University of York
Office of Philanthropic Partnerships
and Alumni (OPPA)
Why we're recruiting
York Unlimited, the campaign for York and the creation of the University Strategy 2030 have raised the bar for philanthropic fundraising and alumni engagement activity at the University York and we are looking for talented and ambitious people to join our team.
Our mission over the next 10 years is to increase the value of philanthropic income to the University, and second, to launch a new pioneering proposition for our alumni community: the University of York for Life. The fundamental reason for doing this is to deliver the activities that make us a University for Public Good.
When I moved into higher education from the retail world in 2005 I had no idea about the opportunities that lay ahead nor how stimulating and rewarding it would be to work at one of the UK’s top universities. This is an incredibly dynamic sector and I’ve never looked back. If you join the University of York, you will work with some of the best minds looking to solve global issues including climate change, mental health and social injustice. You will join a university that places social inclusion above all else.
If, like me, you want to work in an environment that values a breadth of experiences and skill-sets, and are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion then the University of York is for you. We also offer a great package, flexible working and career opportunities.
We are looking for collaborative colleagues to join our team, to help build new partnerships and support our global alumni community to change the world.
Please take a look at the roles we have available and we’d love to talk with you further about the special and unique skills that you can bring to our community.
Mary Haworth
Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni
About Us
The OPPA team is recognised by our university community, supporters and across the HE sector as innovative and pioneering.
The team is responsible for cultivating relationships with philanthropic donors and volunteers. We are also responsible for maintaining life-long links with our alumni community through a range of benefits and services that are exclusive to our alumni community. The team includes a diverse range of skilled fundraising, alumni relations and volunteering professionals as well as experts in data services, prospect research, donor relations and communications.
Our people and skills are organised across the areas of:
- Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy
- Individual Philanthropy (Major Giving)
- Fundraising Programmes (Participation/Leadership Giving)
- Volunteering and Alumni Engagement
- Operations and Experience (Stewardship/
Communications/Data & Insights/Prospect Research)
- And a new team to develop and deliver the University of York for Life initiative
The team works to bring together our global community of staff, students, friends, alumni, and the people and businesses of our city, to transform lives and to connect supporters with the projects that enable brilliant minds to break barriers, overcome limitations and think differently to solve the challenges of the world today.
OPPA is part of the University’s Directorate of External Relations, and works closely with other sections of the directorate, which are Marketing, Recruitment, Outreach and Admissions, Communications, Public Engagement and Events, and International Student Recruitment, Partnerships and Mobility
Find out more about the impact of OPPA’s philanthropy and volunteering work
Why We Work Here
Helen Iredale - Philanthropy Officer, Regular Giving
I joined OPPA in November 2020 after working in the charity sector. Changing jobs and moving cities in the middle of a pandemic was a unique experience, but the team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. The best part of my job is working with such inspiring students and knowing that I'm helping to open the door to university for future generations. Everyone at OPPA is so passionate about the causes we’re fundraising for; and I love that.
Sarah Disney - Head of Individual Philanthropy
I have worked in higher education for eight years and was astonished at the difference philanthropy makes at Universities! We meet so many people whose lives have been changed through the power of education, and it's a privilege to be part of their experience; as donors, scholars and academics. OPPA is a very dynamic team. We have so many talented colleagues in relationship management, data, storytelling…… our best work brings us all together, along with colleagues all across the University, to unlock new ideas and build on our ambitions for philanthropy.
Tom Piercy - Head of Fundraising and Community Engagement Programmes
I joined the team 4 years ago after spending several years working in London in the charity sector. I'm very pleased that I made the decision to make the move when I did as I was able to join the team just in time for the launch of York’s first institutional campaign: York Unlimited. Thanks to York’s hybrid approach and flexible working policy I was also able to move closer to my family and friends in Harrogate and this has provided me with a great work life balance which I’ve never experienced before.
