Overview
Business School Alumni Relations Manager - College of Social Sciences - 44287 - Grade 7
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Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149
Grade: 7
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 29 October 2025
Role summary
We are looking for an Alumni Relations Manager to lead the alumni relations activity for Birmingham Business School. In collaboration with the College Alumni Relations Manager, the postholder will support the strategic aims of the Business School, College of Social Sciences and the Development and Alumni Relations Office through the development, planning and implementation of a bold and innovative alumni volunteering programme for the Business School within the College of Social Sciences.
As part of the DARO team for the College, you will be based both within DARO and the College. You will deliver a range of volunteering opportunities for alumni to support the College’s 2030 strategy and Birmingham 2030 targets. You will work with colleagues across DARO and College to engage alumni with the University and support philanthropic giving.
The role is responsible for developing, planning and implementing an alumni volunteering strategy for the Business School. You should be a motivated team player with the ability to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, influence, project manage and make meaningful activity happen. If you are passionate about connecting people and helping to support the employability of students, this is the role for you.
Main duties
* Develop, deliver and evaluate a Business School–wide volunteer engagement strategy aligned with key objectives such as QS rankings, Business School accreditations, international student recruitment, student experience and graduate outcomes.
* With the MBA leadership team, develop a bespoke alumni relations strategy that supports MBA objectives.
* Manage the Birmingham Business School Alumni Advisory Board, including recruitment, training and setting agendas that support the School’s strategy.
* Identify and deliver opportunities for alumni engagement with the School, such as hosting company treks, mentoring, internships or placements.
* Identify, secure and steward volunteers for a wide range of School activities, including events and visits in the UK and overseas, in collaboration with School leadership where appropriate.
* Engage current students to develop an active alumni community after graduation.
* Build strong relationships with key colleagues across the School and College to deliver opportunities for alumni volunteers and to support College priorities.
* Champion the interests of the School within DARO and vice versa, maximising alumni engagement and philanthropic opportunities.
* Deliver broader engagement for School alumni, including newsletters, reunions and visits.
* Collaborate with the wider University volunteering team to share best practice and support University-wide initiatives.
* Promote equality and diversity and foster an inclusive working culture.
* Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource-efficient working.
* Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Required knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience
* Degree-level qualification or equivalent with practical people and project management experience, or significant relevant experience.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, relationship-building and influencing skills with a range of stakeholders across levels.
* Understanding of the Business School, College and DARO priorities and how volunteering and alumni relations can support them.
* Experience of managing volunteers to deliver high-quality support.
* Ability to represent the College and University externally with confidence, diplomacy and authority.
* Experience of delivering against targets/KPIs.
* Strong literacy and numeracy; ability to write clearly and to analyse information and data.
* Strong negotiation skills and ability to persuade and influence.
* Strategic thinking and planning abilities; ability to work with initiative and make decisions.
* Highly proficient IT skills, including MS Office and database systems; quick to learn new software as required.
* Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and how to ensure fair treatment in day-to-day activity.
Dimensions
Roles at this level require broad understanding and practical experience to plan the running and development of services or lead shorter-term projects. You may manage a team, recruit and develop staff, and coordinate activities across multiple sections within the department or with external bodies as appropriate.
Planning and organising
* Plan the running and development of service(s), oversee resources and input into resource planning.
* Develop and implement delivery standards for own area.
* Manage a team of staff and support development and motivation.
* Plan relevant training and development.
* Provide professional advice and support to others within and outside the immediate work area.
* Oversee resources and advise on future resource requirements.
Problem solving and decision making
* Review and propose solutions for problems related to staff, budgets, services or systems.
* Handle unexpected issues and changing priorities; manage sensitive people matters.
* Provide specialist advice to support decision-making by others.
Internal and external relationships
* Understand own and related areas and how they contribute to the University’s success.
* Share knowledge of how the University operates and develop empathy with academic endeavours.
* Influence decision-makers and build excellent relationships within and outside own area, including external stakeholders.
* Coordinate activities across multiple areas.
Informal enquiries to Jennifer MacKey, email: j.m.mackey@bham.ac.uk
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to sustainability. We hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations and are dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive workplace. More about our work to create a fairer university is available on our website.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Education and Training
* Industries: Higher Education
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