Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations Imperial College London (Business School)
Imperial College London
Facts and Figures
Education
Imperial College is consistently included among the
The College aims to provide students with a stimulating
top universities in the world, ranking 2nd in the 2015
environment and encourages them to extend their
QS World University Rankings and ranked in the
learning beyond their disciplines. Imperial provides
top ten in the 2015 Times Higher Education World
research-led education which, at undergraduate
University Rankings. Established in 1907, Imperial
level, provides academically rigorous courses in core
is the only university in the UK to focus on science,
disciplines which give students practical experience,
medicine, engineering and business. The four
a theoretical understanding of research, and a
academic faculties of the College and a significant
fundamental knowledge of their discipline. Education
number of interdisciplinary research centres work
opportunities offering insights into global issues and
together on challenging problems such as climate
fostering group working are open to all undergraduate
and environmental change, energy supply, security
students, broadening their team working skills and
and global health. Each of the four faculties is led by
business understanding and equipping them for
a Dean, there are Vice-Provosts for Education and
their future careers. A third of Imperial’s students
Research and Associate Provosts for Institutional Affairs
are postgraduates, undertaking taught courses or
and Academic Partnerships. Extending the reach of
research programmes, which are discipline-based or
its educational activities, the College established a
multidisciplinary.
new medical school – The Lee Kong Chian School of
2013 saw the beginning of a significant focus upon
Medicine – in partnership with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and admitted its first student in 2013.
a new Education and Student Strategy which is a comprehensive and stretching five-year plan designed to facilitate Imperial achieving international recognition
Currently, the College has approximately 16,000
in four major areas: as a global community of the
students and 7,500 staff, nearly 4,000 of whom are
most talented students; commitment to innovation
academic and research staff. Imperial is one of the
in learning and teaching and in the wider student
largest academic institutions in the UK as measured
experience; providing a distinctive education;
by income - £855 million in 2013-14, £449 million of
outstanding academic and professional service
which was research income. The College is in a strong
infrastructure.
position to enhance its global reputation still further. Imperial has published its College Strategy 2015-20, which sets out it’s objectives and how they will be achieved. Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Imperial College London
Influence and Outreach
The College’s New Campus – ‘White City’
The College seeks to develop relationships in the UK
The College’s main campus is located in South
and internationally that maximise the value and impact
Kensington and Imperial has six other London
of its research, education and translation. Public
campuses (Charing Cross, Chelsea and Westminster,
engagement underpins Imperial’s civic and cultural
Hammersmith, Northwick Park, Royal Brompton, and
contribution to society, which itself also helps to shape
St Mary’s), as well as its Silwood Park campus, set in
its research and increase its relevance. Examples
250 acres of natural parkland near Ascot, and owns
include participation in science festivals, including
land in Wye, Kent. To promote further growth, the
the annual Imperial Festival which showcases to the
College is expanding with the development of a new
public the accomplishments and achievements of
major campus, ‘White City’, close to the Hammersmith
staff and students; working with museums, galleries,
medical campus. The 25 acre site is an innovation and
science centres and other cultural venues; creating
translation district: a new campus for collaborative,
opportunities for the public to inform and debate
multi-disciplinary research, and postgraduate study.
research questions; researchers and the public working together to inform policy; public talks and debates; involving the public as researchers themselves; and contributing to new media discussion forums. Imperial’s widening participation policies and practices encourage entry to higher education, particularly in STEM subjects. A range of measures encourage pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to aspire to higher education, including the provision of special courses,
Research, Translation and Impact Imperial conducts research in new and emerging disciplines as well as consolidating and developing advancement across its core disciplines, and there are numerous examples of the College’s entrepreneurial drive to produce world-class research with optimum impact.
