Description
The University of Hong Kong
Director of the Development & Alumni Affairs Office
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is seeking a dynamic, proactive, and creative leader to shape fundraising and alumni engagement strategies as the next Director of the Development & Alumni Affairs Office (DAAO).
About HKU
Consistently ranked among the world’s top universities (11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 35th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025), The University of Hong Kong is committed to the highest international standards of excellence in teaching and research. Founded in 1911, HKU has been at the international forefront of academic scholarship for many years. The University has a comprehensive range of study programmes and research disciplines spread across 10 faculties. There are around 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students who are recruited globally, and more than 5,000 members of academic and academic-related staff coming from multi-cultural backgrounds, many of whom are internationally renowned.
For more information about The University of Hong Kong, please visit: https://www.hku.hk/about/
The Opportunity
HKU is the undisputed leader among Hong Kong universities in both fundraising and alumni engagement, with an influential global alumni network and a longstanding record of philanthropic success. The Director of the Development & Alumni Affairs Office (DAAO) will lead a dedicated team in cultivating lasting relationships, securing transformative gifts, and elevating HKU’s stature on the global stage, all within one of Asia’s most dynamic and prestigious universities.
The DAAO at The University of Hong Kong is dedicated to advancing the University's excellence through strategic fundraising and fostering strong alumni relationships. The office manages key programs focused on development efforts such as securing transformative gifts and partnerships, as well as comprehensive alumni engagement activities that help maintain lifelong connections with HKU graduates worldwide. The DAAO team is structured with specialized directors overseeing development, advancement engagement, advancement operations, and alumni affairs, supported by professionals fluent in multiple languages, including English, Cantonese, and Putonghua, to serve a diverse community. The office acts as the bridge connecting the University’s academic mission with its alumni and donor network to support HKU’s continued growth and global impact.
For more information about the DAAO, please visit: https://www.daao.hku.hk/
About You
Whether from higher education, industry, non-profit, or the private sector, the ideal candidate will have a proven ability to motivate teams, connect with diverse stakeholders, and bring creative, results-driven approaches to fundraising and alumni engagement. Familiarity with the fundraising and philanthropic landscape in Hong Kong and Greater China will be a great asset.
We are looking for candidates with:
- A university degree.
- A track record of proactive engagement and relationship-building in fundraising, advancement, alumni relations, or a related field.
- Creative and innovative approaches to fundraising and community building, with a willingness to embrace new technologies and digital solutions (AI, data analytics, online giving, etc.).
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and empower staff.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, with fluency in written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese and Putonghua highly desirable).
- Ability to set clear goals, KPIs, and accountability standards for fundraising and alumni engagement, and to deliver measurable results.
- Significant experience working in fundraising or advancement roles in Hong Kong and/or Greater China; direct knowledge of the region’s philanthropic landscape is highly preferred.
- Experience in higher education, non-profit, or the private sector is valued.
We welcome candidates at various stages of their careers, especially those who can bring outstanding drive, creativity with a strong record of proactive engagement. While experience in Hong Kong and Greater China is highly preferred, exceptional candidates with other outstanding strengths will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement), the Director of the Development & Alumni Affairs Office will foster a culture of proactive outreach, innovation, and measurable success - helping HKU sustain and build on its leadership in development and alumni relations.
You will:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing DAAO team in the areas of advancement operations, advancement engagement, development and alumni affairs to proactively engage donors, alumni, and partners - driving a culture of initiative and outreach.
- Develop and execute innovative fundraising strategies that leverage new technologies, digital tools, and creative campaigns.
- Build and sustain lifelong alumni relationships, ensuring all graduates feel connected, valued, and empowered as supporters, ambassadors, and partners.
- Foster inclusive and personalized alumni engagement, tailoring programming and communications to diverse segments across generations, geographies, and interests.
- Champion the use of data and digital platforms to deepen engagement and track success.
- Set ambitious goals and KPIs for fundraising and alumni relations, and lead the team to achieve and exceed these targets.
- Collaborate closely with the HKU Foundation and senior leadership to advance the University’s philanthropic mission.
- Serve as a visible advocate and representative of HKU within the community, regionally, and internationally.
Terms and Benefits
This is a fixed-term, full-time contract for 2 years, renewable subject to performance. HKU offers a highly competitive salary, contract-end gratuity, retirement benefits, annual leave, medical and housing benefits (where applicable).
How to Apply
Nominations, expressions of interest, and applications should be sent in confidence to Mr. Kenneth Chan of Perrett Laver at Kenneth.chan@perrettlaver.com, priority will be given to those who apply on or before December 13, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the post is filled.
The University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunities employer committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity, and transparency.
