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 & perspectives & are committed to building an inclusive, forward-thinking community.

Exceptional benefits

Competitive salary progression, generous pension contributions through USS & access to Cambridge's unique cultural & 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 & turning plans into practical progress, this is a rare opportunity to shape meaningful impact at scale.

Do your best work here.

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

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

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