Ed Joyner - Relationship Manager, Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy
I moved from Australia to England a decade ago, and I absolutely love living and working in York. York is the third University at which I’ve worked and it’s a wonderful community of people. OPPA has a friendly atmosphere and everyone is welcoming. Aside from the impact of our work, the best bit about the Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy team is that it’s hugely varied work. I'm involved with many different projects, and people and organisations from all over the UK and abroad.
Vicky Patteson - Funds Officer
Over the last 12 years I have seen first-hand the impact the generosity of our alumni and friends has. I love being able to use my skills and experience in a role that helps others and being part of an incredibly talented team who work so hard to support the students here at York. I can't wait to see where the next 12 years takes us!
What We Offer
We offer a supportive and inclusive environment for colleagues. Our new flexible hybrid working enables staff to find the right work-life balance, with colleagues working between home and the office.
Everyone at York has access to a range of excellent benefits including:
- 30 Days Annual Leave (38 days with bank holidays)
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Annual salary increments within your pay grade
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Hybrid working (see our Remote working policy)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Onsite Gym with discounted membership
- Staff training and development courses
- Relocation Expenses for certain roles
- Access to a range of savings on childcare, transport and healthcare, plus shopping discounts and other offers.
The above are a selection of benefits available to members of staff at the University. For a full list of benefits, please see https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/employee-benefits/selection/introduction/
A University for Public Good
Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, the University of York opened in 1963 with just 230 students. In 2023 it is the home of more than 20,000 students across more than 30 academic departments and research centres.
Our vision is to be a university for public good and our strategy is built around our commitment to meeting four strategic objectives which are:
- Deliver curiosity-driven and action-orientated research
- Provide education that empowers
- Create a community without limits
- Demonstrate local commitment on a global scale
For further information on the University of York and our Vision of a University for Public Good, please see: www.york.ac.uk/vision-for-york/
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our Vision
Our university emerged from a campaign in this city in the 1940s and 1950s to ‘contribute to the amelioration of human life and conditions.’ Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is more important - and urgent - than ever, and so is at the heart of our 2030 Strategy.
Our Commitments
As a university that exists for public good, through purposeful action we are committed to equality of opportunity. Engendering inclusivity, and nurturing an environment where our students and staff can study, work and live in a community which fosters a sense of belonging, reflects our values and drive for demonstrable change.
What we gain from diversity is immeasurable. Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy, which we developed in partnership with our staff and student communities, describes our commitment to create an inclusive environment where everyone can make a positive contribution to university life, the city, region and beyond.
We are committed to recruit and retain a more ethnically diverse staff and student community; to create an accessible and inclusive campus, and embed the values and behaviours of inclusive responsibility and leadership.
We want to appoint colleagues who not only share our vision and purpose, but who have a genuine commitment to inclusivity in research, education, and partnerships. We see equality, diversity, and inclusion as critical to deliver on our extraordinary founding principles for the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion for all.
Will you join us on this journey?
The City of York
People fall in love with York the moment they visit. Internationally acclaimed for its rich heritage and historic architecture, York’s bustling streets are filled with visitors from all over the world. Within its mediaeval walls you will find the iconic gothic Minster, Clifford’s Tower and the Shambles just a few of the many attractions. But it’s not all about our past. The city's entering an exciting period of its history as it explores the opportunities redevelopment of large parts of the city centre provides.
Living in York
York is an ideal place to raise a family, with a great range of high-performing schools, both state and independent. We are also rated the safest city-based university in the UK (Complete University Guide Top 15 Universities in England and Wales with Low Crime Levels 2022). Whether you choose to live close to the city, in one of the surrounding villages or further afield, you will find a wide range of housing within a comfortable distance of York and the University.
Great location
Great rail and transport networks also connect you with other major cities in the UK. York is only a short train ride away from Leeds (20 minutes), Manchester (1.5 hours), London (2 hours) and Edinburgh (2.5 hours). We are also close to major road links including the M1 and M62.
For more information on the city, please visit www.visityork.org
Current Jobs
No current roles available at this time.
You can also find out more about the University of York pay and grade structure here.
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