Royal Holloway, University of London appoints new Director of Development

Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Hawley as Director of Development at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and External Relations, and working closely with the Principal, Caroline will be responsible for building long-term relationships with Royal Holloway’s vibrant alumni community, for leading its ambitious fundraising activity, and for helping the institution to fulfil its purpose and vision. Following impressive results in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), this is an exciting time for Royal Holloway, as it continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.

Caroline Hawley has been in the business of fundraising for over 20 years, working for some of Britain’s most well-known cultural and higher education institutions. For the last six years Caroline has been Development Director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), leading a team of five fundraisers and helping to embed a culture of philanthropy within the institution. Prior to this Caroline worked as a fundraising consultant for a diverse range of organisations from the National Portrait Gallery and Royal Academy of Arts to London South Bank University and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Caroline’s early career included stints at the Science Museum, BT, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG).

Caroline is married with three children, a son and two daughters. When she isn’t working, she enjoys keeping fit and hammer throwing. She’s also a qualified England Athletics Coaching Assistant, running weekly sessions for young athletes and a trustee of the International Performers Aid Trust.

Marie Ennis, Director of Communications and External Relations at Royal Holloway, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Caroline to the team. She brings with her a wealth of experience and track record in building relationships and raising funds. The Development Team has demonstrated the strategic contribution they can make to supporting College goals. I’m looking forward to working with Caroline and the team to grow that contribution over the coming years.

I’m grateful to Simon and Ruth for introducing us to Caroline and supporting us through the recruitment process for this senior role within Communications and External Relations.”

Caroline commented:

“I am excited to be joining Royal Holloway at a time when it has strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. This role will bring me welcome challenges and the opportunity to explore fundraising in the mainstream higher education sector.

Thanks to Simon and Ruth at Society for their professionalism and best practice approach to the recruitment process. Thanks to Marie, Paul and all those involved in the interview panels at Royal Holloway for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”