University of Birmingham appoints new Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Andrew Harris' appointment will drive the University of Birmingham’s global philanthropic fundraising and alumni engagement.
Andrew Harris, Director of Development and Alumni Relations (DARO)
The University of Birmingham has appointed Andrew Harris as its new Director of Development and Alumni Relations (DARO), a senior leadership role responsible for directing the University’s global philanthropic fundraising and alumni engagement strategy.
Andrew will lead the University of Birmingham’s engagement with philanthropic donors to support a range of activities including student bursaries such as the Access 2 Birmingham (A2B) scheme which has supported widening participation for more than 25 years. Philanthropic giving also supports world-leading research, including finding new ways to detect and treat cancers.
He will also oversee engagement with a global alumni community of more than 400,000 graduates - strengthening lifelong connections and building partnerships with supporters worldwide. He will play a key role in aligning advancement activity with the University’s strategic ambitions.
Andrew brings more than 20 years’ experience in advancement leadership. He began his career at the University of Birmingham in 2002, progressing to Head of Fundraising and Major Gifts before moving on to senior roles at Cheltenham College, Aston University and, most recently, the University of Sheffield, where he served as Director of Campaigns and Alumni Relations.
I am incredibly proud to be returning to the University of Birmingham, where my career began. More than a century ago we were founded on philanthropic giving and this vision remains at the heart of our institution. The generosity of our alumni and supporters continues to transform lives, with every gift making a real difference.
On his new appointment, Andrew Harris said: “I am incredibly proud to be returning to the University of Birmingham, where my career began. More than a century ago we were founded on philanthropic giving and this vision remains at the heart of our institution. The generosity of our alumni and supporters continues to transform lives, with every gift making a real difference.
"The University’s progress in recent years has been remarkable, and philanthropy will play a vital role in sustaining that momentum, supporting world-leading research, transforming student opportunities, and strengthening our global impact. I look forward to working once again with our alumni and supporters to build a strong and enduring culture of giving.”
We are delighted to welcome Andrew back to Birmingham. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our global alumni community and securing the philanthropic support needed to deliver our ambitions. As we continue to rise in global rankings, this role is critical in ensuring our supporters understand both our vision and the impact of their investment.
Andrew joins at a time of strong institutional momentum, as the University continues to deliver against its 2030 Strategy and strengthen its global standing. The University recently rose to 76th in the QS World University Rankings.
Nicola Owen, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Birmingham said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew back to Birmingham. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our global alumni community and securing the philanthropic support needed to deliver our ambitions. As we continue to rise in global rankings, this role is critical in ensuring our supporters understand both our vision and the impact of their investment.”
Birmingham is now ranked 98th globally by Times Higher Education, climbing 43 places since 2018. Seven subject areas are now positioned within the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject, and the top 50 of the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject reflecting sustained excellence in research and teaching.
As outlined in its 2030 Strategy, the University of Birmingham is dedicated to attracting, developing and retaining great people by investing in internationally recognised academic expertise and sector-leading professional services staff, dedicated to the aim of becoming a global top 50 institution.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
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The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, educators and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in of one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the country. A member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities, the University of Birmingham has been changing the way the world works for more than a century.
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