteers, including bespoke activity for our Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme members.

We’re looking for a creative and collaborative individual with experience in donor or stakeholder engagement, event delivery, and writing for impact. You’ll bring a strategic mindset, excellent relationship management skills, and a genuine passion for enhancing the donor experience at a leading university.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.