Head of Development and Alumni

Overview Head of Development and Alumni Job Category Administrative Vacancy Type Permanent Employment Type Full time Salary From £58, Salary To £67, Location Chelmsford / Cambridge Faculty / Prof Service Corporate Marketing Closing Date 06 / 01 / Ref No Documents (PDF, .4kb) About ARU ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARUs research institutes, four faculties, academic partners and Writtle College bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UKs Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are one the largest providers of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the UK, and among the UKs leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK. About the Role This is an exciting and pivotal moment for ARUs Development and Alumni function. Now three and a half years old, the team has already established early strengths in major donor, trust and foundation fundraising, and plays an important role in advancing ARUs mission around participation and social mobility. We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to shape the next phase of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy. You will build on strong foundations to develop an integrated and creative approach across fundraising and alumni relations, creating a clearer narrative and a consistent, values-led experience for supporters. Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence at a senior level and help shape a visible culture of philanthropy across the university. You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, and harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. This role will also connect with our expanding international development remit, opening new opportunities to engage ARUs global alumni community and build relationships that have both regional and worldwide impact. You will bring a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management, with experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leader, you will inspire your team and colleagues to achieve shared success, building collaboration and creativity across the function. You will be skilled at developing compelling cases for support and using insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose. Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission-driven organisation would be an advantage, as would familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raisers Edge and the use of digital and AI-driven approaches to engagement. Responsibilities Lead a growing Development and Alumni team; foster innovation and harness digital/AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. Develop an integrated and creative fundraising and alumni relations strategy with a clear narrative and values-led experience for supporters. Influence senior stakeholders across the university (Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment; Vice Chancellor; Chief Operating Officer) to support philanthropy across ARU. Build on existing strengths in major gift fundraising, trusts and foundations, and expand relationships with individuals, trusts and corporates. Collaborate to ensure alignment with international development efforts and global alumni engagement. Requirements / Qualifications Strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management. Experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leadership style; ability to inspire teams and foster collaboration. Skill in developing compelling cases for support; use of insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose. Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission-driven organisation is advantageous. Familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raisers Edge and with digital/AI-driven engagement approaches. Application details Deadline for applications is 9 a.m. Tuesday 6 January. For further information and details on how to apply please visit the vacancy microsite. Equal Opportunity and Additional Information We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working. #J-18808-Ljbffr