Director of Programmes and Strategy

About St Edmund’s College

St Edmund’s is a unique and vibrant college within the University of Cambridge, welcoming mature undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 85 nationalities. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the College is entering an exciting new phase of strategic development.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of Cambridge’s most international and inclusive colleges. This includes working with the College’s Von Hügel Institute (VHI) which undertakes interdisciplinary research related to advanced study focused on contemporary realities and dedicated to encounter, dialogue, and transformation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary Director of Programmes and Strategy to join our senior leadership team. This newly created role will be instrumental in shaping and delivering innovative programmes that advance the College’s mission and charitable aims - Education, Religion, Learning, and Research.

This year, the University of Notre Dame (USA) and St Edmund’s renewed an MoU to develop collaborations across the full range of academic disciplines, built upon a shared Catholic foundation. This new role brings much needed capacity to ensure the College makes the most of the opportunities this relationship offers.

The postholder will also lead the VHI’s programme activities focused on Arts and Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Technology, and Global Justice.

Key Responsibilities

As Director of Programmes and Strategy, you will:

• Lead the development of strategic programmes that reflect the College’s academic and charitable aims.
• Build and nurture partnerships with academic institutions, philanthropic organisations, and external stakeholders.
• Design and oversee innovative initiatives that attract funding and enhance the College’s visibility and impact.
• Strengthen internal capacity by creating sustainable structures and agile processes.
• Support the VHI Director in delivering the Institute’s research and outreach activities (approximately 25% of the role).

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a college that is redefining what it means to be part of Cambridge. We’re therefore seeking a collaborative leader who has proven experience in strategic leadership, programme development, or institutional advancement. Candidates should be skilled in building networks and engaging stakeholders as well as able to deliver complex projects with measurable outcomes.

A passion for innovation and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is a must and experience in higher education or research environments, and familiarity with philanthropic fundraising, would be an advantage.

Application Process

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 19^th October 2025

If you are unable to apply online, email your application to response.manager@berwickpartners.co.uk

Please also complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form at the end of the application process.

For queries, contact: Clare Bromley, Principal Researcher, Berwick Partners Clare.Bromley@berwickpartners.co.uk

Advert information