At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect with alumni and create opportunities for collaboration and impact.
- Company: Join UWC International, a global movement for peace through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social impact and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference by engaging changemakers from around the world.
- Qualifications: Experience in alumni engagement and a passion for education access.
The predicted salary is between 32500 - 32500 £ per year.
Do you enjoy creating connections and turning them into opportunities? Join our dynamic team as an Engagement Officer at UWC International, where you will play a crucial role in the External Relations team. With over 90,000 alumni worldwide, you'll collaborate with colleagues from our 18 schools across four continents and UWC International to connect alumni who are making a difference at local, national, and international levels.
We are seeking someone with experience in alumni engagement who is eager to grow and develop with us. This role is central to identifying and connecting with the alumni community, creating opportunities for collaboration, sharing impactful stories, and expanding our reach. With the support of senior colleagues your work will involve key areas, including the UWC hub and events such as our Impact Forums and UWC Day.
You will work closely with the External Relations and Communications Manager, the Head of External Relations, and the Chief of Staff, as well as colleagues in the Development, Funded Programmes, and Education teams. The ideal candidate should be a people person who is passionate about helping talented young people access education, regardless of their background, and be committed to bringing together changemakers from around the world. You will also be a self-starter, innovative and curious who can support the growth and expansion of our engagement activities.
About us
Changing the world takes passion and dedication. UWC is a global movement of 18 schools across four continents with a shared mission: to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. Each year, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and diverse backgrounds to live and learn together in richly diverse, international settings – developing not only academic excellence, but cross-cultural understanding and a drive for social impact. UWC students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare to lead change. Through real-world challenges, they build the skills, compassion and courage to make a difference.
Our students go on to become leaders in politics, NGOs, business, education and grassroots movements – people shaping a more just and sustainable world. Today, our global network includes more than 85,000 changemakers united by the values they lived at UWC.
About UWC International
UWC International is the operational arm of UWC, a UK-registered and Germany-registered charity at the heart of the global UWC movement. Based in London and Berlin, our team works closely with stakeholders across the UWC network and supports a global alumni community of over 85,000 changemakers. Our work includes global fundraising, communications, promotion and support for the network of more than 150 UWC national committees. We also lead on global strategy and provide key services to UWC schools and colleges.
We are proud to reflect the diversity we champion. Our international team represents over 25 nationalities, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) across all aspects of our work – ensuring our organisational culture reflects the values we promote across the UWC movement.
What we offer
- Hybrid working - we operate hybrid working arrangements, with at least 20% of the week in the office and up to 80% working from home.
- Flexible working hours - our standard working hours are 38.5 per week. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss different working patterns.
- Generous annual leave allowance – we offer 28 days holiday per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part-time or fixed-term contracts).
- Paid leave for personal growth - up to 2 days per year for volunteering or up to 2 days per year for study leave.
- Learning & development opportunities – we have access to various learning and development platforms to support your professional growth, as well as a budget set aside for professional development.
- In-person meetings: Yearly Staff Away Days, team retreats and travel to our international schools and international events as needed to create connected teams.
- Income Protection & well-being support - We offer income protection to all employees, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with access to a legal support helpline, remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, mental health support, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, personal trainer and nutritionist sessions, and a well-being calendar featuring podcasts and webinars.
- Exclusive discounts & perks - with access to a range of discounts across shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment, with thousands of offers on hundreds of top retailers.
- Cycle scheme and eyecare vouchers.
- Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity leave.
- Higher-than-standard pension contribution scheme - UWC International will contribute up to 8% of the employee’s gross salary toward their Pension scheme with NEST in the UK.
Anyone who applies to work at UWC International in London must have a work visa before starting employment, in compliance with the relevant immigration rules. Please provide confirmation of your eligibility to indefinitely work or reside in the UK in your application. If you are planning to be USA based, please make this known in your application. Any offers of employment made by UWC International will be subject to a right-to-work check on your immigration status.
Application Process
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover letter in English (each a maximum of 2 pages) on the below link:
- Outline your experience, skills and competencies against the Person specification section in the attached Job Description.
- Explain why you want to join UWC International.
- Confirm your eligibility to work or reside in the UK.
- Provide the name and contact details of two professional referees, including their job title, email address and the capacity in which you are known to them.
References are taken up prior to the second round interviews. We will not contact your referees without first letting you know. Please note that CVs received without a cover letter, including the information requested above will not be considered.
Deadline for application: 10:00 AM UK time, Monday 10 August 2026
Interview and/or assessment dates: First round interviews week commencing 17 August (remote) Second round interviews week commencing 24 August (remote)
For further information on this opportunity, please contact us at vacancies@uwcio.uwc.org to connect you with the recruiting manager.
Safeguarding Statement
The job holder might have to travel to UWC schools and colleges. Therefore, a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) or international equivalent will be required before any job offer is made. We will also take up references before the second stage of the interview process. Referees will not be contacted without your consent.
Diversity Statement
UWC places deliberate diversity at the heart of our educational model because of its critical importance in our mission ‘to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’. At the UWC International Office, we believe this commitment to deliberate diversity must be reflected within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and accessible.
We will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment and to act accordingly as we aspire best to serve the UWC mission and our global community. It is an ongoing journey and we welcome all those ready to travel with us.
Engagement Officer employer: United World Colleges International
United World Colleges International is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and mission-driven work culture, dedicated to making a meaningful impact through education and philanthropy. With opportunities for professional growth and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to transformative initiatives. The London-based position offers a unique chance to engage with a diverse network of high-value donors, enhancing both personal and professional development in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
United World Colleges International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by United World Colleges International.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like United World Colleges International.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at United World Colleges International.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at United World Colleges International. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of United World Colleges International. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Engagement Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at United World Colleges International
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of United World Colleges International. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
