Overview
Development and Alumni Relations Office. Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK or in Asia (ideally Hong Kong). Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606. Grade: 8. Full Time, Permanent. Closing date: 17th May 2026. UK and International Travel may be required for this role. To apply for this role, please follow this link: https://richmond-associates.com/job/head-of-philanthropy-asia/
Role Summary
As the Head of Philanthropy, Asia you will be responsible for growing our major gifts programme in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on increasing six figure + (GBP) giving through the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, and from the wider region. You will work to make it financially sustainable, aiming to have multi-year commitments lined up. You will steer and develop the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, increasing giving from their networks, and working with them to distribute funds to programmes at the University that will also benefit Hong Kong. You will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising in this region. You will work with senior leadership across the University to travel, drive income and develop innovative funding proposals for the region.
Main duties
- Bring in a minimum of £500k per annum with the aim to grow this to £1million for the region. Develop a sustainable pipeline of prospects and philanthropic income.
- Manage a portfolio of 80-100 prospective donors in the region, with scope to expand through peer connections and research.
- Plan and personally lead the development of key University relationships with senior alumni and other donors in the region through regular, tailored communications, meetings and engagement.
- Demonstrate that successful fundraising is based on building effective relationships that align a donor’s interests with University strengths and opportunities.
- End-to-end relationship management of contacts including:
- Identifying new prospective donors from networks
- Tailored cultivation and approach
- Translating complex ideas into compelling messages
- Asking for priorities confidently and effectively
- Building long-term donor relationships with volunteering opportunities where appropriate
- Stewarding donors after a gift to maintain connection to the University and impact
- Deliver against targets including money raised, asks made, meetings secured and gift close rate; report progress to the Head of Philanthropy - Global.
- Work with senior DARO colleagues to establish principal giving in the region.
- Secure major gifts for the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Foundation, increasing multiyear giving, particularly at the six-figure level, to make the Foundation financially sustainable over the next three years.
- Collaborate with Global Philanthropic to ensure gifts are banked, thanked and recorded in line with gift accounting processes.
- Work with the Chair of the Foundation and internal University Directors to drive the agenda for each meeting and recruit future Board members.
- Develop the Board into an effective volunteer fundraising committee and solicit major gift prospects from personal networks and the wider alumni community.
- Ensure robust governance, transparency and compliance with policies and requirements expected by relevant authorities.
- Regularly report to the Head of Philanthropy – Global and Associate Director of Philanthropy on risk management and governance issues.
- Lead on identifying programmes and projects to present to the Board for the distribution of funds.
- Collaborate with Gift Accounting, Contracts, Legal and Research Finance to ensure gifts are processed in line with donor wishes and financial regulations.
- Plan and execute top-level visits to the region by University executives and academics for cultivation and solicitation, judging when visits should align with wider business or be bespoke for significant donors.
- Identify opportunities for cost-effective, tailored events to engage current and potential high-level donors and the wider alumni community.
- Brief and advise senior University figures and attend meetings in a facilitating role.
- Collaborate with other fundraisers and DARO staff to share best practices and develop prospect pipelines.
- Share market intelligence with colleagues to develop opportunities and support the University’s international strategy.
- Use CRM effectively to log, record and report activity for senior leadership and management information.
- Adhere to fundraising regulation and data protection laws in the UK and target markets; ensure ethical fundraising and due diligence.
- Manage an agreed budget for travel and programme expenses.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and address inappropriate behaviour.
- Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource-efficient working.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Person specification
- Relevant degree or relevant equivalent professional qualification plus substantial relevant experience.
- Authoritative knowledge of work practices and sector awareness.
- Experience in identifying and building long-term relationships with high net worth individuals, donors, volunteers and corporates internationally.
- Developing medium and long-term solicitation strategies to maximise income and foster a culture of giving.
- Experience in developing fundraising plans and tactics; delivering against financial targets.
- Track record of securing six-figure plus gifts from individuals.
- Experience in Asia philanthropy is advantageous but not essential; knowledge of philanthropic landscape in the region is helpful.
- Ability to work with initiative, navigate university structure, and think creatively.
- Mature judgement to work credibly with philanthropists, Foundation Board Members, and senior colleagues.
- Experience across international cultures and ability to interact across cultural boundaries.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly.
- Outstanding interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation and diplomatic skills for senior interactions.
- Ability to act as an ambassador for the University with confidence and authority.
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior University staff and effectively manage upwards.
- Ability to work with professional services colleagues and create shared opportunities to support the international strategy.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise a varied workload.
- Willingness to work unsociable hours and travel frequently; ability to work remotely and communicate effectively while travelling.
- Strong understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation.
- Ability to monitor and evaluate equality and diversity legislation and apply appropriate actions to protect protected groups.
- Experience in championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area.
For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit: https://richmond-associates.com/job/head-of-philanthropy-asia/
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