Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Individual Giving

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Competitive salary from £100,000 pa inclusive of London allowance

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-leading university, unique in its dedication to the social sciences. Led by our new President, Professor Larry Kramer, we are a global community of people and ideas in the heart of central London, ranking sixth in the world in the QS subject rankings 2024. Founded with the purpose of “the betterment of society” we are driven to “know the causes of things” and we are ambitious to be the leading social science university with the greatest global impact.   

Curious minds have been shaping the world for almost 130 years at LSE and our mission is more crucial than ever. At a time of extraordinary change and challenge, our core business of teaching and research will provide solutions, knowledge and discourse that is impactful and life-changing. Our Shaping the World Campaign is committed to raising £350 million in philanthropic income and to securing volunteer time and contributions to advance knowledge and understanding, support potential, and create a more hopeful, equitable and sustainable world. 

Our Shaping the World Campaign will reach its target in 2024, and we are developing the second phase of this endeavour, building on our success and momentum. Highlights include an unrestricted 8-figure gift to LSE’s endowment and over £18 million raised for sustainability-related research and leadership, including for the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. Our Philanthropy and Global Engagement (PAGE) Division has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most successful university advancement teams. We now seek to appoint a new Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Individual Giving to join the PAGE leadership team as they continue to cultivate the highest level of donors and supporters. 

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy and Global Engagement Officer (and working closely with LSE and PAGE senior leadership, governing body and academic leads), the Executive Director is a newly created post and will be responsible for leading a team of 15 individuals, with plans to grow up to about 25 in the years ahead. The Executive Director will lead the development of alumni engagement globally, ensuring that it is meaningful and aligned with key institutional themes in collaboration with departments and institutes, and the growth of individual giving in all of its forms. As the PAGE Division undergoes a period of growth and investment, the Executive Director will play a critical role in building up the Division’s engagement capabilities and approach, exploring opportunities for thematic outreach, using technological innovation to enhance performance, and bringing a new vision and contribution to the senior leadership of PAGE.

Now is an exceptionally exciting time to join LSE and lead an advanced approach to its engagement with its global 250,000 alumni community. Passionate about the role and the value of a university in society, the successful candidate will be a highly skilled and supportive leader, with an enterprising, creative, and determined mindset and a track record in developing high-performing staff to deliver an inspiring and world-class alumni engagement and individual giving strategy.

A global executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver who will support LSE in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assist in their assessment against the requirements for the role. 

To apply, or to download further information on the required qualifications, skills, and experience for the role, please visit the apply link quoting reference 7444.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 16^th September 2024. 

Interviews will be held in London on Thursday 24^th October 2024. 

For a conversation in confidence, or if you require documentation in an alternative format,
please contact Eljoh Balajadia at eljoh.balajadia@perrettlaver.com

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and truly inclusive university. All posts (and post holders) will seek to ensure diversity and inclusion, while opposing all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, or social and economic background.

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