Advancement

Advancement brings together the University's work in philanthropy, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement. The team builds meaningful connections with alumni, donors, supporters and external stakeholders, helping to advance the University's strategic priorities and create opportunities for students, staff and the wider University community.

Our work spans relationship management, event planning and delivery, stewardship and fundraising. By bringing these areas of expertise together, we develop and strengthen the University's networks, generate philanthropic support and create opportunities for people to engage with Essex. From developing funding proposals and engaging our global alumni community to delivering University events and building strategic partnerships, our work helps turn relationships into meaningful opportunities and long-term impact.

Meet the team

Jo Rogers 
Director of Advancement
Jo leads the University's Advancement strategy, setting the strategic direction for philanthropy, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement and ensuring these areas contribute to the University's ambitions. She works closely with senior leaders, colleagues across the University and key stakeholders to develop opportunities, strengthen the University's networks and secure support that delivers long-term impact for Essex.

Lynsey Dawson
Head of Philanthropy, Alumni and Stakeholder Relations
Lynsey leads the delivery of the University's philanthropy, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement programmes. She works across these areas to develop fundraising opportunities, strengthen alumni and supporter relationships, and ensure the team's activities are coordinated and aligned with university priorities.

Alison Edge
Research Manager
Alison provides the research and insight that underpin the University's fundraising and relationship development. She identifies and researches potential donors and funding opportunities, helping colleagues understand prospects and develop informed approaches to alumni, University donors, trusts and foundations.

Gemma Foulkes
Philanthropy Assistant
Gemma manages the University's Click crowdfunding platform, helping students, staff and alumni turn their ideas and projects into successful fundraising campaigns. She leads the University’s staff giving programme ‘Donate your Pennies’.

Kate Gornall
Senior Philanthropy Officer 
Kate develops philanthropic funding opportunities, working with university colleagues and stakeholders to identify and engage potential donors, and secure support for research, projects and institutional priorities. She manages the philanthropic relationships between our corporate stakeholders and the university.

Rebecca Lawrence
Alumni Relations Officer
Becky develops and strengthens relationships with Essex alumni, both in the UK and internationally, connecting graduates with the University and with one another. She supports international alumni engagement and our global partnerships, and creates opportunities for alumni to share their time, expertise and networks through volunteering and peer support.

Ellie Lewis
Digital Marketing & Communications Officer
Ellie leads digital communications and marketing for Advancement, bringing the University's alumni and philanthropic stories to life through e-newsletters, email campaigns, graduate blogs, websites, social media and targeted marketing activity. She helps keep alumni and supporters informed, connected and engaged with Essex.

Sarah Manders
Alumni Relations Officer
Sarah develops and strengthens relationships with Essex alumni, both in the UK and internationally, connecting graduates with the University and with one another. She supports international alumni engagement and our global partnerships, and creates opportunities for alumni to share their time, expertise and networks through volunteering and peer support.

Vicci Parkin
Database Officer
Vicci manages the Advancement database, maintaining the information and records that enable the team to understand and engage effectively with alumni and supporters. She ensures data is accurate, well managed and compliant with relevant data protection requirements, supporting the secure and effective use of data across Advancement.

Lorena Saiano
Stakeholder Engagement and Events Officer
Lorena develops and maintains relationships with university colleagues and external stakeholders, helping to strengthen engagement with the University and its wider community. Alongside this, she coordinates and delivers a comprehensive programme of university events, creating opportunities to bring people together, build connections and support the University's strategic priorities.

Holly Ward 
Stakeholder Engagement and Events Officer
Holly develops and maintains relationships with university colleagues and external stakeholders, helping to strengthen engagement with the University and its wider community. Alongside this, she coordinates and delivers a comprehensive programme of university events, creating opportunities to bring people together, build connections and support the University's strategic priorities.