Alumni relations and development manager jobs

The University of Oxford is searching for a Development Executive (Fundraising) that will raise vital philanthropic support for priority areas of research in the Medical Sciences Division.

• Location: Oxford – hybrid working may be an option
• Salary: Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum with possible extension to £51,983 – plus an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full Time/Part Time (0.8 FTE minimum), Permanent

Why Medical Sciences?

Oxford is one of the world’s leading biomedical universities recognised for its outstanding quality and depth across the medical research spectrum - from genes to molecules, to big data and populations. With the honour of 12 Nobel Laureates over its long and distinguished history, the Division is consistently at the forefront of innovative and lifesaving science.

The extraordinary depth and breadth of medical skills at Oxford is devoted to identifying the causes of disease, improving diagnosis and developing effective treatments and prevention. The Division is particularly interested in the “big” diseases where millions of lives can be saved – cancer, and infectious diseases such as malaria and pandemic preparedness. It also has world-leading research programmes in cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What this role entails?

The Medical Sciences Divisional development team works collaboratively with colleagues across the Division and across the Development and Alumni Engagement team at the University of Oxford.

This is a key role within the team and the post holder will have the opportunity to work with donors and academics. Development at Oxford is well established and this role has the scope to work across a number of important and high-profile projects related to the medical sciences.

The post holder will manage a portfolio of more than 100 major gifts prospects. They will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential donors able to support projects in the Medical Sciences Division at Oxford, typically in the range of £100,000-£500,000 over time, alongside to supporting the fundraising activity of the Head of Development – Medical Sciences.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven fundraising experience in a complex organisation and direct involvement in securing major gifts at the £50,000 level and above
• Ability to identify new donor prospects and engage with potential donors to successfully acquire new gifts
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fund-raising goals
• Ability to establish credibility, confidence and robust relationships with existing and prospective donors, and key stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in the medical sciences
• An interest in higher education and ideally an understanding of the University of Oxford, and its goals in teaching and research

If you have experience in major gift fundraising, have excellent inter-personal skills, and are passionate about playing a role in enabling life-changing research then we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• Membership to CASE
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
• Training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive range of childcare services

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 March 2026.

Interviews will take place on 20 March 2026, and will be held in person.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Are you a volunteering or alumni relations professional looking for your next challenge? Do you have a passion for engaging volunteers and for bringing people together? Are you looking to develop your career at a prestigious organisation?

We are looking for an International Engagement Manager to join our team to refine and expand a bold and innovative alumni volunteering programme to support both the priorities of the University and the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). The post holder will deliver volunteer and engagement opportunities in key markets including China, India, Hong Kong, USA, Dubai, and many others, and will join nine other volunteering professionals as part of the wider team. The role will be responsible for developing a range of volunteering opportunities for international alumni, which support Birmingham 2030 targets around graduate employability, student recruitment, student experience, research and influence. You will be responsible for growing the number of international alumni volunteers and reporting on the impact of your work internally. 

A key component of this role will be developing relationships with colleagues across the University to include alumni engagement and volunteering across the University’s international strategic themes. The International Engagement Manager role will be a point of contact for international matters into the Development and Alumni Relations Department amongst other University departments, including International Student Recruitment, Birmingham Global and Careers Network. As the lead on international engagement activity for the department, you will be expected to travel overseas for events and alumni activity in key strategic regions.

You will be provided with a robust induction and an ongoing training program that will include support from the University as well as expert external providers.

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in our local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from underrepresented backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK. 

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), one of the world’s foremost independent international policy and research organisations, is seeking an outstanding fundraising and communications leader to work alongside our Executive Director and senior team.

Following the launch of our strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World – and a recent organisational restructure, we decided to bring the functions of fundraising and communications together under a single Director. This is a tactical move, appreciating our funding sources, audiences, and how to reach them are quickly shifting, with the need to think differently about our brand, positioning, use of technology and relationships.

You will lead and shape our strategy in these areas, while also managing strong existing teams and being a key voice in IIED’s governing bodies. You will be the focal point for our institutional funding partnerships and take accountability for achieving a fundraising target and set of objectives. You will be at the heart of guiding IIED’s impact-focused communications, brand, marketing and influencing approach, as well as creating a reinforcing positive trajectory by connecting fundraising and communications. 

