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- Tasks: Lead ARU's Development and Alumni function to enhance engagement and fundraising.
- Company: ARU, a global university known for innovative and inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving impactful change in higher education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in development and alumni initiatives with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led institution making a difference in the community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
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: We are now seeking to appoint an Assistant Director of Development & Alumni to play a leading role in the realisation of our collective aims and strategy. This is an exciting time to join ARU and an outstanding opportunity to drive innovation across the institution. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment and working closely with other key senior colleagues and stakeholders including the Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Development and Alumni Office.
You will lead ARU's Development and Alumni function, delivering a step-change in philanthropic income and alumni engagement. This role will shape and implement a strategic approach to fundraising and alumni relations that supports ARU's mission, values and long-term ambitions. Your leadership and expertise will enable the development and delivery of a university-wide Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy that advances ARU's institutional priorities. It will also involve defining and implementing a segmented donor and alumni experience framework to strengthen engagement and maximise giving potential.
As a values-led institution, key to success will be an alignment in achieving the university's vision and values. We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of developing and implementing development & alumni initiatives across comparably large-scale, diverse and complex portfolios. You will possess excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, and will be able to build effective and collaborative working relationships, demonstrating a proactive and positive approach to contributing to the work of the team.
The role offers a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional to play a leading role in the future success of the University and its wider impact across the region.
Deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday 6th April 2026. Formal interviews will take place in person from w/c 20th April 2026, on a date TBC.
For further information and details on how to apply please visit the vacancy microsite at: https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/opportunities/ad-developmentalumni
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the 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 and will conduct Right to Work checks in line with UKVI's Right to Work policy and our own institutional policy.
Furthermore, we must note: Applicants applying from outside the UK: At this time, ARU is unable to sponsor applicants applying from overseas for a Worker Route visa. Applicants already in the UK: ARU is unable to offer Worker Route visa sponsorship to applicants whose salary does not meet our minimum sponsorship threshold, which aligns with roles at Grade 6 and above. Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
Assistant Director of Development and Alumni in Cambridge employer: Anglia Ruskin University
Contact Detail:
Anglia Ruskin University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Development and Alumni in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and current staff at ARU through LinkedIn or alumni events. Building connections can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching ARU's values and recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the university’s mission and culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us articulate our experience and how it aligns with the strategic goals of the Development and Alumni Office.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Development and Alumni in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Director of Development and Alumni role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and alumni relations, and show how your values align with ARU's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. We want to see your ability to drive innovation and engage stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at ARU.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglia Ruskin University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into ARU's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Development and Alumni strategies, as well as any recent news or achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in fundraising or alumni engagement. Highlight how your approach aligns with ARU's values and vision.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior colleagues and stakeholders, think about how you can effectively communicate and build relationships. Be ready to discuss your strategies for stakeholder management and how you’ve fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the institution. Ask about their current challenges in alumni engagement or how they envision the future of philanthropy at ARU. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their success.