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 60000 - 80000 £ 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 to csgvp@minervasearch.com 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) employer: 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)
✨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 Flair
After any meeting or interview, send a thoughtful follow-up message. Thank them for their time, reiterate your excitement about the role, and mention something specific from your conversation. It keeps you top of mind and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President Development (Director of Development)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Vice President Development. Highlight your experience in fundraising and alumni relations, and show us how you can lead our team to success.
Showcase Your Achievements: In your CV, don’t just list your previous roles; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of successful campaigns or initiatives you've led that align with our mission at City St George's.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for education and how you envision making a positive impact at our university.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and stands out in the crowd!
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 demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in fundraising campaigns. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage others while maintaining integrity.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing VIP donors or developing a fundraising strategy. Think through potential scenarios and outline your approach, showcasing your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Their Values
City St George's places a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these values within the development team. Share your experiences in fostering inclusive environments and how it can enhance alumni relations.