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 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 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 using 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. Contract: 5-year contract on a full-time basis About Maynooth University Maynooth Universityis 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. Itis 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. Learn more about our strategic plan at:Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023 - 2028. 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. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations will have oversight of the highly ambitiousDevelopment and Alumni Relationsteam, which includes alumni relations, fundraising via theMaynooth University Foundation, and development services. They will report to the Vice-President External Affairs, and work closely with the Foundation Board, University Executive members, the Governance and Finance teams. Reporting to annual revenue targets and a series of KPIs linked to the University strategy, the Director will have an opportunity to deliver both financial resources and engagement opportunities for Maynooth University students, academics and alumni. Key Responsibilities include: To manage and deliver an effective fundraising strategy for Maynooth University to support the goals of the University Strategic Plan 2023-28 Deliver annual fundraising targets that will enable the University to achieve a step change in the level of giving by maximising income generated from a range of sources. 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. Oversee fundraising campaigns and events, ensuring their success and impact. To lead the growth of Development and Alumni Relations Office team, building a culture that is supportive, service-oriented, and goals-driven to support the objectives of the Universitys Strategic Plan 2023-28. Be a senior level ambassador for Maynooth University with external and internal stakeholders, providing a leadership voice that projectswith confidence and passionthe vision and strategy of Maynooth University, its priorities projects, and the success of its graduates. Collaborate with senior leadership to align development goals with the organisations strategic vision. To manage the Maynooth University Foundation Board of Directors. 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 leadership 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 an 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? 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. The Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023 - 2028sets 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 For further information see Insert direct link to candidate brochure on Balmer Dawson website Closing Date:The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 3rd June at 5pm (GMT) Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer. We actively work to ensure equality, celebrate the diversity of our community, and promote inclusion, and aim to reflect the diversity of the community we serve. Maynooth University welcomes applications from all individuals across our society. 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. Please make your application for the attention of BOTH Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson to the following email address: All queries should be directed to Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson at Skills: Fundraising philanthropy alumni relations People Management collaborative Strategic Planning Communication (written and verbal)