In joining IIED, you will have the opportunity to work with creative, innovative and committed colleagues striving to achieve IIED’s six propositions. You will be part of an organisation hosting the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, supporting the Least Developed Countries in international negotiations and delivering highly influential research, events and equitable partnerships tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality. 

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us

The Benefits
- Salary of £78,715 - £91,102 per annum dependent on experience
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising and communications leader with significant experience in an international NGO or charity settings to join our globally influential organisation at a moment of strategic transformation.

About You
To be considered as the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will need:

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions, delivering multi-stream income generation strategies
• Significant experience overseeing a broad communications portfolio, including research communications, brand positioning, digital engagement and media, and internal communications.
• An impressive track record in securing large-scale funding and have exceptional communications and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience in multi-cultural environments, building high-performing, values-led teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel internationally.

If you are ready for a career-defining role at a pivotal point for our organisation and the global community, we are waiting to hear from you.

The closing date for this role 24 March 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to become our Director of Fundraising and Communications, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

The Alumni Engagement Manager is a key role dedicated to nurturing lifelong relationships between the School and its global alumni and parent(s) of alumni community. By leading meaningful engagement, communications, and events, the role supports strategic initiatives that build a strong sense of community and encourage ongoing philanthropic support.

To apply for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK currently. We are unable to offer a visa sponsorship for this position.

Summary of duties and responsibilities:

Engagement and events:

• Execute a successful series of annual alumni and parents of alumni events locally and in the US, ensuring robust attendance, and driving successful event-based fundraisers when applicable

• Plan and support annual milestone reunions

• Schedule and host alumni tours and visits to the campus

• Actively facilitate meaningful networking and connection opportunities among current students, employees, and alumni, including alumni-to-alumni engagement

• Oversee the alumni and Grade 12 mentor program with the Office of Student Advising

• Manage the onboarding of the graduating Grade 12 class into the alumni network throughout the students’ final year at ASL, with event engagement and a fundraising appeal, in partnership with the high school leadership team

• Coordinate with the Director of Development and Giving Manager to annually promote fundraising appeals and giving challenges at alumni events and in alumni communications

Communications:

• Execute alumni communications in coordination with the Director of Development and the Communications team

• Write, design, and publish a monthly alumni newsletter, London Calling

• Research, meet, and conduct interviews with alumni of note in order to write monthly in-depth feature stories in London Calling

• Serve as lead on alumni networking software (ASLConnects, a Graduway site)

• Develop alumni content for ASL social media and online alumni platforms.

• Partner with the Giving Manager to drive success and class engagement during Grade 12 class gift campaign drive each year

• Monitor and provide updates for alumni web pages 

• Assist with copywriting for alumni fundraising around the Annual Fund and other fundraising initiatives as requested by the Director of Development

• Work with the Web Editor to ensure that alumni pages of ASL website are up-to-date, relevant, and compelling

Additional responsibilities:

• Design and occasionally send mass broadcast emails and invitations related to alumni and/or parents of alumni, in coordination with the Director of Development

• In partnership with the Communications team, build monthly London Calling features on ASL (a Finalsite website), including news stories, in memoriam notes, and class notes

• Handle daily alumni inbox communications, including processing web login and alumni portal access requests

• Manage the Eagle mascot volunteers, and select student-facing events 

• Photograph alumni and parents of alumni groups and events

• As requested, provide occasional copywriting and copy editing support to the rest of the Development team, including non–alumni specific projects

• Perform any other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job, including occasional weekend and evening hours for event coverage 

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A proven track record of event planning experience with high attention to detail, time management, budget oversight, specific management knowledge of AV and decor, and handling multiple event projects simultaneously

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized and a problem-solver, positive and friendly, strong people management and interpersonal skills

• Collaborative team colleague and a self-starter

• Ability to adjust to dynamic event environments with ease

• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Demonstrable alumni relations experience, building and developing effective relationships

• Educated at degree level

• Independent and/or international school experience

• Knowledge proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge

• Knowledge proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud

• Experience working with volunteers 

• Fundraising experience as it relates to cultivation and stewardship

• Experience working with effective digital marketing and communication tools including web-editing, social media communications and bulk email marketing

This is an exceptional opportunity at one of the world's most prestigious universities at a time of extraordinary ambition and philanthropic momentum. 

Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts
Employer: University of Oxford
Salary: £65,336 - £82,255 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record
Location: Oxford (Hybrid)

Here at the University of Oxford, we are recruiting three Associate Directors of Development – Principal Gifts to join our incredible team. These are new positions, part of an expansion of our friendly, collaborative and successful Principal Gifts team.

As Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts, you will operate at the highest levels of the University to secure transformational gifts at the eight-figure-plus level, advancing Oxford’s mission and global impact.  Your work will help ensure that Oxford continues to attract the brightest minds, pursue world-leading research, and address the most urgent challenges facing humanity.

You will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer, Director of Development – Principal Gifts, and other senior leaders to align principal gift opportunities with institutional priorities and articulate a compelling case for support to some of the world’s most significant philanthropists.

Your impact will be enduring – enabling breakthrough discoveries, expanding opportunity for students, and strengthening Oxford’s position as a global leader in education and research.  The Associate Director of Development role offers the chance not only to secure transformational gifts, but also to shape the future of Oxford’s philanthropic culture and leave a legacy at an institution that has been changing the world for over nine centuries.

This is a chance to join a dedicated, professional and ambitious team at a time when Oxford’s fundraising is at unprecedented levels. With strong support from the Vice-Chancellor, a proven track record of principal gift success, and an unparalleled global reputation, you will have every opportunity to make your mark, both at Oxford and in your career.

You will be passionate about what we do here, not phased by complexity and ambiguity, and comfortable orchestrating a myriad of stakeholders.  We hope to hear from you!

The University of Oxford is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

Closing date: midnight on Monday, 6 April 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

No agencies please

Harris Hill are partnering up with a independent school based in South East London who are searching for a new Development and Alumnae Relations Officer.

This role is fantastic as it offer a broad overview of high value fundraising. It is also brilliant for someone who is looking to step up within high value fundraising from an Assistant. You will be working with a small but mighty team, and have the ability to lead on some 5 figure and build relationships with alumni too.

Job title: Development and Alumnae Relations Officer
Location: SE London 4 days a week
Grade and salary: £34,000 - £36,400
Hours: Flexible
Contract type: Permanent
Reporting to: Head of Development

Responsibilities within this role will include:
• Develop, implement and deliver the philanthropy fundraising plans, to achieve long-term income growth.
• Accountable for achieving targets in line with the annual business plan.
• Develop and implement individual cultivation and stewardship plans to motivate and ensure repeat support, including organising cultivation and stewardship events.
• Research donors/funders and produce compelling asks, proposals and presentations in line with our objectives and their requirements and interests.

To be considered for this role:
• You will experience working with major donors or corporate partnerships or Trusts.
• Ideally a brilliant relationship builder.
• Can research and has experience of working on or bringing in 5 figure gifts+
• Perfect for someone in the Schools, Higher Education or the Arts and Heritage development space.

If you would like to have a chat to learn more about this role and to receive a full job description please contact Hannah at Harris Hill on [email protected] or call her on 02078207331.

The deadline is on the 18th March and will require a CV and Covering letter.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

You will be part of a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing young people academically, emotionally and spiritually. Seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising, community engagement, and alumni relations activity across our family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led educational trust and play a strategic role in supporting life-changing bursaries, major development projects, and the flourishing of our parent and alumni communities. Working closely with the COO, Heads, Governors, and our dedicated volunteer networks, you will champion a culture of philanthropy, belonging, and long-term support for our schools.

