Director of Advancement

We offer 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.

Join us!

United World College Maastricht (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.

The successful profile & qualifications

Commitment
Pursuing the UWC mission requires a commitment from our staff members to the following values:
International and cultural understanding, celebration of difference, personal responsibility and integrity, mutual responsibility and respect, compassion and service, respect for the environment, a sense of idealism, personal challenge, action and personal example
It should be noted that the school is a dynamic and high energy environment: the satisfaction from working at UWC Maastricht is high – but so are the demands on time and engagement. 

Education degree and professional experience

• Relevant academic degree
• Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in fundraising (management) positions

Professional competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies on a professional proficiency level:

• 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 understanding 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

Safeguarding
UWC Maastricht is committed to upholding the highest standards in student safeguarding. Throughout the application process we will be assessing your suitability to work with children and young adults. Prior to an offer of employment being made, UWC Maastricht will check directly with current and past employers about safeguarding.

Terms of Employment

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.

Location: UWC Maastricht, the Netherlands.

To be able to work in the Netherlands, a (foreign) staff member must be able to successfully apply for:
✔ Residence and work permits for the Netherlands
✔ A Dutch VOG (certificate of good conduct)
UWCM will assist in the application process for residence and work permits and VOG.

Your application

You can apply via the procedure via the website. After shortlisting, we determine the suitability of the remaining candiates to work in our school via online screening, reference checks, police checks and interviews at our school or online.

For questions, you can email our HR team via vacancies@uwcmaastricht.nl

The deadline of this vacancy is 12 April 2026.
NOTE: We reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the vacancy deadline.