Lead a team. Influence strategy. Connect a global community.

With more than 340,000 alumni worldwide, the University of Cambridge has an extraordinary network of people whose experiences, achievements and connections span almost every sector and corner of the world.

We are looking for an experienced leader to join us as Head of Alumni Programming on a six-month secondment, taking responsibility for the team that develops and delivers our global alumni engagement programme.

This is an opportunity to combine people leadership, strategic planning and creative programme development, working with colleagues across the University to strengthen lifelong relationships with our alumni.

This secondment offers an opportunity to gain experience in the role while recruitment for the permanent position takes place. It may particularly appeal to those interested in exploring the role as a longer-term career opportunity, although appointment to the permanent position would be subject to a separate recruitment process.

There may also be scope to extend the secondment should the permanent recruitment process take longer than anticipated, subject to the necessary approvals.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement and joining our Extended Leadership Team, you will provide leadership and support to the Alumni Programming team, ensuring colleagues have the clarity and confidence to do their best work.

You will take responsibility for the management and performance of the team, its activities and resources, while helping to shape a coordinated, audience-focused approach to alumni communications and engagement.

Your responsibilities will include:

Managing and motivating the team, setting clear objectives, supporting professional development, managing performance and creating a positive, accountable and collaborative working environment.
Leading the Alumni Programming team to deliver an portfolio of alumni events and content, ensuring high-quality, audience-focused engagement across multiple channels.
Building on existing audience insights and segmentation approaches, use data analysis to continually enhance content and programming that reflects alumni interests and encourages advocacy, volunteering and philanthropy.
Managing budgets, priorities and resources, ensuring complex programmes are delivered effectively and colleagues across different teams work together successfully.

You will also represent Alumni Engagement at relevant meetings and events, with occasional UK and international travel.

About you

You will be an experienced people manager who can provide clear direction, support colleagues and deliver results from the outset.

You will bring experience of leading alumni, membership or comparable audience engagement programmes, alongside strong strategic planning, communications and operational management skills. You will be confident managing complex projects, working with senior stakeholders and using data to inform decisions and improve performance.

You will understand the importance of building lasting relationships and be comfortable balancing competing priorities while maintaining high standards of delivery.

We welcome applications from individuals whose relevant experience has been gained across different sectors, including higher education, membership organisations, charities and commercial environments. What matters is your ability to apply that experience effectively in this role.

You will join a welcoming, knowledgeable and committed team where collaboration matters, individual contributions are valued and there is a shared ambition to deliver excellent work.

If you are an experienced leader who enjoys developing people, building relationships and making a meaningful contribution, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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Advert information

Type / Role: Academic-related

Location(s): Cambridge

Salary: 63,606 to 67,468

Reference: DH51391

Published: 15 October 2026

Closing date: 29 October 2026