As Development Manager, you will:
Lead the Fundraising Strategy - Design and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on bursaries and capital projects
Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects
Develop a strong, sustainable donor pipeline
Monitor fundraising performance and share regular progress updates with senior leaders.
Line manage the Development Assistant
Grow Our Alumni & Parent Communities
Create a vibrant alumni programme shaped around events, storytelling, and engagement opportunities
Oversee alumni data management and ensure GDPR compliance
Coordinate high-quality alumni communications, reunions, and digital content
Support & Empower Volunteers
Act as the main liaison for parent-led groups, providing guidance and partnership
Support community events such as fairs, auctions, uniform sales and fundraising initiatives
Deliver Inspiring Communications & Events
Work with Marketing to champion development of stories across digital and print channels
Produce engaging content that demonstrates the impact of giving
Plan and deliver stewardship and cultivation events, including receptions, legacy gatherings and giving campaigns.
Oversee development administration, correspondence, databases, and budgets
Travel is required one day a week to their other site in surrey

About You
Proven success in fundraising, development, alumni relations or stakeholder engagement
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Strong written and verbal communication, including ability to create persuasive content
Experience managing multiple projects strategically and efficiently
Confident using CRM systems and working with donor/alumni data
Experience leading or mentoring staff
A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
Experience working with senior leadership or major donors
Knowledge of GDPR and charity sector compliance
Understanding of donor stewardship, major gifts or planned giving

If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with an up-to-date word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Please do feel free to get in contact to discuss this role in detail or if you have any queries.

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George Watson’s College is looking for an organised and detail-focused Operations Officer to support the work of our Development Office. 

This varied role plays a key part in managing the financial, operational and data systems that underpin fundraising and alumni engagement. The Operations Officer is responsible for accurately processing and reporting philanthropic income, managing the Development CRM (Raisers Edge), and working closely with the Finance Team to ensure strong controls, compliance and high-quality information. 

We are seeking someone who enjoys working with data and systems, has a keen eye for detail, and values collaboration. In return, you’ll join a supportive school community and contribute to work that helps strengthen connections with alumni and create long-term impact for George Watson’s College. 

Hours of work: 29 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, with the requirement for some evening and weekend work, as well as travel within Scotland and the UK. Flexibility is therefore required. 

Salary: £36,721 - £41,838 (Based to 36.25 hours and 52 weeks) this equates to £29,376 - £33,470 (Based on 29 hours per week) 

Benefits: Seven weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year, automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club) 

Will you accept the challenge?

Right now, is Manchester’s time to shine. At the end of 2025 we launched our first ever fundraising and volunteering campaign, “ Challenge Accepted”. This campaign, unprecedented in Manchester’s history, will increase both reach and impact, engaging broader audiences and encouraging participation from the University community in fundraising and volunteer activities.

Manchester individuals distinguish themselves through shared values such as integrity, boldness, ambition, and collaboration. We are also united by a pioneering spirit and the determination to effect positive change. If you possess a fearless character, strong optimism, and a commitment to promoting a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world, we encourage you to contact us.

Details of the role

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy (Health), and working in a team of major gift fundraisers, you will be responsible for securing six-figure gifts across a range of life-changing priorities spanning students, research and innovation. This post will work closely with colleagues across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health to deliver major gifts into priority areas including cancer, brain health and health inequalities. The post will support the Division’s efforts to develop and implement the health fundraising strategy in order to significantly increase philanthropic income.

An exceptional major gift fundraiser, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of relationships to secure six-figure gifts. You will proactively build the pipeline, demonstrating a creative approach to reach potential new donors. You will develop creative and effective engagement, cultivation and stewardship plans that deepen prospect relationships and inspire future support.

You will have experience working within a team whilst working towards personal targets. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are results orientated, persuasive and have exceptional negotiation skills.

You will work in collaboration with colleagues in areas including Alumni Engagement, Regular Giving and Donor Relations to identify opportunities to maximise fundraising income and give our donors the very best supporter experience possible. And you’ll work together with colleagues across the University to help embed a culture of fundraising at Manchester.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers, and more.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

University of the Arts London (UAL) is looking for an experienced, confident and relationship-focussed full-time fundraiser to join as Partnerships Manager, to help build deep and meaningful relationships with corporate donors and prospective corporate donors who have the potential to transform the future and impact of UAL.

The Partnerships Manager will raise philanthropic income from new business and existing corporate partnerships to further innovative research, education, capital and student support and other UAL core priorities. The role is based within the Development & Alumni Relations team.

Applicants must apply via the University of the Arts London website, where full details of the role including the Job Description/Job Spec and benefits of working at the Univesity can be foundVacancy ID: 12262

Closing Date for applications: 20 March 2026  17:00 

Interview Date: 14 April 2026 

The BRIT School is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Communications to lead an evolving communications strategy that ensures the School remains the first choice for young, diverse artists.

