Help build the future at Leeds

Join us at Leeds

The Advancement team is recruiting team members across fundraising, alumni and supporter engagement and operations to support the delivery of our bold University strategy. This is an exciting time to join the Advancement team at Leeds, as we scale up our activities to make a difference on campus, in our region and around the globe.

Browse current job vacancies, find out what we can offer you and see how you can make a difference if you join us at Leeds.

The Advancement team at the University of Leeds engages with one of the largest alumni communities in UK higher education, as well as with a variety of individuals and organisations who support the University’s work through their donations. We are entering an exciting phase of growth in the team to enable us to play our part in delivering the University’s ambitious new strategy through enhanced engagement with our global alumni and supporter community.  

We are passionate about building on our already successful fundraising to achieve ambitious new goals for philanthropy – creating strong partnerships across campus and with donors, to realise shared priorities and deliver strategic impact. More than ever, we will involve alumni around the globe in the life of the University, enhancing connections, sharing insights and working together to make a positive global impact.  

In the Advancement team we have a strong, shared commitment to our mission and vision. Every team member plays a key part in reaching our goals in an environment of mutual respect and inclusiveness – we understand the importance of each individual, and we behave with professionalism, honesty and integrity when supporting one another. What we do matters, and this sense of purpose enables us to thrive.   

Our Philanthropy team is responsible for raising funds.  These include gifts and legacies from individuals (alumni and non-alumni), as well as donations from trusts and foundations and companies. We develop relationships with potential donors and philanthropic partners to engage them more deeply with the University and its work, and to identify areas of shared interest and strategic priority for philanthropic investment.  

Our Engagement team builds relationships with alumni and supporters through a range of communications, events, volunteering and other programmes.  These activities connect the global Leeds community, creating value for alumni while also benefiting the University through advocacy, networks, volunteering and philanthropy. 

Our Advancement Operations team enables all our fundraising and engagement activity by providing effective systems, data and insight, gift administration, research and business management. 

Meet some of our team members from across Advancement and discover what it is like to work at Leeds.

Roohi Lupton - Engagement Manager (Alumni and Supporter Volunteering)

There are two things in my working life that are important for me. The first is to do something that creates significant impact on the lives of others. The second is to work with different people and learn about different ways of life all around the world. In my role, I get to do both. By speaking to volunteers and students from different backgrounds, and developing a deeper understanding of cultural needs, I can engage the right supporters to help our students and recent graduates build their futures. 

Linda Holland – Senior Researcher

I moved from Germany to the UK in 2010 and since then, I have worked at a few universities, but the Advancement Team at Leeds is by far the most professional, ambitious, welcoming – and funny! – team I have been part of. In my role, I particularly enjoy the investigative side of my job that allows me to unpick grant making strategies and help identify funding opportunities at the University.

Leeds is now my chosen ‘new home’ where I’ve bought a house and started a family. I have fallen in love with the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorkshire coastline, the city’s vibrant restaurant scene, our local neighbourhood, Woodhouse Moor and so many more places and people that make Leeds so special!

Ed Newbould – Digital Communications and Engagement Officer

From sharing news of leading scientific research, to speaking to sporting superstars at the top of their game, the variety of work we're involved in in the Advancement team is both exciting and engaging.

I've been working here for four years, and I still find each day brings a fresh challenge.

Sally Hind - Senior Development Officer

The Advancement team is made up of individuals from different backgrounds who are experts in their fields, from fundraisers to data specialists, who come together to achieve our goals. In the philanthropy team, I find it rewarding to be part of a journey that starts with connecting our supporters to projects, programmes and research, and ends with witnessing the impact for our beneficiaries. 

Leeds is the first higher education institution I’ve worked in, but the University’s Organisational Development and Professional Learning service has helped me gain confidence to work effectively in the sector. 

Jessica Mifsud-Bonnici - Senior Development Officer (Legacies)

I moved to Leeds as a student, and I never wanted to leave. While it’s not the biggest city, it’s certainly mighty! There’s an incredible music scene here, which extends to campus, as well as great theatres, museums and galleries, and excellent restaurants. You’re also not far from the country – a short train ride away and you’re in the hills with fresh walks and warm pubs.

I started working for Advancement as a student fundraiser back in 2015. From my early days working with the team, I have been encouraged to innovate and try new things, I’ve taken up training courses within the University and with external fundraising specialists, and I’ve received so much support from colleagues who have helped me become the professional I am today.

Our culture

Here at the University of Leeds, the way we work together is shaped by our values of academic excellence, community, professionalism and integrity. We are committed to providing a culture of inclusion, openness, respect and equality of opportunity that attracts, supports, and retains the best students and staff from all backgrounds and from across the world. Whatever role we recruit for we are always striving to increase the diversity of our community, which each individual helps enrich and cultivate. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community; people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Candidates will always be selected based on merit and ability. 

What we offer

We are a large and diverse organisation – with more than 9,000 staff from more than 100 different countries, and one of the largest employers in Leeds.

We offer a range of generous benefits for our employees, which include:

• 26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – which is over 40 days a year
• pension benefits and maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• on-campus childcare facilities
• flexible working opportunities – not every job needs to be in the office 5 days a week
• a range of wellbeing services, including discounted healthcare
• a raft of offers for shopping and leisure
• travel discounts and sustainable Cycle to Work scheme.

Our campus

We’re proud of our beautiful campus. Just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, it offers fantastic green spaces and a range of world-class facilities, which include:

• The Edge sport and fitness centre
• Libraries
• Theatres
• An art gallery and art trail
• Leeds University Union
• Onsite shops, bars and cafes.

Take a look around campus with our 360 Virtual Campus Tour.

About Leeds

Perfectly placed in the centre of the UK, Leeds is one of the country's largest and fastest-growing cities with a global reputation in business, culture and sport.

Our lively city centre is home to an abundance of museums, theatres, music venues, independent restaurants, bars and shops. Whatever your interests, there's plenty to explore – day or night.

Leeds is also well connected, nationally and internationally, with excellent rail and air transport links – so it’s easy to access our stunning Yorkshire countryside and everything beyond.

Current vacancies in the Advancement team

Keep an eye on our current vacancies below. We will be adding new roles over the coming months.