Advancement & Alumni Events Manager

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the RCA's Advancement & Alumni Team in two newly created leadership roles that are pivotal in shaping the future of the global alumni programme. The roles focus on innovative engagement strategies and high-quality event delivery to strengthen connections within the RCA community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in delivering engagement strategies in higher education.
• Strong track record in event management and stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to build community among diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a bold alumni engagement strategy.
• Lead the delivery of high-quality advancement and alumni events.
• Ensure strong relationships with alumni and stakeholders.

Skills

Engagement strategies

Relationship-building

Event management

Planning

Communication

Negotiation

Job description

Join the RCA's Advancement & Alumni Team - Two Newly Created Posts

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is the world's leading university of art and design. With a global community of over 30,000 alumni, we are proud to champion a dynamic network of artists, designers, innovators, educators, and cultural leaders shaping the creative landscape worldwide.

As we enter an ambitious new strategic phase, we are investing in the Advancement & Alumni team and we are excited to recruit for two newly created posts that will play a central role in strengthening alumni engagement and delivering impactful events.

These roles offer a rare opportunity to help shape the future of RCA's global alumni programme, working across the institution and with some of the most exciting creatives and thought leaders in the world.

Head of Alumni Engagement

Grade: 9 | Reports to: Director of Advancement & Alumni

Line management: Alumni Manager

This is an new leadership role for a visionary and strategic individual to design and deliver a bold new alumni engagement strategy. You will lead on developing inclusive and meaningful engagement opportunities-both in the UK and internationally-that strengthen the RCA's global network and support the College's academic and philanthropic goals.

You will work closely with senior leaders, alumni, programme teams, and Advancement colleagues to ensure alumni relations are deeply embedded in the life of the College. With a focus on digital innovation and data-led decision-making, you will bring fresh ideas and proven expertise to inspire and empower RCA's diverse alumni community.

We are seeking a collaborative leader with a strong track record in delivering engagement strategies, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a passion for building community and connection.

Advancement & Alumni Events Manager

Grade: 8 | Reports to: Associate Director of Advancement & Alumni

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and detail-driven events professional to lead the delivery of a high-quality programme of Advancement & Alumni events. These include flagship occasions such as the RCA Show, international alumni receptions, digital events, and supporter dinners.

You will be responsible for developing a longer-term events strategy aligned with our Advancement and alumni engagement objectives, working collaboratively across the College to create experiences that inspire and connect alumni, donors, students and supporters.

The role requires excellent planning, communication and negotiation skills, with experience managing complex event delivery and coordinating with internal teams, external suppliers, and stakeholders. You will line manage an Events Administrator, oversee budgets, and ensure data and evaluation processes support continuous improvement.

Whether you are a strategic leader or a skilled organiser, these are exceptional opportunities to join a growing team at the RCA.

Closing date: Monday 29 July 2025

Shortlisting by: 4 August 2025

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For more information, please see the full candidate packs attached.