Executive Business Manager

Department/Location: University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations, Cambridge

Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where your ability to anticipate, organise, and influence makes a real difference? Would you like to work at the heart of one of Europes most successful fundraising operations, ensuring senior leaders have the space to deliver transformational impact?

We are seeking an Executive Business Manager to play a central role within the Development and Alumni Relations office. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations and the Campaign Director, shaping the success of the Universitys next major philanthropic campaign.

This high-profile role offers variety, visibility, and the chance to work at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and relationship management. You will oversee the smooth running of the Executive Office, lead a talented support team, and act as a trusted partner to senior leaders in Cambridge and beyond.

Why this role? Why now?

As we prepare for our next landmark campaign, the Executive Office is central to ensuring momentum, coordination, and excellence across a complex, high-performing organisation. From engaging with senior academics, College leaders, and donors to coordinating high-profile events and campaign boards, your work will directly support the delivery of the Universitys philanthropic ambitions.

What you'll do:

• Lead the strategic and operational coordination of the Executive Office, ensuring the Executive Directors time and influence are maximised.
• Influence the executive support function within Development, embedding best practice across diaries, administration, travel, and stakeholder engagement.
• Draft high-level communications and briefings, supporting the Executive Directors work with campaign boards, senior leaders, and global donors.
• Act as a trusted representative of the Executive Director with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to systems and processes to ensure service excellence across the executive office.

Who were looking for:

We are looking for a confident, strategic, and highly organised professional who can bring both authority and discretion to a fast-paced leadership environment. Youll need to be highly collaborative, resilient, and comfortable working with senior figures inside and outside the University.

You'll have:

• Senior-level experience in executive support or office management within a complex organisation.
• A proven track record of managing and developing staff, with strong leadership skills.
• Exceptional organisational, project management, and communication skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive issues with diplomacy, judgement, and professionalism.
• Experience coordinating high-profile events, ideally in a fundraising or external relations context (desirable).

This is a rare opportunity to step into a role that combines strategic influence, leadership, and operational excellence at the very centre of one of the worlds great universities.

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

The closing date for this position is Friday 10 October. 

Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place in the week commencing 20 October.

Please quote reference DH47374 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.

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