Mr Alex Furman

The Vice-President (Advancement) leads the strategic direction for Advancement activities across the University. This is achieved through collaboration with all areas, and in particular, working with the Chancellor, college deans, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the University Executive and the ANU community. The Vice-President (Advancement) oversees the Division of Alumni Relations and Philanthropy.

Alex was appointed as Vice-President of Advancement 1 Feb 2023. Since joining ANU in late 2021, Alex has led a major portfolio of work to raise philanthropic funds for the University's academic divisions. As a highly experienced leader of philanthropic programs with a strong background in communications and stakeholder engagement, he held leadership roles in Advancement at the University of Melbourne as Director of Development (2015-2021) and Deputy Director of Development (2013-2015) for the Believe Campaign. Responsible for the strategic development of university-wide fundraising programs and establishing strong partnerships with the academic community and many affiliated bodies across the institution, Alex played an integral part in the success of the Believe Campaign. Believe closed at the end of 2021 having secured $1.16 billion in philanthropic support and engaged over 100,000 alumni in the life of the University.

Prior to the University of Melbourne, Alex was Head of Public Relations and Development for Murdoch Children's Research Institute, where he co-led the Institute's first comprehensive Campaign. He has also held leadership positions in fundraising and management in the Australian arts sector for Opera Australia, Victorian Opera and the Melbourne International Arts Festival.

Alex has provided volunteer leadership for a range of community organisations serving for many years as a committee member, patrol captain and surf lifesaver for Lifesaving Victoria, as well as a board member of the Children's Bioethics Centre at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and Artistic Advisory Panel member for Musica Viva Australia. He is presently Chair of the Mietta Foundation, having been a committee and board member since 2005.

Alex holds Master's degrees in music performance from the Royal College of Music in London and the University of Melbourne, and enjoyed a short career as a professional classical pianist.

Alex has a strong vision for the future of ANU Advancement, to prepare and propel the University to achieve success against University strategic priorities and objectives, and strengthening partnerships with our alumni, donors and friends.