Director of Advancement

Director of Advancement

Job title: Director of Advancement

Location: UWC Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands

Application deadline: 12 April 2025

Start date: 1 June 2026

Enquiries: vacacnies@uwcmaastricht.nl

View other vacancies at UWC Maastricht

United World College Maastricht (UWCM) offers a challenging and engaging education for students from all age groups, equipping them with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to live a meaningful and flourishing life. The UWC Maastricht educational experience is about knowing and acting. We nurture an understanding of the world and its major challenges, and help students discover how they can serve others and make a positive contribution to society and the planet. We currently serve over 900 students from more than 100 countries, 200 of whom live in our residential community on campus.

UWC Maastricht is looking for an experienced Director of Advancement

UWCM is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven and globally minded Director of Advancement to lead the school’s advancement priorities and strengthen our mission of using education as a force for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

In this key leadership role, you will strategically direct a comprehensive advancement programme that aligns with the mission, vision and values of UWCM. You will oversee and integrate all core advancement functions, including marketing communications, alumni relations, fundraising (including grant writing), special events, and prospect and donor information management.

You will build and nurture meaningful relationships with donors, partners, alumni and stakeholders who share our commitment to expanding access to transformative education. Through compelling storytelling, clear messaging and thoughtful engagement, you help ensure that UWCM’s impact resonates locally, nationally and internationally.

As Director of Advancement, you are part of the Leadership Team and contribute to the long‑term financial sustainability and visibility of UWCM. You are a strategic connector who brings vision, creativity and relational strength to advance our mission and support the students and communities we serve.

Skills and preferred experience

UWC Maastricht staff are united by a shared mission. We’re looking for a people-focused leader who not only brings strong leadership skills, but also lives the values of peace, diversity, compassion and sustainability.

• Education degree and professional experience
  • Relevant academic degree
  • Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in fundraising (management) positions
• Professional competencies
  • Advanced command of both Dutch and English is mandatory to do this job
  • Demonstrates academic-level professional and intellectual ability
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the Philantropic landscape in the Netherlands
  • Ability to build strong, trust‑based relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, representing the organisation with professionalism and authenticity
  • Highly developed intercultural understading and sensitivity
  • Skilled in prioritising actions that lead to achievement of defined targets and outcomes
  • Working knowledge of marketing principles, particularly within a development or advancement context
  • Ability to develop and implement long-term advancement strategies aligned with organisational goals
  • Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Demonstrates high ethical standards and discretion, particularly in donor relations
  • Strong alignment with UWC values, mission, and educational philosophy
  • Experience working in international and multicultural environments
  • Experience leading or contributing to capital or major fundraising campaigns

What we offer

• You will get a temporary contract of employment, starting preferably 1 June 2026, under Dutch law: it is a contract as Director of Advancement for 0.9 FTE: on average 36 hours per week, initially for one year, and can be renewed after that.
• The package will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position, according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Secondary Education (‘CAO VO’). The salary is based on scale 13 and the years of experience and lies between €5.691,- and €8.065,- gross per month on a full-time basis.
• Participation in the school’s pension plan via the ABP Retirement/Pension Fund.

Safeguarding and inclusivity

UWC Maastricht is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers.

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to equity, peace, and sustainability.