Durham University is a top 10 University in the UK and top 100 University globally. An outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Founded in 1832 and incorporated by royal charter in 1837, the University is a member of the Russell Group and has over 20,000 students and 4,300 staff members coming from 120 countries. With 17 colleges in its distinctive collegiate system, four faculties (Business; Arts and Humanities; Science; and Social Sciences and Health), and 26 schools, the University has over 330 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. A record number of its subjects have been ranked in the world top 50 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject. In addition, in 2020/21, Durham University generated £1.9 billion Gross Valued Added (GVA) and 17,320 jobs in the UK including £668 million GVA and 10,790 jobs in the North East, of which, £489 million GVA and 8,170 jobs were in County Durham.

Producing world-leading and world-changing research, its education is challenging, enabling, research-led and transformative, and its wider student experience is among the best in the UK. Its Strategy 2017-2027 has recently been refreshed in response to changes to the global economy, society and culture, to reflect a renewed commitment to a culture of equity and inclusion across all activities, and to ensure that the University’s global reputation for excellence in teaching and research continues to be enhanced. The strategy is built on the three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on its sense of community and on inspiring others to achieve their potential. Additionally, inclusivity and widening participation, creating more bursaries and scholarships for underprivileged young people will be one of its key priorities in the coming years. With changes to ways of working, another priority for the University is developing its existing and future estate. Since the launch of its Strategy in 2017, some of its major developments include a revised purpose statement and core lived values, new Global and Digital Strategies and a refreshed Wider Student Experience Strategy.

Professor Karen O’Brien joined as Vice-Chancellor and Warden in January 2022 and Dr Fiona Hill recently became Chancellor in June 2023. In addition, Glen Whitehead joined in February as the University’s new Director of Development and Alumni Engagement to drive Durham's fundraising efforts. In the last five years, the University has raised in excess of £65m from different philanthropic sources. With the University’s bi-centenary in 2032, Durham will aim to raise at least a further £200m by then. A new campaign plan and Case for Support are currently being devised, making it an incredibly exciting time to join the Campaign Board, to influence its direction and to drive the next stage of Durham University’s ambitious philanthropic fundraising campaign.

Scope

• Durham University's Campaign Board supports and promotes the University’s philanthropic fundraising campaign

Purpose

Campaign Board (the Board) members are expected to:

• Provide individual and collective leadership and advice for the philanthropic strategic priorities of the University set out in the Case for Support
• Review and advise on the viability in fundraising terms of proposed priorities identified by the University leadership team and provide comment on related development and marketing plans
• Take part in approaches to potential donors, as appropriate
• Contribute financially to the Campaign with a gift or a series of gifts to the best of their personal capacity
• Operate in accordance with the University’s Gift Acceptance Policy, Donor Recognition Policy, and Anti Money Laundering Policy (see Appendix)

Responsibilities

• The Board members are expected to: Help to identify potential supporters and influencers within their network; plan and take part in approaches to potential donors as appropriate (e.g. meet with University staff to advise on approaches); and make personal calls to help ‘open the door’
• Act as an advocate for the Campaign and ambassador for the University on selected occasions (e.g., University dinners, alumni events, host meetings with potential donors)
• Provide advice on the operation of the University’s Gift Acceptance Policy
• Receive updates on relevant developments within the University as well as regular briefings on the Campaign
• Be supported in their role on the Board by the Development and Alumni Relations office

Quorum:

• Meetings can only proceed with a quorum of one third of the members, including co-opted members

Durham University is looking for up to three Campaign Board Members who will support and promote Durham’s philanthropic fundraising campaign and help it raise over £200m by its bi-centenary in 2032. They will work with the Board and Executive team to drive the University's fundraising efforts acting as a purposeful and strong ambassador for Durham leveraging their own networks to help it achieve its goals. They will bring an ability to challenge constructively, be a lateral thinker, and will be able to advise the Board on driving its fundraising efforts.

The successful candidates could come from a range of different sectors and roles but they will be high achieving individuals who will be well connected and have a natural ability to network and develop key relationships. They will be willing to use their networks to drive income generation. They will bring a commercial mindset and an ability to see the bigger picture. They will ideally be an alumnus of, or have a connection to, Durham University.

They will be passionate and connected to the purpose and strategic plan of the University as well as its continued growth and success. They will be aligned to its values of: inclusivity, integrity, collaboration, commitment to excellence and citizenship.

To find out more about the Campaign Board, please see here. 

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board will meet three times per year, once in Durham and twice in London. Additional meetings may be held in order to meet business requirements at the request of the Chair. The Board may interact electronically to progress its business in between meetings. In addition to this, individuals will have a willingness to attend events and dinners. The appointment is for a five-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

This organisation is based in Durham but meetings will take place primarily in London, with an annual meeting in Durham. Candidates can be based internationally, as long as they can attend the majority of meetings in person.

Durham University welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women, those from an ethnic minority background and younger individuals are currently under-represented on the Campaign Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.