Head of Supporter Relations (Maternity cover)

London School of Economics and Political Science; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Head of Supporter Relations for a fixed-term maternity cover role in Leeds. The role requires experience in donor relations, event planning, and the management of a team. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills. The salary ranges from £63,370 to £73,163 per annum, with an opportunity for progression. Hybrid working is available, alongside benefits such as generous leave and training opportunities.

Benefits

Occupational pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Excellent training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in complex event management, including overseas.
• Experience in Higher Education or not-for-profit sectors.
• Ability to organise workload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of eight specialists across three functions.
• Ensure excellent supporter experience.
• Build on existing team success for donor relations.

Skills

Exceptional donor relations

Event planning and delivery

Leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Time management

Job description

Head of Supporter Relations (Maternity cover)

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

LSE Philanthropy and Global Engagement (PAGE)

This is a fixed term appointment for 12 months

Salary from £63,370 to £73,163 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £80,927 pa inclusive of London allowance

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the foremost social science universities in the world. Based in central London with a global reach, we develop the people and ideas that shape the world. The Philanthropy and Global Engagement Division (PAGE) is integral to LSE’s capacity to realise our strategic direction through engaging with alumni and friends, staff and students, volunteers, organisations, and the wider community to increase philanthropic income for agreed School priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued success of LSE’s ambitious Shaping the World Campaign, which aims to raise £750m and secure 300,000 volunteering hours by 2030.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic individual to join PAGE as Head of Supporter Relations on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This senior role is responsible for leading a team of eight specialists across three key functions: Donor Relations, Events and Honorary & Emeritus Groups. The postholder will build on the team’s existing success and provide strategic leadership to ensure our supporters enjoy a first‑class experience in their philanthropic partnership with LSE.

What You Will Bring To The Role

Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working in a role involving exceptional donor relations and cultivation and stewardship event planning and delivery, in the Higher Education, not‑for‑profit, or a comparable sector and ideally within a major capital Campaign context; evidence of excellent communication skills and attention to detail; excellent problem‑solving skills, and the ability to organise their own workload plus that of their team in a fast‑paced environment, responding effectively to changing deadlines and conflicting priorities.

The successful candidate will have :

• Experience in complex event management, including overseas
• Strong leadership skills and a collaborative management style, with the ability to form and communicate a clear vision of the goals to be achieved by a team
• Understanding of and commitment to the highest standards of relationship management and donor stewardship
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information in an appropriate manner and format

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page.

Should you have any queries about the role, please email Chris Kendrick

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 7 December (23.59 UK time).

Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

First‑round interviews will take place on 7 January 2026.