This senior role has strategic responsibility for marketing, digital and social media, PR, alumni engagement, and brand management. You will be working directly with Principal Stuart Worden and be his voice in press releases, communications with industry, fundraising and lobbying environments. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Development Team, Trustees, and industry partners, the postholder will play a pivotal role in driving student recruitment, strengthening industry relationships, supporting fundraising ambitions, and enhancing the School’s national and international profile.

You are an experienced strategic marketing and communications leader with a passion for arts and education at senior level, you know how to build powerful brands, lead talented teams, and deliver campaigns that inspire, engage and drive real impact. Collaborative, adaptable and values-led, you bring strong digital, PR and storytelling skills, commercial awareness, and a genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion—thriving in a creative, fast-moving environment.

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Head of Programmes to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping our fast-growing Martingale Scholarship Programme.

As Head of Programmes, you will join our senior management team, overseeing the growing programmes team. Working closely with the CEO, you will oversee all aspects of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme from application to alumni, ensuring that the programme maintains a strong reputation for being both supportive and prestigious.

You will set the strategic direction of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme, working closely with the CEO on a day-to-day basis to ensure that as we expand across STEM the programme remains of a high quality and meeting Martingale’s mission. You will ensure that Martingale’s programmes are impactful, data informed and meet the needs of the scholars we are supporting. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with various external stakeholders including universities, funders and evaluation partners.

We are looking for a strong strategic leader with extensive programme experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Head of Programmes will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership of the Scholarship Programme

• Provide strategic oversight of the end-to-end Martingale Scholarship lifecycle, from selection and admissions through to scholar progression and alumni outcomes.
• Develop and deliver a multi-year operational strategy for Martingale’s Development Programme (MDP), ensuring scalability, academic excellence, and alignment with organisational growth plans.
• Continuously refine the scholar journey to ensure it is sector-leading, prestigious, and tailored to the needs of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Build deep expertise in postgraduate education, research culture, and enabling access to inform programme evolution and innovation.

Admissions & Selection Strategy

• Lead the design, governance, and continuous improvement of a rigorous, fair, and high-quality admissions and assessment process across subject areas.
• Oversee shortlisting, interview frameworks, assessment centres, and final scholarship recommendations to the Selection Committee.
• Ensure alignment between Martingale’s selection processes and university partner requirements.
• Maintain oversight of scholar allocation, including place management, deferrals, intermissions, withdrawals, and reallocations.

Scholar Experience & Case Management

• Ensure effective advocacy for Scholars including maximising progression and retention across cohorts.
• Oversee complex scholar casework, including deferrals, intermissions, safeguarding concerns, funding queries, disciplinary action and university liaison.
• Ensure consistent, professional, and high-touch support across the scholar lifecycle.
• Strengthen cohort cohesion and long-term alumni engagement.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Martingale, ensuring safeguarding policy implementation and record keeping in line with best practice in relation to vulnerable adults.
• Oversee data protection compliance relating to scholar and applicant data, in partnership with the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure programme delivery complies with charity, funding, and regulatory requirements.

Budget, Contracting & Financial Oversight

• Hold responsibility for programme budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control, and value for money.
• Oversee scholarship programme financial management, and work with Head of Strategy and Operations on onwards grants including deferrals, funding adjustments, and invoicing.
• Work with the Head of Strategy and Operations on university contracting, scholarship agreements, and financial reconciliation with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and reporting processes across programme operations.

University & Sector Partnerships (Programme-Focused)

• Lead programme-level relationships with university partners, including Heads of Departments, Graduate Tutors, CDT leads, and admissions teams.
• Ensure universities meet partnership commitments and that Scholars are appropriately supported institutionally.
• Contribute to partnership negotiations where programme design or operational delivery is concerned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen university research culture and scholar support mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Lead development and oversight of Martingale’s Theory of Change and evaluation framework, working with our external independent evaluators.
• Develop robust systems to track scholar progression, outcomes, and programme effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality reporting to the CEO, Board, funders, and partners, evidencing impact and continuous improvement.

