Head of Strategic Events

The opportunity

UAL’s annual strategic event programme includes dinners and receptions for UAL donors, events hosted by the Vice Chancellor, and a range of engagement events for senior stakeholders. This includes UAL's most important institutional events, including Graduation ceremonies for 8,000+ students and their guests, and UAL’s all-staff Summer Party.

 

As Head of Strategic Events, you will work closely with the Associate Director of Strategic Events and Showcasing and support the development of event strategy and the management of events.

 

You will be responsible for planning, developing, and delivering events, acting as a university-wide advisor on event planning and delivery, managing budgets to ensure cost effectiveness and line managing the Events Manager and Events Officer.

 

You will also oversee events data management, including guest lists, RSVP tracking, and reporting, as well as ensure all events adhere to health & safety regulations, and develop evaluation frameworks to assess event success and shape future event planning.

Your profile

▪ You will need significant experience of leading and delivering events in a fundraising environment, such as gala dinners and bespoke cultivation and stewardship events.

▪You will also need experience of devising an events programme in collaboration with colleagues and setting and meeting objectives for a programme of events.

▪Demonstrable knowledge or understanding of arts and culture and knowledge of Raisers Edge databases is also essential. 

▪The ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of people, motivate and lead staff, and plan and manage large projects to achieve long-term objectives is equally important.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.