Head of Development and Alumni

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.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026

Who we are

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. With students from more than 185 countries, our community is driven by curiosity, collaboration and the desire to make a difference. Our research spans health, sustainability, creativity and technology, and we are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England. We are also one of the UK s leading universities for degree apprenticeships, working with hundreds of employers to equip students for meaningful careers.

The opportunity

This is an exciting and pivotal moment for ARU s Development and Alumni function. Now three and a half years old, the team 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.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence at a senior level and help shape a visible culture of philanthropy across the university. You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, and harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. This role will also connect with our expanding international development remit, opening new opportunities to engage ARU s global alumni community and build relationships that have both regional and worldwide impact.

About you

You will bring a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management, with experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leader, you will inspire your team and colleagues to achieve shared success, building collaboration and creativity across the function.

You will be skilled at 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 would be an advantage, as would familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser s Edge and the use of digital and AI-driven approaches to engagement.

Above all, you will share our belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of philanthropy in unlocking opportunity, driving inclusion and changing lives.

At ARU, you will join a values-led institution where ambition, integrity and community shape everything we do. You will be part of a supportive environment that encourages innovation, nurtures potential and celebrates success.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

This advert will come down before the role closes, so please be aware that the closing date is 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 and to visit Peridot Partners for the full details and the job pack.