Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement - DurhamDirector of Development Operations and Alumni EngagementLocation: Durham, UKSalary: Competitive + excellent benefits Durham University is seeking an outstanding senior leader to appoint as Director of Development Operations and Alumni Engagement, a pivotal role within the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). This position will provide strategic, integrated leadership across Advancement Operations, Stewardship, Campaign Management and Alumni Engagement - translating institutional priorities into coordinated delivery and measurable fundraising and engagement success. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will play a central role in driving income growth, diversifying fundraising streams and delivering a compelling, high-quality experience for alumni and donors worldwide. As a member of DARO's Senior Management Team, you will help shape strategy while ensuring operational excellence and strong governance underpin every aspect of our work. In this role, you will: Provide strategic leadership for Development Operations, Stewardship, Campaign Management and Alumni Engagement, aligning activity with DARO and University priorities.Set clear objectives and performance standards, driving income growth and diversification across priority fundraising streams.Co-develop income stream strategies with senior colleagues and lead the delivery of Durham's alumni engagement strategy.Play a leading, externally facing role with key alumni and donor stakeholders, working closely with some of the University's most influential supporters.Oversee the strategic deployment of alumni communications, events, volunteering, benefits, and recognition programmes, ensuring best practice stewardship and compliance.Contribute centrally to campaign governance, including case development, gift opportunity design, and campaign narrative.Lead, recruit, coach and performance-manage high-performing teams through a clear metrics and outcomes framework.Build strong partnerships with academic and professional services colleagues to maximise institutional impact and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture. We're looking for someone who can: Demonstrate senior-level experience in development operations, alumni engagement, or advancement within a complex organisation.Balance strategic vision with operational delivery, ensuring excellence in systems, processes, and stakeholder experience.Build credibility and influence with senior leaders, alumni, and donors at the highest level.Lead and motivate teams through change, embedding a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in one of the UK's leading universities - strengthening lifelong alumni relationships, enabling philanthropic success, and ensuring Durham's ambitions are delivered with impact, integrity, and excellence.