Alumni Relations Manager (0087-26) - Derby, DE22 1GBAbout the UniversityWe have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.About the College/DepartmentThe External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences. From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high‑impact work that is central to the University’s success. Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s long‑term ambitions. Alumni, Business and DevelopmentOur focus is on building strong relationships, development and growing our alumni community. We encourage alumni to stay engaged with the University and give back to support our students, while also assisting colleagues with Graduate Outcomes, student recruitment, and enhancing the overall student experience. The Development team secures philanthropic support for the University’s work from individuals (including alumni), corporates, grant-making organisations (trusts and foundations) and legacies (gifts in wills).About the RoleThe Alumni Relations Manager will provide strategic leadership and direct delivery for the University of Derby’s alumni engagement activity, developing and implementing a compelling, inclusive and impactful alumni strategy while also playing a leading role in creating and delivering key activity. Working with a diverse international alumni community of approximately 150,000 graduates, you will plan, produce and deliver high-quality communications, events and initiatives that enhance alumni affinity, advocacy and participation. Alumni activity will directly support the University’s strategic priorities, including student recruitment, global profile, employability, philanthropy and reputation. This is a senior, hands-on role for an experienced practitioner who is comfortable operating strategically while also “rolling up their sleeves” to deliver effectively in a dynamic environment, working both independently and within a team. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across academic and professional services to embed alumni engagement throughout the University and will play a key role in preparing current students for lifelong membership of the alumni community. A particular focus of the role will be the development and practical delivery of international alumni hubs and ambassador networks, enabling alumni to act as advocates for the University in key global markets and to support recruitment, partnerships and reputation-building activity. Through creative digital, virtual and in-person engagement, the Alumni Relations Manager will clearly articulate and demonstrate the value of the alumni community, inspiring graduates to remain connected to the University and to give back in meaningful ways that benefit current and future students. About YouWe are looking for an experienced and self-sufficient alumni engagement professional who can combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You will be confident developing an ambitious, university-wide alumni strategy while personally planning and executing a broad programme of communications, events and initiatives. Comfortable working at pace and often independently, you will bring strong digital, content and CRM skills, alongside the ability to represent the University professionally to a global community of graduates and stakeholders.The ideal candidate will excel at building relationships - internally with academic and professional services colleagues, and externally with diverse international alumni networks. You will have a track record of creating and managing overseas hubs and ambassador programmes, and of inspiring alumni to give back through mentoring, advocacy, employability support, recruitment activity and philanthropy. Creative, collaborative and influential, you will embed alumni engagement across the institution and play a key role in strengthening Derby’s global profile and long-term graduate community.BenefitsGenerous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymHoliday purchaseCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional developmentKey ContactFor further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Rosie Marshalsay, Associate Director - External Relations via r.marshalsay@derby.ac.uk For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.ukImportant InformationThe University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.Please visit our website for more information.The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here. Closing Date: 01 Jun 2026 Area: Management, Professional and Specialist Salary: £38,285 to £45,738 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £52,605 per annum)