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- Tasks: Lead and design innovative alumni engagement strategies and impactful events.
- Company: Join the Royal College of Art, a global leader in art and design education.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for remote work, professional development, and networking with creative leaders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of RCA's alumni programme and connect with a vibrant community of creatives.
- Qualifications: Seeking visionary leaders with experience in engagement strategies and exceptional relationship-building skills.
- Other info: This is a unique chance to influence a dynamic network of over 30,000 alumni.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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.
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Head of Alumni Engagement employer: Royal College of Art
Contact Detail:
Royal College of Art Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Alumni Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network with RCA alumni and current staff to gain insights into the culture and expectations of the institution. Attend events or webinars where you can connect with them, as personal connections can often lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in alumni engagement and digital innovation. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to enhancing RCA's alumni programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful engagement strategies you've implemented in the past. Highlighting measurable outcomes will showcase your ability to deliver impactful results, which is crucial for this leadership role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research RCA's recent initiatives and strategic goals. Tailoring your conversation to align with their vision will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the future of the college and its alumni community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Alumni Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations for the Head of Alumni Engagement position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of RCA's mission and how you can contribute to their alumni engagement strategy. Use specific examples from your past experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your leadership skills and any previous experience in alumni relations or community engagement. Quantify your achievements where possible to illustrate your impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal College of Art
✨Understand the RCA's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to research the Royal College of Art and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals and how the alumni engagement role fits into this vision. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Head of Alumni Engagement, strong relationship-building skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built and maintained relationships, particularly in a community or alumni context. Be ready to discuss how you can foster connections within RCA's diverse alumni network.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a visionary approach to alumni engagement. Be prepared to discuss your ideas for innovative engagement strategies. Think about how you can leverage digital tools and data-driven insights to enhance alumni relations and support RCA's academic and philanthropic goals.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the institution. Ask about the current challenges in alumni engagement at RCA, or inquire about the team dynamics within the Advancement & Alumni department. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest.
