Known internally as Advancement Services Programme Manager
For more than 800 years, the University of Cambridge has shaped the world through education, research and collaboration. Today, philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling that impact.
At Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations, we build meaningful relationships with alumni and donors that power world-class research, life-changing scholarships and initiatives tackling global challenges. The University has been named as the UK’s top employer by the Financial Times.
Advancement Services is the operational engine behind this mission. Data, systems, insight, compliance and planning sit here. It is where ambition becomes structure, and strategy becomes delivery.
We are now appointing a senior Programme and Planning lead to work directly with the Senior Director of Advancement Services at the centre of this complex and ambitious portfolio.
The Opportunity
This is a visible, cross‑organisational role at the heart of a high‑performing advancement operation.
You will:
* Lead delivery of cross‑cutting change and improvement initiatives, including a multi‑year organisational effectiveness programme
* Bring structure and coherence to annual and strategic planning
* Maintain oversight of priorities, risks and interdependencies across the portfolio
* Support senior leaders to translate ambition into practical, measurable action
* Line manage a small business support team and strengthen operational foundations
This role does not define strategy. It ensures strategy is structured, coordinated and delivered effectively.
You will maintain oversight of what is happening across the organisation, spotting momentum, identifying blockers and ensuring effort is focused where it makes the greatest difference. Operating through influence rather than hierarchy, you will bring clarity, pace and constructive challenge. Success will come from judgement, credibility and your ability to simplify complexity so others can perform at their best.
What We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from candidates inside and outside higher education.
You may currently be a Programme Lead, Strategy Operations Lead, Head of Business Operations, Continuous Improvement Lead or similar. What matters most is that you bring:
* Experience leading programmes or portfolios that cut across multiple teams
* A strong track record in strategic and operational planning cycles
* Experience delivering organisational change that improves effectivenessConfidence working with senior stakeholders and providing clear, decision‑ready insight
* Experience leading or developing a small team
Professional accreditation in programme, project or change management is welcome but not essential.
Most importantly, you are practical, organised and collaborative. You ask good questions. You bring people with you. You help turn plans into steady progress.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to shape how a major global institution plans, prioritises and delivers its ambitions.
Being part of Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations means:
Your work directly enables breakthroughs in research, education and innovation that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Career growth and learning
Access to professional development, mentorship and the intellectual resources of a world‑class university.
Work‑life balance and wellbeing
Hybrid working, generous annual leave and a culture that supports flexibility and wellbeing.
Diversity and inclusion
We value diverse voices and perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive, forward‑thinking community.
Exceptional benefits
Competitive salary progression, generous pension contributions through USS and access to Cambridge’s unique cultural and learning environment.
This is a role for someone who enjoys working behind the scenes to make complex organisations work better. If you are energised by enabling others to succeed, bringing clarity to ambition and turning plans into practical progress, this is a rare opportunity to shape meaningful impact at scale.
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations - Do your best work here.
Closing Date - midnight April 5th 2026
First round interviews - week commencing 13th April
Second round interviews - week commencing 20th April
Full details of the role can be found in the candidate pack
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