practical help in the application process and support to school teachers in science education. The primary objective of these activities is to take a leading role in increasing awareness among young people of the importance and excitement of science and the value of attending a selective university. Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Imperial College Business School
Imperial College London Business School is in a unique
Imperial College Business School aims to be a globally
position, in that it sits within an excellent university
excellent business school that ranks amongst the best
regularly counted among the top 10 in the world and
in the world. After Dean G. “Anand” Anandalingam’s
can tap into fantastic opportunities to collaborate
arrival in Summer 2013, the School’s Strategy was
closely with the faculties of natural sciences,
reviewed and refreshed. The strategic pillars on which
engineering and medicine to generate exceptional
the strategy is based are:
research and education. The Business School offers
•
Research and Thought Leadership
•
Education and Knowledge Transfer
College London; to develop socially responsible leaders
•
Operation and Performance
with the capability to manage organisations, inspire
•
External Relations
high-ranking MBA, MSc and Executive Education programmes, which reflect the core values of Imperial
entrepreneurship and be innovative. Based in London, one of the world’s most important financial and cultural centres, the Business School has access to industry experts and the direct experience of major corporates, consultancies, investment banks, venture capitalists and public sector organisations. The Business School has a dedicated careers service, and a 12,000 strong Alumni network, from which graduates can benefit from lifelong professional development service.
A key part of the fourth pillar, External Relations, will be to create an increasingly strong brand, enhance corporate connectivity, establish a significant and differentiated executive business, and increase fundraising and philanthropy. In addition to raising funds for research, scholarships and academic positions; Imperial College will focus on five key strategic themes in fundraising for the Business School: •
To help societies move away from the carbon economy
•
To avert the next financial crisis
•
To accelerate social innovation and entrepreneurship
•
To improve healthcare systems worldwide
•
To understand the role of China in the world’s businesses, economies and societies
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Advancement at Imperial College London
The successful candidate will join a growing
Developing relationships with supporters and alumni
Advancement Division which comprises 50 staff, in
– a third of whom are based overseas – has been
seven areas: Development, Principal Gifts, Global
essential to Imperial’s fundraising success. Imperial has
Development, Prospect Development, Presidential and
more than 185,000 alumni (130k contactable) forming
Institutional Events, Alumni Relations, and Advancement
an international community of outstanding scientists,
Operations and Administration. With the appointment
engineers, medical professionals and business leaders.
of Sarah Waterbury as Vice-President (Advancement) in
It is a key goal of the College to build a stronger, more
early 2015, Imperial has demonstrated its commitment
engaged and participatory alumni community and
to strengthening its external profile and to creating
to provide excellent support. Achievements to date
a major programme to diversify and raise income
include the award-winning Imperial magazine, the
through furthering development and alumni relations
alumni e-bulletin, the significantly improved benefits
activities at all levels.
and services, including the Alumni Visitor Centre, and
The number of donors making gifts has increased
the national and international reunion events.
steadily in the last 10 years, with over 5,500 donors in 2014-15. This year the team has secured a record number of new gifts at the £1 million plus level, and recently Imperial received a gift of £40 million, the largest philanthropic gift in the College’s history and the Business School received a generous gift of £20 million to fund the Brevan Howard Centre. Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Organisational Chart
Director of Alumni Relations, Imperial College
Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College Business School
Alumni Relations Executive
Alumni Communications Executive
Alumni Relations Co-ordinator
A full organisation chart is available on request
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Job Description
Purpose of the Post The Head of Alumni Relations is responsible for
The Head of Alumni Relations is responsible for
developing the strategy, planning and implementation
securing commitments from alumni to provide
of programmes and projects that strategically
professional expertise and volunteer service; to
engage alumni, creating a virtuous circle of support
collaborate with colleagues across other teams at the
and engagement between the Business School and
Business School to create opportunities for alumni
Alumni, building lifelong connections that are mutually
participation that advance the goals of Imperial College
beneficial. The post holder will work with the Director
Business School; to manage the Alumni Advisory Board;
of Alumni Relations of Imperial College London and the
to serve as liaison between the academic and strategic
Head of Development (Business School) to ensure the
leadership; to deliver strong alumni programmes
strategy and initiatives are aligned with overall College
that develop engagement and build value for alumni;
Alumni Relations and support the Business School’s
develop the ways in which the alumni office supports
development strategy.
the overall strategy of the Business School and that of Imperial College London to manage and develop a high performing alumni relations team.
