Vice President Development (Director of Development) in London
Vice President Development (Director of Development)

Vice President Development (Director of Development) in London

London Full-Time 75000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
City University London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead transformational fundraising campaigns and engage with alumni to support university growth.
  • Company: City St George's, University of London - a vibrant hub for diverse disciplines.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and comprehensive training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of development at a leading university and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising and building strong alumni relationships.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.

City St George's, University of London is the union of City, University of London and St George's, University of London into one institution. The combined university is now one of the largest higher education destinations for London students, combining a breadth of disciplines across health, business, policy, law, creativity, communications, science and technology. Our students are at the heart of everything that we do, and we are committed to supporting them to pursue their career and personal ambitions. Our research is engaged, at the frontier of practice and has a positive impact on the world around us.

Building on the opportunities offered by the merger, the University has conducted a major review of its development and advancement activities and is now seeking to appoint a new Vice-President (Director of Development) to lead a re‑formed Development & Alumni Relations team. A key objective for the appointee will be to develop and lead a transformational fundraising campaign working in close partnership with the President and Council and to lead the Development & Alumni Relations team to develop and execute a clear fundraising strategy that will underpin the campaign.

The role will also ensure a strategically coordinated approach to alumni engagement, including working with the University employability strategy. Strong candidates will bring substantial experience leading fundraising initiatives and major campaigns, alongside a proven track record of building, sustaining, and leveraging high‑value alumni relationships. They will have demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major and principal gifts, as well as managing VIP donors. Candidates will also have experience of effectively overseeing budgets and resources. They will be self‑motivated leaders, able to inspire and manage others with confidence and integrity.

This is an exciting time to join City St George's. The successful candidate will have a genuine opportunity to shape the University's approach to development. Applications should be in the form of a cover letter and CV and sent by no later than 2 April 2026. The informal interviews will take place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May. The formal interviews will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026.

City St George's offers a sector‑leading salary, pension scheme and benefits including a comprehensive package of staff training and development. City St George's, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors. We welcome applications regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, pregnancy, race and ethnic origin, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio‑economic background. City St George's operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.

Vice President Development (Director of Development) in London employer: City University London

City St George's, University of London is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff within a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to supporting personal and professional ambitions, employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive training programmes, and the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that make a real impact on students' lives. Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking institution dedicated to fostering equality, diversity, and innovation in higher education.
City University London

Contact Detail:

City University London Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Vice President Development (Director of Development) in London

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from City St George's. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

✨Show Your Passion

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for development and fundraising shine through. Share your vision for how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.

✨Prepare for Informal Chats

Before any informal interviews, do your homework! Know the university’s recent initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in their success.

✨Follow Up with Style

After any meeting or interview, send a thoughtful follow-up message. Thank them for their time, reiterate your interest, and maybe even share an idea or two that came up during your conversation. It keeps you on their radar!

We think you need these skills to ace Vice President Development (Director of Development) in London

Fundraising Strategy Development
Alumni Relations Management
Campaign Leadership
Relationship Building
Major Gift Solicitation
Budget Management
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Self-Motivation
Integrity
Inspirational Leadership
Strategic Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in fundraising and alumni relations, and how it aligns with our mission at City St George's. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the Vice President Development role. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear you’re the perfect fit for us.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader in our Development & Alumni Relations team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in the past – we love to see that!

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at City University London

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the university's mission and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising strategies and alumni engagement initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Vice President, you'll need to inspire and manage a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led fundraising campaigns or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to cultivate relationships with high-value donors and how you've navigated challenges in previous roles.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Ask about their vision for the development team or how they measure the success of their fundraising campaigns. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term success.

✨Be Authentic and Engaging

During the interview, let your personality shine through. Share your passion for education and community impact. Being authentic helps build rapport with the interviewers, making it easier for them to envision you as part of their team.

Vice President Development (Director of Development) in London
City University London
Location: London

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