Development Manager

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team at Kingston University plays a vital role in delivering the ambitions of Kingston University. We have a longstanding tradition of regular giving from our alumni community. It is central to successfully delivering the fundraising growth strategy at Kingston University. We are an ambitious team, and we have seen growth in our individual giving income over the last several years.

Reporting to the Head of Alumni Engagement and Operations the role of Development Manager - Individual Giving is pivotal in ensuring we can provide life changing opportunities to students who need them most through scholarships, access and student support programmes.

The post holder will maintain and grow our individual giving programme which raises £200,000 per annum by delivering a data-led programme. This may include multiple channels such as email, direct mail, SMS and telephone among others. Working closely with the Major Gifts team, you'll also support the implementation and growth of a mid-level giving programme (e.g. donors capable of giving 3-4 figure gifts) and increase our legacy giving pipeline.

Working outside of office hours, especially some evenings and weekends during the telephone campaign period will be an essential part of the role. Some additional work outside normal working hours for DARE and University events will be required, as well as participation in meetings on non-office days.

The post holder will have experience project managing direct marketing and fundraising across multiple channels, including email, direct mail and telephone among others meeting targets and delivering a successful ROI. The ideal candidate also can produce compelling communications and has experience delivering excellent stewardship programmes. Additionally, the postholder has developed excellent project and people management skills as well as a high level of motivation to achieve outstanding results and ROI from individual giving.

The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre, Brand, Communications and Public Affairs and Development, Alumni Relations & Engagement (DARE). Collectively the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University's governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.

The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity. Our goal is to foster and sustain a vibrant research culture in which our researchers and research students can flourish.

As a directorate, we identify opportunities for innovation, see change as an opportunity, value constructive feedback and share good practice across the University.

This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary of £45,025 per annum. Part-time working (0.8fte) will be considered for an exceptional candidate.

The interviews are expected to be held in person on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Start date: As soon as possible, but ideally before the start of February to align with our telephone fundraising campaign.

For informal enquires about the role, please contact Philippa Randle .

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