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Job Description: Key Responsibilities Strategy •
Develop and implement the Alumni Relations
•
Strategy, in close collaboration with the Dean of the Business School and senior management, the Head of Development, the Director of Alumni Relations of
programme and team internally and externally. •
communication with alumni via direct contact,
wider strategic aims and goals of Imperial College
e-bulletins, alumni web pages, print and digital
Business School and alignment with the Alumni
media, and ensure that communications and
Relations strategy of Imperial College London.
messaging is in line with Business School brand
The Alumni Relations strategy will cover building
guidelines; ensure alignment of international
strong relationships with alumni, developing alumni
outreachactivities with the Imperial Alumni
programmes and opportunities to involve alumni
Relations team.
in contributing to the continued success of the Business School and the strength of the alumni
•
alumni and the alumni network as student so that
through print and digital media and processes and structures that underpin the effective implementation of the strategy.
they become engaged alumni. •
to provide their professional expertise and
teams, and in particular Careers, Programmes,
volunteer service, in particular to support student
Admissions, Marketing and Communications, Alumni Relations team to ensure relevant co-
recruitment, student experience and employability. •
accreditation.
exchange, building strong relationships internally. Ensure that the Student Engagement Plan by
•
alumni prospects and underpins the development
Work with the Director of Alumni Relations and other teams at the Business School and Imperial College London, as appropriate, to ensure over
of a regular giving campaign. •
•
Ensure that processes are in place for accurate
Establish mechanisms for review of the effectiveness of the plan.
international groups and alumni record keeping). •
Develop other relevant opportunities for alumni to support the alumni network.
all co-ordination and alignment of activities and that best practice is adhered to (e.g. events,
Ensure that Alumni Relations supports opportunities for identification and cultivation of
programme is updated annually. •
Ensure that Alumni Relations supports key areas such as the School’s ranking strategy and
ordination of cross team activities or information
•
Work with relevant teams at the Business School to develop relevant opportunities for alumni
Meet at appropriate intervals with Business School
Executive Education, Corporate Affairs and Imperial
Educate students about alumni benefits and develop opportunities for students to interact with
community, clear and compelling communications
•
Establish and build relationships with alumni nationally and internationally; maintain regular
Imperial College, and relevant teams to support the
•
Build the visibility of the Alumni Relations
•
Benchmark with competitors but also keep up-
and complete alumni database records; capture
to-date with changes in society, technology,
contact, biographical and career information of
environment and politics that may impact alumni
alumni via a diverserange of methods; ensure
relations programming.
that outgoing student data is captured so as to maintain lifelong connections.
•
Establish key performance indicators and metrics, and demonstrate not just activities but also impact, benchmarking across the sector.
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Job Description: Key Responsibilities Management •
Build and lead the Alumni Relations office, building
•
effective operational management of staff, including workflow and responsibilities, and ensuring that the skills and competencies of staff are aligned
service. •
and internationally, as with relevant external
strategy, ensuring overall implementation of the
stakeholders.
strategy.
•
Meet and liaise regularly with the Director of
Finance
Alumni Relations at Imperial College to ensure that
•
Relations; work closely with key budget holders to
Collaborate closely with the Head of Development
realise the plans for the Alumni Relations Office
at the Business School and Imperial College
and ensure financial management of alumni-related
Development team to support the identification
activities. •
Within the annual budget, manage existing and/
the alumni community and ensure that the Alumni
or additional alumni programmes, service and
Relations team work cooperatively and seamlessly
communications.
with the Head of Development.
•
Review programmes and services as well as the
Manage continuous professional development of
School’s strategy to review thebudget; make cases
self and line reports and provide opportunities for
for support for new programmes or services and
growth so that the team can deliver on objectives
withdraw others when appropriate.
and provide outstanding customer service. •
Oversee and balance the budget for Alumni
the strategy is aligned and on track.
and cultivation of philanthropic prospects within
•
Act as Ambassador for the Business School and to alumni, at events and visits both in the UK
to deliver and implement the Alumni Relations
•
Ensure the team delivers outstanding customer
•
Identify possible revenue generating activity so
Conduct regular meetings, one to one discussions
as to be able to support additional activities or
and appraisals, delegate appropriately, ensure
determine areas where income can offset current
that team members are meeting objectives, and
costs.
establish mechanisms for performance evaluation. •
•
Where appropriate, develop new systems and
Committees and Meetings
processes to ensure consistency of service for
•
alumni and to ensure queries/complaints are
from time to time, but which would include the
handled in a timely and professional manner.
