John Bird has been with the alumni relations and development team for almost four years and has helped develop a data-informed culture within the department, supported by his team of prospect research and advancement services staff and by the implementation of new systems and modelling techniques. 

Prior to moving to Auckland, Bird spent almost 20 years working as a supplier of fundraising CRM databases to the non-profit sector in the United Kingdom. Starting as a database developer and moving through project management roles, his final job was managing director of Blackbaud Europe and everydayhero.

Bird’s experience gives him an appreciation of what technology can and – importantly – can’t do, alongside what fundraisers and alumni relations staff really need from that technology.