Job Description Overview:

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), one of the world’s premier social science institutions, is seeking a talented individual to take on the role of Head of Supporter Relations in its Philanthropy and Global Engagement Division (PAGE). This is a fixed-term maternity cover position for 12 months and offers a unique opportunity to manage and oversee high-level functions that are crucial to LSE’s ambitious Shaping the World Campaign. Under this campaign, LSE aims to raise £750m and secure 300,000 volunteering hours by 2030, positioning itself as a leader in global philanthropy within higher education.

The role involves leading a team of eight specialists across Donor Relations, Events, and Honorary & Emeritus Groups, ensuring supporters of LSE receive a first-class experience during their philanthropic partnership with the School. The ideal candidate will bring strategic leadership, excellent relationship management skills, and experience in event coordination, ideally within higher education or other not-for-profit sectors. The salary for this senior position ranges from £63,370 to £73,163, with potential progression to £80,927, inclusive of a London allowance.

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Advice to Applicants (from an International Education Perspective):

This position is ideal for professionals with international backgrounds or experience in global philanthropy, alumni relations, and strategic donor stewardship. Here are some tips to guide you when applying for this role, particularly if you come from an international education perspective:

1. Tailor Your Experience to Align With the Campaign Goals:

• If you have worked within higher education or non-profit sectors outside the UK, emphasize your achievements in large-scale capital campaigns or global donor management. Highlight your ability to engage diverse stakeholders across different cultures, geographies, and sectors.
• Mention any experience organizing large-scale events, particularly if they involved managing international donor relations or overseas stakeholders.

2. Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Communication and Leadership Skills:

• LSE is a globally renowned institution. If you’ve worked internationally or led multicultural teams, ensure your application reflects your awareness of cultural sensitivities, your ability to foster inclusivity, and your capacity to communicate complex information clearly across different audiences and formats.
• In addition to showcasing your skills in leadership, collaborative team management, and vision-setting, highlight how you’ve successfully managed teams or cultivated relationships in fast-paced, globally connected environments.

3. Reflect the Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

• As LSE explicitly prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, you should demonstrate how your work aligns with these values. If applicable, share examples of how you’ve advanced diversity initiatives in philanthropic partnerships, events, or donor stewardship programs.

4. Highlight Strategic Event Management Capability:

• If you’ve had experience managing complex events, particularly internationally, demonstrate how your professional approach ensures seamless planning, execution, and follow-up. Include examples of major events where you’ve cultivated meaningful donor relationships or created impactful experiences that resonate with supporters worldwide.

5. Show Enthusiasm for Higher Education and Social Impact:

• The Shaping the World Campaign aims to drive significant social change through LSE’s academic and research impact. Highlight your passion for supporting higher education institutions in achieving long-term financial sustainability or global influence. Share any experience working with educational institutions or studying international philanthropy and your ideas for elevating supporter relations.

6. Ensure High Attention to Detail and Strong Organizational Skills:

• This is a senior leadership role in a fast-paced environment, requiring strong organizational skills. Illustrate how you’ve effectively managed competing deadlines, priorities, and teams simultaneously.

7. Read Application Documents Carefully and Follow Instructions:

• The application process is clearly outlined. Pay careful attention to the job description, person specification, and the expected qualities. Address each area comprehensively in your application. Prepare to discuss any technical skills like data stewardship and relationship tracking systems if relevant.

8. Plan for the Long-Term Impact:

• The campaign runs until 2030. Think strategically about how you can contribute during your time in this role by bringing fresh ideas for engagement with existing and new supporters. Showcase your ability to contribute to LSE’s reputation-building efforts worldwide.

Next Steps to Apply:

Applicants should submit applications by Sunday 7 December (23:59 UK time) via the LSE online system. Ensure your application is submitted on time, as late submissions will not be considered.

Should you have any technical challenges with the application process, use the “contact us” option provided on the LSE Jobs page. For specific role-related queries, email Chris Kendrick at c.kendrick@lse.ac.uk. Successful candidates will be invited for first-round interviews scheduled for 7 January 2026.

This role represents an opportunity to contribute to the impactful work of a leading global university while advancing both professional and personal growth in the field of philanthropy, strategic relationship management, and higher education advancement. Best of luck!