Alumni Advisory Board, Task Forces, and Rankings
Provide overall guidance to alumni volunteers and
Committee.
in particular manage the Alumni Advisory Board so •
Participate in relevant meetings which may change
•
Participate in regular meetings with Development,
as to ensure that their support is strategic.
Corporate Relations, Admissions and Marketing,
Analyse performance, present results and put
Careers and Professional Development, Programmes and Events to ensure maximum
forward recommendations through briefings,
opportunities for co-ordination and cross team
presentations and written reports for Dean and
planning.
senior colleagues so that the Alumni Relations strategy is regularly reviewed and aligned with School Strategy.
•
Liaise regularly with the Imperial Alumni Relations Team and in particular with the Director of Alumni Relations.
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Person Specification Competencies, Skills and Abilities
Education and Qualifications
•
Excellent strategic planning skills, goal-oriented;
•
Educated to degree level or equivalent
setting objectives and delivering against them
•
Appropriate professional qualifications and training
•
•
•
•
Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to lead and manage a team, to delegate and to
Knowledge
execute
•
Proven ability to design, develop, manage and
Strong project management organizational and
deliver a strategy – either in Alumni Relations or
follow-through skills, with the ability to manage
similar relevant relationship management positions
multiple projects and competing deadlines
•
Significant relevant experience
Strong interpersonal and communication skills,
•
Experienced in developing and delivering
characterised by the ability to listen, to speak
meaningful services and programmes, including
and to write well with a strong commitment to
professional development and careers support,
customer service
and professional network connections
Ability to build strong relationships (internally and
•
externally), to resolve conflict and build consensus,
Experience in managing and developing volunteers and volunteer programmes
to work collegially and collaboratively •
•
Experience of developing KPI’s and demonstrating
Desirable
impact
•
environment, non-profit or membership
Experience of large customer or membership
organisation
databases, ideally the Raiser’s Edge, with the ability to review system capabilities and optimise
•
efficiency •
Experience of events management
•
Able to demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills
•
Experience of developing and managing budgets
•
A commitment to continuous improvement
•
Computer literacy, MS Office Suite
•
The ability and willingness to attend events and
Related experience in a college/university
Prior experience of alumni relations and/or volunteer management
•
An understanding of fundraising and the role of alumni relations or supporter engagement in working with development priorities
meetings outside normal working hours
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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Terms & Conditions Salary
Hours of Work
Attractive
Staff are required to work those hours which are reasonably necessary to properly and effectively fulfil
Location
the duties and objectives assigned by the Head of
South Kensington Campus
Responsible to:
Department/Division or nominee, normally not less than 35 hours a week for full time members of staff.
Length of appointment
Director of Alumni Relations, Imperial College
Line Management Resposibility for:
Permanent
Alumni Relations Executive, Alumni Communications
Annual leave
Executive, Alumni Relations Co-ordinator
Annual leave entitlement is 39 days for full time staff (pro rata for part time staff). This is inclusive of eight
Key Working Relationships (internal): Dean, Head of Development, Associate Dean of Programmes, Admissions team, Marketing and Communications team, Programme teams, Career
days for public holidays and a total of six days each year when the College is closed over Easter and Christmas.
and Professional Development team, Corporate
Pension
Relations, Imperial College Alumni Relations team and
For staff in Levels 4-7, the occupational pension
Advancement Team, Commercial Services
scheme is the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme (USS). Staff who are already members of the Federated
Key Working Relationships (external): Alumni, Alumni Advisory Board, suppliers, Business Schools, CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education)
Superannuation System for Universities (FSSU) or the National Health Service Pension Scheme (NHSPS) may, if they are still eligible, retain their membership in these schemes.
Application Process Please apply by submitting a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter highlighting your suitability for the position by email to: jack.quarrie@execucare.com For an informal conversation prior to applying to this role, please call the lead consultant, Mairi Shirley on 020-3589 0468.
Candidate Information Pack Head of Alumni Relations, Imperial College London (Business School)
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