Head of Philanthropy Planning and Financial Administration

We are UCL: a diverse community with the freedom to challenge and think differently. The world urgently needs solutions to diverse problems. UCL was founded 200 years ago on the generosity of a collective of people who believed in an institution that could drive forward those solutions. In response, UCL has launched "Here, it will happen", our biggest philanthropic and engagement campaign yet. It sets out our ambitions to solve global health, societal, climate and education challenges in UCL’s next century.

About the role

As Head of Philanthropy Planning and Financial Administration, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how UCL plans for, accounts for and reports on philanthropic income across the university. This highly collaborative and cross‑cutting role works closely with senior colleagues across Advancement, Finance, Faculties, Estates and wider UCL to provide financial expertise, insight and influence in support of philanthropy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading financial planning for major philanthropic opportunities; developing robust financial models, business cases and reporting approaches aligned with UCL’s wider financial strategy.
• Contributing to the development of consistent management information, reconciling financial reporting with campaign reporting, and supporting the creation of clear policies and procedures for philanthropic activity.
• Strengthening collaboration between Advancement and Finance, acting as a key point of contact for all financial matters relating to philanthropy.
• Ensuring philanthropic funds are managed effectively, donor intent respected, and colleagues across UCL are equipped with guidance, frameworks and insight for informed decision‑making.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing strategic area as we prepare for our bicentenary campaign and the next chapter of philanthropic ambition. The role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 20% on site, and part‑time/flexible arrangements (minimum 0.8 FTE) may be considered where possible.

About you

You are a qualified accountant, bringing up‑to‑date technical knowledge and experience delivering high‑quality financial analysis, reporting and policy development in a complex environment. You translate complex financial information into clear, accessible insights for non‑specialist audiences.

Your key skills and experience include:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable working with colleagues at all levels, adapting your style to suit the audience and presenting complex information in a clear, engaging and actionable way.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused approach to collaborative work.
• Strong influence ability, navigating complexity and differing priorities, and bringing people together through clarity of thought, strong judgement and excellent communication.
• High organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office tools, and confidence presenting information to senior audiences.
• Experience of philanthropy, fundraising administration or grant policy and delivery is highly desirable, as is experience of working in Higher Education.

We welcome applicants from sectors outside higher education who bring transferable skills and experience.

What we offer

We provide an empowering environment where personal and professional growth is supported. You will enjoy agile working, flexible hours, a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure days and bank holidays.

Benefits include:

• 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On‑site nursery
• On‑site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we believe diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, fairness, inclusion and creating a place where everyone belongs. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.