Background

Heriot-Watt University, founded through philanthropy in 1821, has a rich heritage and an established reputation as a leading research-led university and provider of pioneering education that has made a positive impact on the global stage. In recognition of our truly global presence and impact, Heriot-Watt University was named International University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.

We have five campuses across the world: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries. We have more than 30,000 students studying with us at our campuses and online through distance learning. One third of our on-campus students studying in Scotland are from outside the UK, making Heriot-Watt one of the most internationally diversified of any UK university. Our students get practical, real-life experience and our graduates are sought by the best organisations worldwide. We are proud to be the oldest graduate club in the UK with over 140,000 alumni worldwide in over 190 countries.

In research, we push new frontiers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Business and Design. Heriot-Watt University is world renowned for research in areas as varied as photonics, quantum technology, health care and technology, net zero, robotics, construction, AI, petroleum engineering, actuarial and financial mathematics, translating and interpreting, logistics and business education. The school structure at Heriot-Watt University, with each school covering multiple disciplines, facilitates research cutting across traditional discipline barriers. Research institutes and multi-disciplinary research centres supplement this to provide focus on our key strengths. The University is currently ranked the 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact.

Our Edinburgh campus is set in 380 acres of beautiful parkland and includes a £33 M GBP national Sports Performance Centre and internationally recognised research park. It is also within easy reach of one of Europe’s most exciting cities, home to the largest festival in the world, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Purpose of role

The Assistant Principal, Advancement, is a senior leadership role responsible for driving Heriot-Watt University’s philanthropic strategy, alumni engagement, and advancement operations. Based at the Edinburgh campus, the postholder will lead a team of over 30 professionals, most of whom are based at the Edinburgh campus, and will be expected to be based in Scotland when not travelling. The role requires regular domestic and international travel to engage with stakeholders, but the core responsibility is to oversee the development of the team and invest in University relationships.

The Assistant Principal will advocate for the Advancement team at the highest levels, including but not restricted to the University’s trustees, major donors, the Vice Chancellor, the University Executive, and the trustees of the University’s foundations in the USA and Norway. The successful candidate will be a proven leader in stakeholder management and advocacy, able to command the respect of University leaders and donors, and able to develop the University’s academic and professional leaders as successful fundraisers.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the Advancement function, reporting to the Vice Principal (Operations and Governance).
Work directly with the Vice Chancellor, University Executive, and trustees to develop and deliver an ambitious advancement and alumni strategy for Heriot-Watt University, which both raises the University’s reputation and impacts positively in delivering our institutional strategic outcomes.
Deliver operational excellence in Advancement, with responsibility for ensuring that high standards of legal and governance work, operational management, financial stewardship and customer service are delivered, protecting and enhancing the University’s reputation at all times through the work of the team.
Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing Advancement team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Develop and lead national and international fundraising activities aligned with University priorities and the incoming Strategy 2035.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting

Responsible for providing effective governance reporting and management information designed to drive and track the performance of the Advancement Function.
Ensure that there are clear performance metrics that drive continual improvement and embed world-class fundraising and alumni relations practices.
Attend Executive and Court Committees as required to lead and report on progress against the Advancement and Alumni Strategy.

Fundraising

Personally cultivate and secure major gifts from donors, philanthropists, corporate partners, and trusts worldwide, leveraging the strengths of the University’s senior team and delivering success outcomes in line with the University’s strategy and priorities, putting people at the heart of everything it does.
Provide leadership, guidance and support to the Shaping Futures Campaign which was launched in 2024, and to its Campaign Director as the campaign enters its final phases, to ensure a successful conclusion.

Leadership

Advocate for the Advancement team, providing senior representation of the University with internal and external stakeholders, including trustees, major donors, and the boards of the University’s USA and Norway foundations.
Champion the evolution of alumni relations, ensuring innovative engagement with global alumni and influencers.
Serve as a role model, coach, and mentor to the Advancement team, supporting career development and helping the team realise its potential.
Develop the University’s leaders as successful fundraisers, providing training, guidance, and strategic support.
Collaborate with academic and professional services colleagues to leverage networks and create new external relationships.

Operational Excellence

Responsible for ensuring effective delivery of the design and implementation of efficient processes to support stewardship, compliance, and governance of all gifts.
Responsible for the operational management of the team, providing leadership that is in line with the University’s values and policies and procedures.
Lead on technical advancements across the function, including data management, prospect research, and digital engagement.
Ensure compliance with University policies, and best practice in operations.

Experience

Demonstrable experience in stakeholder management and advocacy at the highest levels, including with trustees and major donors.
Excellent communicator, with strong oral delivery skills and demonstrable personal impact
Proven ability to lead, develop, manage and inspire large teams in a complex organisational environment.
Significant experience in fundraising and stewardship, including leading major campaigns and securing substantial gifts.
Track record of developing leaders into successful fundraisers.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to command respect and influence at all levels.
Experience in developing and implementing efficient processes for stewardship and compliance.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required, with a primary base in Scotland.
Experience working with international foundations and cross-border fundraising.
Desired postgraduate qualification(s).

Special Requirements

The role is based at the Edinburgh campus, with the expectation that the postholder will be based in Scotland when not travelling, to encourage a strong culture of in-person presence on campus
Domestic and international travel is required.
Occasional out-of-hours and weekend work may be necessary.

To apply for the post

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement. Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full name CV org name and role and full name and role CL

To learn more about the role, please visit our microsite, where you can find additional details and insights. If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Ruth Gardner at ruth@upsallinternational.com. To note: in order to keep your application safe and ensure your data is GDPR compliant applications will not be accepted via email.

The deadline for applications is Monday 20^th April, 9:00 am CET

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Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.