Academic ConnectProgramme & Organisational Effectiveness Lead
Programme & Organisational Effectiveness Lead
Please note: This role will be known internally as Advancement Services Programme Manager.
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.
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
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 effectiveness
- Confidence 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:
A meaningful mission
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.
Do your best work here.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for this position is midnight on the 5th of April 2026.
First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 13th of April.
Second round interviews are anticipated to take place on the 20th of April.
Please quote reference DH48800 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations
Salary
£47,389-£59,966
Reference
DH48800
Category
Date published
25 February 2026
Closing date
5 April 2026
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