An exciting opportunity to shape the future of external partnerships at one of the UK's most distinctive universities, building influential relationships, driving income generation and creating opportunities for innovation, collaboration and long-term growth.
About the University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is a unique institution, recognised for its pioneering approach to higher education, personalised learning experience and commitment to academic excellence. As the UK's only private university with a Royal Charter, it has a proud history of innovation, including introducing the country's first accelerated two-year degree.
With ambitious plans for the future, the University is seeking to strengthen its external partnerships, expand its reach and develop new opportunities for collaboration and sustainable income generation.
The role
Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of Partnership Development will provide strategic leadership in developing high-value partnerships across business, industry, government, education and philanthropy.
You will play a pivotal role in identifying new opportunities, building relationships with senior stakeholders and securing partnerships that support the University's long-term ambitions. This is a broad, externally focused role, combining strategic business development, income generation and philanthropic fundraising with opportunities to support research, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and secure high-value strategic partnerships across a range of sectors.
- Build and maintain influential relationships with senior business leaders, funders and philanthropic supporters.
- Identify opportunities for commercial collaboration, research, innovation and income diversification.
- Lead the development of major philanthropic opportunities, including gifts, donations and endowments.
- Work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership to deliver ambitious partnership and income-generation objectives.
About you
We are seeking a commercially astute, highly credible and well-connected senior professional with a successful track record in strategic partnerships, business development, fundraising or external engagement.
You will bring:
- Proven success in securing significant partnerships, collaborations or philanthropic support.
- Strong commercial awareness, strategic thinking and financial acumen.
- The confidence and credibility to engage and influence at Board and executive level.
- Exceptional relationship-building, communication and negotiation skills.
- An entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to identify opportunities and turn relationships into tangible results.
Experience in higher education would be advantageous but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates across the commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors who can demonstrate the ability to build valuable partnerships and generate sustainable income.
Location: Buckingham
Salary: Circa £80,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
How to apply
For a full candidate information pack and details of how to apply, please contact:
Dagmara Wolosiuk - De Paula- dagmara.depaula@harrishill.co.uk| 020 7820 7315
Faye Marshall – faye.marshall@harrishill.co.uk| 020 7820 7303
Closing date: 9am, Monday 16 th November
Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and a leading charity recruitment agency. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality or other protected characteristics.
