We are seeking a dynamic Senior Alumni Relations Manager to play a central role in strengthening Surrey’s lifelong relationship with our global alumni and supporter community. This role provides strategic leadership across alumni engagement, with particular responsibility for volunteering, events, international networks, and the flagship Surrey Leaders initiative.
You will:
- Lead the University’s alumni engagement programmes, ensuring they create lasting value for alumni and the institution.
- Oversee and grow the global alumni clubs programme, supporting leaders and establishing new networks.
- Shape and deliver a high-impact volunteering programme, creating opportunities for alumni to mentor, coach, advise, and inspire.
- Provide strategic direction for the Surrey Leaders programme, building a network of influential advocates for the University.
- Manage the alumni events programme in the UK and internationally, delivering meaningful and memorable experiences.
- Lead and develop a team of engagement specialists, ensuring activity is coordinated, impactful, and aligned with Surrey’s wider strategy.
This role involves international travel and offers the chance to represent Surrey at a senior level with alumni and supporters worldwide.
About you
You will bring substantial experience in alumni engagement, volunteer management, events, or membership programmes - ideally within higher education or a similarly complex environment. To succeed, you will need:
- A proven track record of building and managing relationships with diverse audiences.
- Strong project management skills, including planning and delivering large-scale engagement events.
- Experience in managing and motivating a team, with the ability to influence and coach others to achieve results.
- Confidence in working internationally, with experience of managing global events or partnerships and a willingness to travel.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
What we can offer
In addition to salary, you will receive a generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays, a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
How to apply
To apply please upload your CV and a cover letter to the university website.
Interviews will be held on campus on the 18th November.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.