Nick Blinco

Nick Blinco joined the University of Melbourne as Vice-Principal (Advancement) in September 2015.

Previously Nick was Director of Engagement at the University of Birmingham, where he worked since 2004, starting as Director of Development and Alumni Relations. During his tenure, the University of Birmingham's Circles of Influence campaign exceeded its 160 million pound ($320m) target and had significant impact on its research, students and campus.

Nick also led the change in the structure of the department: in 2013, Development and Alumni Relations were joined by Business Engagement to form a new Division of Development, Alumni and Business Engagement (DABE). His role in successfully maximising the new division's partnership-building strategies significantly increased business income for the University of Birmingham.

Under his leadership, the team was shortlisted for the 2011 Times Higher Education Fundraising Team of the Year, and won numerous individual and team awards internally and externally. They also recorded the highest level of employer engagement in the University of Birmingham and have Investors In People accreditation.

In 2012 Nick served on the Pearce Review of Higher Education Fundraising, which made a series of high-level recommendations to change the face of philanthropy in the UK's higher education sector. He was a member of the CASE International Philanthropy Commission from 2008–2010, has a CASE Crystal Apple, and has taught on the Spring Institute for Educational Fundraising. He was awarded a Vice-Chancellor's Medal in 2011.

Nick began his development career in 1997 at Mansfield College, Oxford, where he established the 10 million pound Access to Excellence campaign, championing access to the University for those from unconventional academic backgrounds.

He holds a BA from the University of Hull and a masters from the University of Oxford.