Advancement Assistant

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are ambitious and have a bold vision - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world - which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Working within our highly successful Advancement team, we have an exciting new opportunity to join the team as an Advancement Assistant. The role of Advancement is to work with the academic community to engage alumni, friends, companies, and trusts in support of the University.

The role will report to the Surrey Leaders Project Manager and will contribute to the success of our new alumni network. This innovative new project will develop impactful alumni engagement activities such as professional development events and leadership talks, webinars, and networking opportunities.

The role

This varied role provides support to our busy Advancement Team as well as providing admin support to Team Heads within the Advancement Team – Director of Advancement, Deputy Director of Philanthropy, Head of Philanthropy, and Head of Alumni & Supporter Engagement.  

Duties will include managing the alumni enquiries process, supporting prospect research for new Surrey Leaders, arranging senior staff travel (UK and overseas) and expense claims, diary management and arranging meetings. The post will also assist with tasks related to gift processing, arranging team meetings and training, volunteering and supporting Surrey Leaders event activities.

About you

We’re looking for someone who has strong administration skills and experience of project management and/or event planning, who can work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Highly organised, you will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and will be able to multitask and deliver to deadlines. Excellent attention to detail will be essential to this role.

You will be a confident communicator and have the skills and experience to create varied communications tailored to different audiences. You will have the ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders including senior staff within the University, as well as high profile alumni.

The role will involve some work outside of regular hours supporting events in the evenings and at weekends, so some flexibility will be needed.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, 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. The University embraces hybrid and flexible working.

Further Information

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For more information about the role please contact Jonathan Plummer, Surrey Leaders Project Manager, via Jonathan.plummer@surrey.ac.uk

Interviews will be held on campus 8 & 9 August 2024

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We value everyone in our community and are seeking to increase the diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

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