New Programme Development & Innovation

• Work with the CEO to design new subject expansions, pilots, or initiatives aligned to Martingale’s mission.
• Assess operational, financial, and reputational implications of programme growth.
• Develop business cases, delivery models, and implementation plans for expansion.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Provide senior leadership to the Programmes team, including line management of programme staff.
• Build a high-performing, mission-driven team with clear accountability and ownership.
• Develop succession planning and team capability as Martingale scales.
• Model Martingale’s values of excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful support.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and governance.
• Represent Martingale externally in academic, sector, and policy contexts where appropriate.
• Support Board and Committee reporting related to programme performance and scholar outcomes.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Significant experience leading and delivering high-quality programmes, ideally in higher education, research, scholarships, or a mission-driven organisation.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with evidence of working effectively with universities, academics, funders, or equivalent partners.
• Proven line management experience, with the ability to develop and lead a high-performing team.
• Experience managing complex operational delivery, including planning, timelines, and coordinating multiple moving parts.
• Strong experience handling sensitive casework and providing professional support to individuals.
• Budget management experience, including planning and overseeing programme delivery costs.
• Excellent written communication skills, including producing clear reports and briefings for senior audiences.
• Commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and compliance, with willingness to act as safeguarding lead.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with postgraduate research, PhD programmes, or doctoral training environments.
• Experience designing or overseeing selection and assessment processes (e.g. interviews, admissions, recruitment pipelines).
• Experience managing programme evaluation frameworks, including Theory of Change and external evaluators.
• Familiarity with contracting, invoicing, and operational finance processes.
• Knowledge of UK higher education systems and research culture.
• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up, or fast-growing charity.

Personal Characteristics

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong judgement, discretion and professionalism, including ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

The Survivor Engagement and Activism Coordinator leads the Helen Bamber Foundation’s work to ensure that survivors of trafficking, torture, and human rights abuses are meaningfully involved in shaping services, influencing policy, and driving social change. Working within the Community and Integration team, the post holder safeguards and supports clients as they participate in advocacy, leadership, and organisational development projects.

They oversee key survivor engagement programmes, including the Ambassadors for Change advocacy and leadership programme, the Client Voices Forum, the Board Advisers, and the Alumni Network. This involves coordinating training, facilitating meetings, supporting campaigns, managing administrative processes, and ensuring survivors are prepared, empowered, and safe throughout their involvement.

The role also involves developing innovative ways for survivors to collaborate with staff, contributing to service design, organisational strategy, and sector-wide initiatives. The post holder builds relationships across the asylum and modern slavery sectors, manages lived experience opportunities, and may support client progression and education casework when needed.

Throughout all responsibilities, the Coordinator champions survivor leadership, promotes diversity and inclusion, maintains the ethos of the charity, and practices strong self-care while working with traumatic material.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated professional interested in working in a thriving and successful Development team. We are seeking an individual who has the skills and determination to help support the University’s trust and foundation fundraising and enjoys working as part of a happy and vibrant in-house/remote team.

Working to support the Senior Development Manager, Trusts and Foundations; the Development Officer, Trusts and Foundations, will help to deliver the trust and foundation fundraising strategy. The post-holder will work alongside Development colleagues to identify funding opportunities both in the UK and internationally. The post-holder will have responsibility for securing significant new funds to support the strategic priorities of our £300 million fundraising campaign which covers a wide range of areas. This work will focus particularly on proposals for four and five figure gifts.

The post-holder will assist the Senior Development Manager, Trusts and Foundations, in cultivating currently engaged and new trusts, foundations and charities. They will work with the Senior Development Assistant (Research) to grow the pipeline of giving through research into suitable trusts and foundations whose aims are closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the University.

The post-holder will have experience of trust and foundation fundraising accompanied by a sound knowledge of university fundraising. They will be a creative and strategic thinker and possess excellent communication skills with the ability to work proactively, both internally and externally. This role will require knowledge of trust and foundation funders, excellent written communication skills and a high level of attention to detail.

Above all, the post-holder must be passionate about the role that philanthropy plays in supporting higher education for the benefit of society as a whole.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:

•       Financial contribution to relocation

•       Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions

•        A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance

•        Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services

•       Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel

•       Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

•          34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

Closing date: 11 March 2026

Interview date: 19 March 2026