Summary
Alastair James is profoundly motivated by Imperial’s commitment to excellence in education and research. Since joining the College in May 2018 as a member of the Principal Gifts team in Advancement, he works with philanthropists and other generous supporters to bring about transformative gifts for Imperial, helping to benefit not only the academic community but also the world at large.
He sees his role as helping supporters gain great personal satisfaction in achieving their philanthropic objectives, whilst enabling the College to reach its academic and societal goals.
Alastair believes passionately in the importance of education and research – both to the individual and to society as a whole. At Imperial, and in his previous roles, he has helped to develop communities of supporters in the UK and internationally who have played an integral role in sustaining and advancing the work of leading educational institutions over a long-term basis.
Alastair has worked in philanthropy for over thirty years. He started his career at the University of Oxford’s Development Office in 1989 during the first major capital campaign of any UK university – Campaign for Oxford – and then worked as Head of Development at the Bodleian Library (1995-99) and as Development Director at Balliol College (2000-10), where he was a Fellow.
Prior to joining Imperial, Alastair worked as a consultant in fundraising and alumni relations in the school and university sectors for over six and a half years. His clients included Charterhouse School, St Paul’s School, the Hong Kong International School, and St John’s College, Oxford. As a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic, he led project teams providing strategic advice through feasibility studies, campaign planning, and Development Office reviews.