Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign)
Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign)

Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign)

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

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build a dynamic team to enhance UAL's development success.
  • Company: University of the Arts London, a global leader in creative education.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to make a transformative impact and drive major fundraising campaigns.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission to inspire creativity and support future innovators.
  • Qualifications: Proven track record in fundraising and strategic development in higher education or creative sectors.
  • Other info: Join a vibrant community dedicated to breaking boundaries and challenging norms.

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

Because the world needs creativity. University of the Arts London (UAL) is looking to appoint an exceptional individual to be their new Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign). Ranked number two in the world for Art & Design by the QS World Rankings, UAL is the biggest provider of creative education in Europe and is proud to be an influential global leader, where creativity and innovation flourish. The University is made up of six colleges (Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion, Wimbledon College of Arts), and four institutes each making a unique contribution to creative endeavour. UAL strives to break boundaries and challenge norms, delivering cutting-edge research and ground-breaking creative education to the next generation of world-defining thinkers and doers.

This newly created role will sit on the Development and Alumni Relations Management Team, driving the team’s fundraising capacity for principal giving. The incoming Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign) will have the opportunity to build a team of three (two Development Managers and a Development Officer) around them in order to enhance fundraising success for the University. While primarily focusing on fundraising endeavours, building relationships with individuals with high giving capacity and bringing in principal gifts, the role holder will also take the reins in driving the strategic development and delivery for UAL’s next major fundraising campaign. The post-holder will have the opportunity to make a transformative difference to development at UAL, raising ambition across the team, in advance of the University’s upcoming fundraising campaign.

UAL is looking for an excellent fundraiser with a strong track record of bringing in six and seven figure gifts in their own institution. Ideal candidates should bring a hunger and energy when it comes to boosting fundraising success for the University. They will be familiar with working to develop prospect strategies, bringing strategic thinking to enhancing transformational gift opportunities for the University. They will be familiar with driving success and delivery for major fundraising campaigns. Candidates should ideally be familiar with Higher Education or creative environments, as well as be aligned with the social purpose of UAL. This is an outstanding opportunity to play a pivotal role in attracting the funding that will enable UAL to generate and inspire the creativity the world needs for a better future.

For further details on the role, please visit this link. To apply, please send a covering letter and CV to ual@minervasearch.com by Friday 6th February 2026.

Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign) employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

University of the Arts London (UAL) is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and innovation, providing a vibrant work culture where employees are encouraged to break boundaries and challenge norms. With a strong commitment to professional development, UAL offers unique opportunities for growth within the realm of creative education, making it an inspiring place for those passionate about fundraising in the arts. Located in the heart of London, UAL not only boasts a prestigious reputation but also fosters a collaborative environment that empowers its staff to make a transformative impact on the future of creativity.
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Contact Detail:

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the creative and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream role!

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for UAL! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the university or during an interview, make sure to express why you’re excited about their mission. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their fundraising goals and make a real impact.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those interviews! Research UAL’s past campaigns and understand their fundraising strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially when it comes to securing those six and seven-figure gifts. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed, so make sure you check it out. Tailor your application to highlight your fundraising successes and strategic thinking, and let us help you take that next step in your career!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign)

Fundraising Expertise
Relationship Building
Strategic Thinking
Campaign Management
Prospect Strategy Development
Track Record of Major Gifts
Team Leadership
Higher Education Knowledge
Creative Environment Familiarity
Ambition and Energy
Transformational Gift Opportunities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your fundraising successes and how they align with UAL's mission. We want to see your passion for creativity and innovation, so let that enthusiasm come through!

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your experience in major fundraising campaigns and your track record of securing significant gifts. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.

Show Your Understanding of UAL: Do a bit of homework on UAL and its colleges. We want to see that you understand the unique contributions each college makes to creative education. Mentioning this in your application will show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the institution.

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process! It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to submit your application by the deadline!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

✨Know Your Numbers

As a candidate for the Head of Development role, it's crucial to come prepared with specific examples of your past fundraising successes. Be ready to discuss the six and seven-figure gifts you've secured, including the strategies you used to achieve them. This will demonstrate your capability and experience in driving significant fundraising efforts.

✨Show Your Passion for Creativity

Since UAL is all about creativity and innovation, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the arts and education during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your connection to creative environments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you're aligned with their mission.

✨Prepare Strategic Insights

Think about how you would approach developing prospect strategies for UAL. Prepare to discuss your ideas on enhancing transformational gift opportunities and how you would drive success for major fundraising campaigns. This shows that you’re not just a doer but also a strategic thinker who can contribute to the university's long-term goals.

✨Build Rapport with the Interview Panel

During the interview, focus on building a connection with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current fundraising initiatives and express genuine interest in their work. This will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your ability to foster relationships, which is key for the Head of Development role.

Head of Development (Principal Giving & Campaign)
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
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