Donor Experience Manager

University of Birmingham - Development and Alumni Relations Office

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 26th August 2025

Closes: 15th September 2025

Job Ref: 48674

Role Summary

You will lead on the planning and delivery of our donor experience programme, from tailored communications and impact reports to stewardship and cultivation events, campus visits and administration of our Recognition Circles. With a strong understanding of donor motivations, you’ll create experiences that reflect the transformative impact of philanthropy and build long-term engagement.

You will manage a team of two Donor Experience Officers, setting individual and team objectives while providing day-to-day support, clear direction, and opportunities for professional development. As a team leader, you’ll create a collaborative and high-performing culture, ensuring that workload is prioritised and balanced, deadlines are met, and work is consistently delivered to a high standard. This role sits in the Fundraising team within the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Charitable and Corporate Partnerships (Trusts and Foundations), Communications, Events, Data and Supporter Insight and Campaign Management, as well as academics and Professional Services colleagues across the University, you’ll ensure a joined-up approach that puts donors at the heart of our work. You’ll also support the engagement and recognition of volunteers, including bespoke activity for our Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme members.

Main Duties

The Donor Experience Manager will lead donor engagement activity across DARO and the wider University. They will be responsible for:

• Leading the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the University’s supporter experience programme to strengthen retention, reactivation, uplift, and diversification across all audiences: major giving, charitable partners, corporates, mid-value, regular giving, legacy pledgers and volunteers.
• Developing, implementing, and promoting supporter engagement strategies and policies aligned with fundraising objectives, the Birmingham In Action campaign themes and University priorities.
• Managing a team of two, setting clear objectives, supporting professional development, and ensuring a collaborative, monitoring activity and building a high-performing culture.
• Leading and supporting bespoke engagement for six-figure+ donors, including impact reports, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and major giving, charitable partner and corporate Fundraisers.
• Supporting stewardship programmes for the other audiences, including regular giving, legacy pledgers and volunteers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Qualified to Degree level or equivalent plus practical managerial experience or significant relevant experience demonstrated.
• Previous experience in a relationship management, donor experience, fundraising or in an account management role.
• Skilled in developing compelling written content tailored to a range of audiences across multiple platforms, including impact reports, event briefings, speeches, and digital content.
• The ability to interpret and analyse information and data effectively.
• Experience of event management and development.
• Excellent people-management skills.

Informal enquiries to Helen Carey, email: h.carey@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the "Apply" button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment. We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.