Executive Business Manager

University of Cambridge; Hartford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is looking for an Executive Business Manager to oversee the Executive Office within the Development and Alumni Relations team. This senior role involves strategic coordination, managing staff, and communicating with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in executive support and exceptional communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to influence key fundraising initiatives and work alongside senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in executive support or office management.
• Proven track record of managing and developing staff.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic coordination of the Executive Office.
• Draft communications and briefings for senior leaders.
• Manage sensitive issues with professionalism.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

Overview

Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where your ability to anticipate, organise, and influence makes a real difference? Would you like to work at the heart of one of Europe7s most successful fundraising operations, ensuring senior leaders have the space to deliver transformational impact? We are seeking an Executive Business Manager to play a central role within the Development and Alumni Relations office. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations and the Campaign Director, shaping the success of the University7s next major philanthropic campaign. This high-profile role offers variety, visibility, and the chance to work at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and relationship management. You will oversee the smooth running of the Executive Office, lead a talented support team, and act as a trusted partner to senior leaders in Cambridge and beyond.

What you 27ll do

• Lead the strategic and operational coordination of the Executive Office, ensuring the Executive Directors7 time and influence are maximised.
• Influence the executive support function within Development, embedding best practice across diaries, administration, travel, and stakeholder engagement.
• Draft high-level communications and briefings, supporting the Executive Directors work with campaign boards, senior leaders, and global donors.
• Act as a trusted representative of the Executive Director with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to systems and processes to ensure service excellence across the executive office.

Who we 27re looking for

• A confident, strategic, and highly organised professional who can bring both authority and discretion to a fast-paced leadership environment.
• Highly collaborative, resilient, and comfortable working with senior figures inside and outside the University.

You 27ll have

• Senior-level experience in executive support or office management within a complex organisation.
• A proven track record of managing and developing staff, with strong leadership skills.
• Exceptional organisational, project management, and communication skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive issues with diplomacy, judgement, and professionalism.
• Experience coordinating high-profile events, ideally in a fundraising or external relations context (desirable).

How to apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. The closing date for this position is Sunday 12 October. Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place in the week commencing 20 October. Please quote reference DH47374 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information