Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in development and alumni relations to boost engagement and fundraising.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking university committed to student success and community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping the future of education and alumni connections.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and alumni engagement, with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving positive change in higher education.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

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 Officer, 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.

As a key member of our Executive team, the CPO provides strategic leadership for the University’s people agenda and is accountable to the Vice‑Chancellor for attracting, developing and retaining a high‑performing, inclusive workforce, while ensuring strong governance and compliance.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Education) as a member of the University Executive Team (UET), you will provide strategic and operational leadership for Student and Library Services, delivering an outstanding, inclusive student experience that supports academic success and future employability.

As a significant member of the University’s Executive team, you will provide visible, strategic leadership to the University’s academic community across the portfolio and programmes and ensure delivery of the Academic Strategy in support of the Towards 2030 strategic framework.

Reporting to the Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Education and Student Success, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the entire student lifecycle, from application to graduation, ensuring seamless integration of Academic Registry and Student Success & Experience functions and an efficient, agile and responsive service.

In this new role, you will undertake key leadership functions which speak directly to the University’s new strategy and mission to be student‑centred, producing employment‑ready graduates and addressing the skills gaps in the surrounding region. Specifically, you will have responsibility for the holistic review of the programme offer to ensure quality and relevance and the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of processes.

The Director of Research & IT Operations will play a pivotal role in delivering transformation. Reporting to the Group Director IT and Digital, the postholder will lead the strategic development, security and operational delivery of the University’s core IT infrastructure. With significant experience in leading enterprise‑scale IT operations gained within a complex, multi‑disciplinary organisational setting, you will have a proven track record of delivering resilient and scalable infrastructure services that support digital transformation.

With demonstrable experience in philanthropy and alumni engagement, preferably within higher education, you will have a track record of delivering fundraising campaigns, managing major donor relationships and achieving ambitious income targets.

We are seeking to make a strategic appointment to develop our Estates and Facilities Service in alignment with the University’s vision, values, and guiding principles. The role will require the ability to engage in sensitive discussions, negotiations, and partnerships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You will be instrumental in driving cultural change within the team and shaping the University’s approach to estate development and utilisation.

As the new Vice Principal (Academic), you will play a crucial role in leadership of the Academy, working closely with the Principal and other management; and have specific responsibility for managing academic functions and fostering a positive learning environment contributing to the overall development and success of both students and staff.

To apply, you will have substantial leadership experience of digital services gained in similarly large and complex organisations and with responsibility for large multi‑disciplinary teams of professional staff. Critically, you will be able to balance both strategic and operational imperatives in the role and able to combine latest technology thinking with on the ground technical requirements, governance, and service efficiency. As service leader, you will also need to have proven success in developing high‑performing teams and a service that is fully engaged with all internal and external stakeholders.

Current opportunities employer: Dixon Walter

At ARU, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our strategic leadership roles, such as the Assistant Director of Development & Alumni, which not only offer competitive benefits but also provide opportunities to shape the future of higher education. Located in vibrant cities like Cambridge and Chelmsford, we ensure our staff are supported in their professional journeys while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance alumni engagement and philanthropic efforts.
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Contact Detail:

Dixon Walter Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Current opportunities

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their mission and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. We can help each other refine our answers and boost our confidence before the real deal.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Current opportunities

Strategic Leadership
Operational Leadership
Philanthropy
Alumni Engagement
Fundraising Campaigns
Major Donor Relationship Management
Income Target Achievement
Stakeholder Engagement
Cultural Change Management
Negotiation Skills
Team Development
Service Efficiency
Governance
Digital Services Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you fit into our mission and values!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles. This helps us understand what you can bring to the table.

Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make your application easy to read by using clear language and a straightforward structure. Avoid jargon and keep it professional yet approachable.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dixon Walter

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly research the university and its mission. Understand their values and how the Development and Alumni Office fits into their overall strategy. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Prepare specific examples of successful fundraising campaigns you've led or major donor relationships you've managed. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about their goals for the Development and Alumni Office. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As this role involves strategic leadership, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've driven change or improved processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

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