Head of Development and Alumni

Anglia Ruskin University; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global university in Chelmsford is seeking a strategic leader for its Development and Alumni function. This role involves shaping the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy, leading a team, and enhancing engagement with donors and alumni using digital tools. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management. Candidates with experience in higher education or large mission-driven organizations will be preferred. A commitment to fostering an inclusive culture is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in major gift fundraising.
• Experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts, and corporates.
• Familiarity with digital and AI-driven engagement approaches.

Responsibilities

• Shape the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy.
• Lead a growing team and foster innovation.
• Enhance donor and alumni engagement using digital tools.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Strategic relationship management

Team leadership

Data analysis and storytelling

Tools

CRM systems (e.g., Blackbaud Raiser's Edge)

Job description

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).

ARU's 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 UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are one of the largest providers of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the UK, and among the UK's 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 ARU's 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 ARU's 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 ARU's 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 Raiser's Edge and the use of digital and AI‑driven approaches to engagement.

Deadline for applications is 9a.m. Tuesday 6th January. For further information and details on how to apply please visit the vacancy microsite at Head of Development & Alumni | Anglia Ruskin University | Peridot.

Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.

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 short listed 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.