Description

Ref Number
C16-00269
Professional Expertise
Fundraising and Philanthropy
Department
Vice-President (Advancement) (C16)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£54,931-£64,644
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
14-Apr-2026
 

About us
 

We are UCL: a diverse community with the freedom to challenge and think differently. The world urgently needs solutions to diverse problems. UCL was founded 200 years ago on the generosity of a collective of people who believed in an institution that could drive forward those solutions. The world needed collective support then, and it needs it again now.

In response, UCL has launched Here, it will happen, our biggest philanthropic and engagement campaign yet. Here, it will happen sets out our ambitions to solve global health, societal, climate and education challenges in UCL’s next century. Here, we have the determination to double down on our discoveries, translate our innovations into impact and inspire the citizens of the future.

There has never been a more exciting time to join UCL Advancement. We are a team of exceptionally ambitious, creative and passionate individuals who work together to achieve remarkable things with a global impact, and we would love for you to be part of this exciting journey and our success. Here, it will happen.

About the role
 

As Head of Philanthropy Planning and Financial Administration, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how UCL plans for, accounts for and reports on philanthropic income across the university. This is a highly collaborative and cross-cutting role, working closely with senior colleagues across Advancement, Finance, Faculties, Estates and wider UCL to provide financial expertise, insight and influence in support of philanthropy as a growing and increasingly important income stream.

You will lead on financial planning for major philanthropic opportunities, supporting the development of robust financial models, business cases and reporting approaches that align with UCL’s wider financial strategy. You will also contribute to the development of consistent management information, help reconcile financial reporting with campaign reporting, and support the creation of clear and effective policies and procedures for philanthropic activity.

The role will be central to strengthening ways of working between Advancement and Finance, acting as a key point of contact for financial matters relating to philanthropy. You will help ensure that philanthropic funds are managed effectively, donor intent is respected, and colleagues across UCL are equipped with the guidance, frameworks and insight they need to make informed decisions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape an area of growing strategic importance at UCL as we prepare for our bicentennial campaign and the next chapter of philanthropic ambition.

We are happy to consider applications to work on a part-time/flexible basis wherever possible (minimum 0.8 FTE – equivalent of 4 days per week, stated salary to be pro-rata).

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 20% on site.

To find out more about the role, please contact , by email: .

Please use the attach cover letter upload option to tell us how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification.

For more information about UCL Advancement, please visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/giving

About you
 

A qualified accountant, you have up-to-date technical knowledge and experience of delivering high-quality financial analysis, reporting and policy development in a complex environment. Crucially, you are confident in translating complex financial information into clear, accessible insights for non-specialist audiences, enabling colleagues and senior stakeholders to make informed and confident decisions.

You bring exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to build trust and credibility quickly across a wide range of stakeholders. You are comfortable working with colleagues at all levels, adapting your style to suit your audience, and presenting complex or nuanced information in a way that is clear, engaging and actionable. You enjoy working collaboratively and will take a proactive, solutions-focused approach to supporting others.

You are an effective influencer, able to navigate complexity and differing priorities, and to bring people with you through clarity of thought, strong judgement and excellent communication. You will be skilled at identifying key issues, simplifying complexity and developing practical, proportionate solutions that work in a real-world, operational context.

Alongside this, you have strong organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. You are confident using Excel and other Microsoft Office tools to support your work, and comfortable presenting information to senior audiences in a clear and compelling way.

Experience of philanthropy, fundraising administration, or grant policy and delivery would be highly desirable, as would experience of working in Higher Education. Above all, we are looking for someone who combines financial expertise with outstanding communication skills, collaborative working and a genuine interest in supporting UCL’s philanthropic ambitions.

We are pleased to accept applications from individuals who possess transferable skills and experience drawn from sectors outside of Higher Education.

What we offer
 

We know that our people are our greatest asset and in return we provide an empowering environment where personal and professional growth is invested in. We offer agile working and flexibility around working hours. Working with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure days and bank holidays. Visit www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance
   

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
 

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

download: Head of Philanthropy Planning and Administration JD.docx