Director of Development

The opportunity

The role of Director of Development and Alumni Relations is pivotal in our efforts to build and sustain a robust culture of philanthropy and engagement. We have established partnerships with major global brands, strong relationships with local and international foundations, and a network of individual philanthropists who support our students and our work directly. You will help us take these relationships to the next level, in support of our ambitious strategy, The World Needs Creativity.

Working closely with university leaders and our Court of Governors, you will lead a dedicated team focused on cultivating meaningful relationships with our alumni, supporters, and potential donors. Your leadership will be crucial in developing and implementing strategies to increase philanthropic support and strengthen our alumni community, ensuring that we continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our students and maintain our position as a trailblazer in art and design education.

This is not just a job; it is a chance to be at the heart of an institution that is globally recognised for its influence and excellence in the creative industries and its commitment to social purpose: offering creative leadership for people and planet. You will have the opportunity to work closely with our dynamic academic and student community, harnessing their energy and vision to inspire support and drive transformative initiatives. 

About you

The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of fundraising and alumni relations within a complex and inspiring environment, alongside a strategic mindset and exceptional leadership skills. We seek someone who is not only experienced but also passionate about the impact of philanthropy on education and the arts. 

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) offers an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts. We are a collegiate University spread across London with six Colleges, four Institutes and five Research Centres. UAL also has two subsidiary companies, delivering specialist activities – UAL Short Courses Ltd, and UAL Arts Temps Ltd.

We’re made up of all types of people, coming together in London, the world’s creative capital. We are designers, artists, performers, thinkers, researchers and makers. Our students, staff and graduates form a global network of creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders. Together, our ideas change the world. Because the world needs creativity.

We are ranked highly across the board. We are ranked first for specialist art and design, second in the world for Art and Design in the 2023 QS World University Rankings (for the fifth year in a row), ranked fifth in sustainability and two of our colleges were rated in the top three fashion schools in the world.

Our culture

We have become one of the world’s most international Universities, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. And, as a global university, staff and students learn from different cultures and perspectives, which leads to new conversations and innovative work. At our very core, everything we do seeks to challenge the status quo by driving social purpose and standing up for what matters.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including those who may feel underrepresented in the workforce due to their socioeconomic circumstances such as those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.) backgrounds. We aim to be a university where everyone can be themselves and are supported to reach their full potential.

With our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are proud to be a Race Equality Charter (REC) member to help us reduce barriers that negatively impacts B.A.M.E. staff, a Stonewall Diversity Champion to ensure all LGBTQ+ people are valued at work, a Disability Confident Scheme Committed employer and member of the Business Disability Forum which help us to improve the lives of disabled people in the workplace.

Apply

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.

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