Head of Advancement Communications (Part-time Cover)

This is a senior interim opportunity to provide communications leadership and continuity across advancement activity at a pivotal moment, as the University of Cambridge prepares for its next major fundraising and engagement campaign.

Initially offered on a 2-day per week basis, the role focuses on strategic oversight, stakeholder advice and editorial leadership, ensuring high-value communications land with clarity, consistency and impact. There is scope to increase to full-time to cover a period of extended leave. Applications from those seeking part-time only are encouraged, with flexibility around how full coverage is achieved.

This is an opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and shape how complex, high-impact work is communicated to a global audience.

What the Role Involves

This is a senior oversight role rather than delivery-focused. You will:

• Provide strategic direction across advancement communications
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders
• Ensure clarity, consistency and quality across key outputs
• Guide messaging, tone and positioning, including sensitive situations
• Support team prioritisation across competing demands

The role spans fundraising communications, external content, internal messaging and senior stakeholder communications. 

How the Role Works (Part-Time) 

In its initial 2-day structure, the focus is on high-value input rather than day-to-day management. This includes:

• Strategic direction on priority communications
• Advice on complex or high-profile issues
• Reviewing and shaping key messaging
• Supporting prioritisation and clarity 

Delivery and operational communications remain with the existing team.

How the Role May Evolve 

There is potential for the role to expand to full-time during a period of extended leave, including:

• Leadership of the communications function
• Oversight across all workstreams
• Greater involvement in planning and resourcing
• Increased presence in senior forums

A part-time structure remains viable, with alternative arrangements to ensure full coverage if needed.

Who We are Looking For 

We are seeking a senior communications professional with: 

• Strong experience in strategic communications leadership
• Confidence advising and influencing senior stakeholders
• Excellent editorial judgement and storytelling ability
• Ability to translate complex material into clear narratives 

Experience in fundraising or similarly complex organisations is beneficial but not essential.

What Success Looks Like

• Stakeholders are well supported and confident in communications decisions
• Outputs are high quality, consistent and on message
• The team has clear direction and prioritisation
• Sensitive communications are handled with sound judgement

This is a flexible senior interim role combining strategic leadership with the opportunity to shape communications at a critical moment.

University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations. Do your best work here.

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

The closing date for this position is midnight on the 28th of April 2026.

Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 8th of May 2026.

Please quote reference DH49283 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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