Head of Development and Alumni | Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

Head of Development and Alumni – Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

This is your chance to lead a growing and high‑profile team at the heart of ARU’s future – building lifelong relationships and a culture of giving that makes a lasting difference.

• Location: Cambridge/Chelmsford with travel across campuses and/or overseas as required.

About the University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, inclusive, and globally engaged university that transforms lives through innovative, entrepreneurial, and socially impactful education and research. Named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and rated Gold in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we are recognised for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.

The Opportunity

Our Development and Alumni team is three and a half years old and has already established early strengths in major donor, trust and foundation fundraising, and plays an important role in advancing ARU’s mission around participation and social mobility.

We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to shape the next phase of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy. You will build on strong foundations to develop an integrated and creative approach across fundraising and alumni relations, creating a clearer narrative and a consistent, values‑led experience for supporters.

You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement, and connect with our expanding international remit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development and Alumni team, setting strategy and direction. • Build and nurture relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners. • Develop compelling cases for support and use data, storytelling and CRM systems to inspire generosity. • Drive a culture of philanthropy across the university, collaborating closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice‑Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management across individuals, trusts and corporates.
• Confident and inclusive leader able to inspire a team and build collaboration across functions.
• Skilled in developing compelling cases for support and using insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose.
• Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission‑driven organisation is an advantage.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and with digital and AI‑driven engagement approaches.
• Passion for the transformative power of education and philanthropy in driving inclusion and opportunity.

Application Process

To formally apply, please submit a CV and a supporting statement letter that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria. Send your application to: response@peridotpartners.co.uk (please ensure to insert “Application – ARU, Head of Development” in the subject field).

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, you can email the advising consultant at Peridot Partners.

Timetable

• Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026
• Candidates informed of outcome: By COB, Friday 9th January 2026
• First stage interviews: W/C Monday 12th January 2026
• Second stage interviews: W/C Monday 19th January 2026

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Peridot Partners and Anglia Ruskin University are committed to promoting equality and diversity. We strive to create a fair, inclusive, and bias‑free recruitment process and welcome applicants of all backgrounds. If you require any support or a job information pack in an alternative format, please let us know.

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