Maynooth University, partnering with Balmer Dawson Executive Search, invites applications for a new Director of Development and Alumni Relations to oversee Maynooth Universitys highly ambitious Development & Alumni Relations team to lead the next phase of growth for a nascent fundraising and alumni engagement programme that has seen significant expansion and momentum of late.
Make an Impact Deliver a new strategy and build a culture of giving Are you a strategic and dynamic fundraising professional with a passion for education? Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships and leading transformational giving? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Maynooth University.
We are seeking a dynamic, personable, and entrepreneurial strategic leader with a strong record of success in fundraising for a large complex organisation; experience as an empowering team manager; an understanding of the trends in alumni engagement; and an ability to work collegially across the University to build a culture of philanthropy and the data-driven systems and processes to propel a modern development and alumni relations office.
Reporting to: Vice-President External Affairs Key relationships: Foundation Board, University Executive Members, Governance, Finance Teams, and the President of the University Salary : Senior Administrative Officer II €108,933 - €145,611 in line with public sector pay provisions.
Benefits: The Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023 - 2028 sets out an ambition to be an excellent place to learn and work, and an inclusive community where students and staff can flourish and make a distinctive contribution to the national system of higher education and the public good.
Achieving this requires staff to have a strong sense of connection to the University and support from colleagues.
Being part of the Maynooth University team is a unique, collaborative and collegial experience.
The University recognises that its people are its greatest resource and actively seeks to attract, develop, and retain a talented workforce by creating a positive and welcoming University environment.
As well as offering a competitive salary, access to a public sector pension scheme, and annual leave allowance, the University also provides other benefits including but not limited to: Family-friendly leave schemes Tax Saver travel scheme, and Cycle to Work scheme On-campus crche On-campus restaurants and coffee shops Employee Assistance Programme Health and Well-Being programmes Education support opportunities Continuous Professional Development opportunities, including leadership programmes, mentoring, Aurora programme.
Study and Exam leave Sports facilities and gym Contract: Full-time, 5-year contract Hybrid policy: 3 days on campus & 2 days remote Probationary period:6 months (full-time presence on campus required during this period) About Maynooth University Maynooth University is in the top 90 global Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.
It is also recognised among the top 600 universities in the world and in the top 250 European universities.
It is a place of lively contrastsa modern institution, dynamic, rapidly-growing, research-led and engaged, yet grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions.
The engaged alumni community of more than 95,000 and its committed supporters play a vital role in shaping the future of todays MU students.
As the University embarks on an ambitious phase of growth, it seeks an experienced leader to drive fundraising and alumni engagement to support its strategic objectives.
Maynooth Universitys Values The Universitys values define who they are, what they believe in and how they act as a community.
They underpin their future success and guide their expectations of themselves and each other.
Their values apply to everyone in the University community: Integrity Collegiality Responsibility Freedom of expression Ambition The Role As a senior leader at the University, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations will be at the forefront of the Universitys fundraising initiatives, building robust relationships with donors, alumni, and stakeholders.
They will develop and implement strategies that enhance philanthropic giving and ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.
Key Responsibilities: Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, legacy giving, and corporate partnerships.
Cultivate and steward relationships with key donors and alumni, fostering a culture of philanthropy.
Develop innovative engagement programs to strengthen alumni ties with the institution.
Collaborate with senior leadership to align development goals with the organisations strategic vision.
Oversee fundraising campaigns and events, ensuring their success and impact.
Oversee budget and reporting, financial integrity, and compliance.
Manage and inspire a high-performing development team of seven and the Maynooth University Foundation Board.
About You You will be a results-driven professional holding a Bachelors degree (minimum), with 710 years of experience in fundraising or philanthropy within a university, charity, or complex organisation.
You should have direct team management experience, a strong understanding of higher education fundraising, and a proven track record of securing major gifts from individuals, companies, and organisations.
The role requires strategic thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to work independently at a senior level.
An entrepreneurial mindset, experience managing multi-stakeholder projects, and knowledge of fundraising databases, governance, and compliance are essential.
You should be data-driven, innovative, and experienced in working with volunteers and foundation boards.
Strong communication, networking, and interpersonal skills are crucial, along with a dynamic and ambitious approach to inspire donors and colleagues.
A commitment to Maynooth Universitys mission, values and fostering a culture of philanthropy is essential.
Why Join Maynooth University? Be part of an ambitious, values-driven institution with a commitment to imagining and creating better futures for all.
Opportunity to make a significant impact on future generations, working for a national leader in access to higher education.
Work with an enthusiastic team of professionals in a collaborative environment.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Applications and Queries: To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum one page), in Microsoft Word format, outlining how your motivation, experience and skills are a fit for this role profile.
Please make your application for the attention of BOTH Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson to the following email address: Any queries should be directed to Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson at Closing Date: The closing date for applications is Friday 30th May at 5pm (GMT) Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer.
The position is subject to the Statue of the University Skills: Fundraising philanthropy alumni relations People Management collaborative Strategic Planning Communication (written and verbal)