Higher Education Recruitment

We recruit executive and senior academic and professional service leaders responsible for the strategic direction and performance of higher education institutions.

Advancement has been part of our higher education work from the beginning. We recruit senior leaders and specialists across development, philanthropy and alumni relations, with a track record spanning some of the UK's largest university advancement teams.

Our experience includes individual appointments as well as multi-role campaigns where universities are building or expanding their teams. We've supported this work for institutions including Imperial College London, King's College London, the University of Bath, University of Cambridge, University of London and University of Oxford.

We also undertake international searches where the specialist market requires it, drawing on relationships developed through many years of recruiting advancement professionals.

Professional services leaders create the conditions that allow teaching, research and student experience to flourish. We recruit senior functional leaders whose expertise supports institutional performance while working effectively across academic and professional services teams.

We recruit experienced interim leaders who provide stability during leadership transitions, organisational change, regulatory developments and major institutional projects, helping institutions maintain momentum while planning for the future.

Governing bodies provide strategic oversight, independent challenge and accountability, helping higher education institutions make confident long-term decisions. We work closely with Chairs, vice-chancellors and governance professionals to understand the expertise each governing body needs, building boards and councils that complement executive leadership and strengthen institutional governance.

We recruit chairs, council members, committee members and independent governors who bring strategic leadership, external perspective and a shared commitment to higher education.

In line with the CUC Code's emphasis on governance culture and behaviours, our assessment goes beyond technical expertise and career history. We assess values, judgement, independence of thought, commitment to inclusion, willingness to provide constructive challenge and the ability to contribute positively to board culture. We recognise that board effectiveness comes from diversity of perspective as much as diversity of identity and actively seek candidates whose professional, personal and lived experiences strengthen governance and decision making.