Alumni Engagement Manager (MK5228-26-143-R)

Are you an experienced communications and engagement professional who enjoys turning alumni connection into advocacy, insight and opportunity? 

The University of Brighton is seeking an Alumni Communications & Engagement Manager to lead an ambitious programme of activity that celebrates our graduates, strengthens lifelong connection to the university and creates meaningful value for alumni, students and the wider Brighton community. 

Brighton alumni go on to make a difference locally, nationally and globally — as creatives, innovators, practitioners, leaders and changemakers. This role sits at the heart of telling those stories and turning pride in our alumni community into advocacy, opportunity and impact. You will lead activity that showcases the value of a Brighton education, supports student employability and graduate outcomes, and helps prospective students see what is possible through authentic alumni stories. 

Working closely with colleagues across professional services and academic departments, you will ensure alumni engagement is embedded across the student journey — from early awareness through to lifelong belonging. You will also manage and develop a small alumni communications and engagement team, creating a culture rooted in collaboration, creativity and continuous improvement. 

Key responsibilities 

Lead the delivery of the alumni engagement strategic plan, creating meaningful connection and mutually beneficial value for alumni, students and the university.Plan and deliver alumni communications and engagement campaigns that celebrate alumni contribution and showcase professional and personal achievement.Build strong relationships with academic and professional service colleagues to identify, align and deliver alumni volunteering and engagement opportunities.Develop and maintain influential relationships with alumni and honorary graduates to support a diverse and representative volunteer and advocacy network.Lead an annual cycle of alumni communications and digital content across multiple channels, supporting recruitment priorities and external measures such as Graduate Outcomes.Act as the university’s subject‑matter expert in alumni relations, identifying opportunities to innovate and maximise positive impact for students.Manage the alumni team, ensuring effective delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement of alumni communications, engagement activities and events.Ensure alumni activity is accurately recorded and reported through the department CRM system.

To be effective in this role, you will need:

Proven experience delivering communications, engagement or relationship‑led programmes in a complex organisation.Strong interpersonal skills, with experience building trust and influence with internal and external stakeholders.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience delivering multi‑channel campaigns.Experience developing volunteering, advocacy or engagement initiatives.Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience.Experience managing and motivating staff.

Working with us you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a good work-life balance, all within a supportive, collaborative, and values-led university community. This role also has flexible and hybrid working arrangements, as well as opportunities to shape and grow a strategically important area of university engagement. We welcome applications from job sharers. 

Closing Date: 05 Aug 2026

Team/Division: Administrative/Clerical/Technical

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum