Chief Engagement Officer to start at Uni of Adelaide

Friday, 3 May 2013

The University of Adelaide today announced the appointment of Ms Kate Robertson to the new position of Chief Engagement Officer commencing in September 2013.

Ms Robertson's appointment is part of the University of Adelaide's plan to strengthen connections with our alumni and supporters and with the community.

"Creating this new position, and attracting someone of Kate's calibre to Adelaide, will help the University realise its vision to build support for our plans amongst the alumni and community," said Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice-Chancellor and President.

Ms Robertson is a highly respected leader in development and alumni relations in higher education in Britain. Currently Director, Campaign and Alumni Relations Office at the University of Nottingham, she has extensive development experience including previous appointments at the University of Liverpool, the Royal Academy of Arts and the English National Opera.

"Kate's outstanding fundraising record in the United Kingdom will provide an invaluable resource for the University of Adelaide," said Professor Bebbington. "Her qualities as a seasoned, focused leader of alumni and development staff will be perfect for our new engagement branch."

Ms Robertson's personal record as a fundraiser includes leading Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, which has so far raised over UK£90 million ($133 million). Under her leadership, the Campaign has achieved a number of milestones, including a gift of UK£12 million ($18 million), the largest corporate gift for higher education in the UK outside Oxford and Cambridge.

"I have no doubt that she will help us to share the University's vision with current and new friends alike," Professor Bebbington said.

Ms Robertson said she was pleased to be taking up this exciting new role at the University of Adelaide and relocating with her family to South Australia later in the year.

"I am delighted to be joining such a prestigious university with a long track record in serving both the local community and society more widely," she said. "I'm particularly looking forward to meeting alumni, donors and friends of the University and hearing their story about how the University of Adelaide has contributed to their life and their community.

"This role is a wonderful opportunity to share my skills and experience while continuing to learn from those around me in a new environment," she said.

"And as a family, we are all very much looking forward to getting involved in Adelaide life."

BACKGROUND

Ms Kate Robertson is currently Director, Campaign and Alumni Relations Office at the University of Nottingham. Prior to this she was Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Liverpool where she established the University's first dedicated, centralised fundraising and alumni relations office. From 1990 to 2003, she worked in a variety of development roles in the arts and cultural sector including the Royal Academy of Arts, the Tate Gallery Liverpool and Arts&Business.

Ms Robertson holds a BA from the University of Chester (formerly University of Liverpool - Chester College).

 

Contact Details

Media Office
Email: media@adelaide.edu.au
Website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/
External Relations
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 0814