University of Cambridge
Associate Director, School of Arts and Humanities (Maternity Cover)
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Are you ready to secure some of the biggest gifts of your career?
At the University of Cambridge, philanthropy changes lives. It enables world-leading research, supports exceptional students and helps shape ideas that influence society for generations.
We're looking for an experienced major gifts fundraiser to join our Arts and Humanities team and help secure transformational philanthropic investment. This is an opportunity to work alongside internationally recognised academics, build relationships with influential philanthropists and secure six and seven-figure gifts that will make a lasting impact.
If you're motivated by meaningful work, thrive in ambitious environments and enjoy building relationships that deliver real change, we'd love to hear from you.
Why this role?
The School of Arts and Humanities brings together eight world-leading faculties, including Architecture, Classics, English, Music and Modern and Medieval Languages. At a time when these disciplines face increasing funding pressures across the sector, philanthropy has never been more important.
Working closely with senior academics and University leaders, you'll develop compelling funding opportunities and connect donors with projects that preserve cultural heritage, advance scholarship and inspire future generations.
This could be your opportunity to influence strategy, shape philanthropic partnerships and secure gifts that transform one of the world's leading universities.
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What you'll do
- Manage and develop a portfolio of major donor relationships in the UK and internationally.
- Personally cultivate, solicit and steward six and seven-figure gifts from individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
- Work with academic leaders to develop compelling cases for support and funding priorities.
- Build trusted, long-term relationships with donors and key stakeholders across the collegiate University.
- Contribute to the School's fundraising strategy and collaborate across one of the world's leading advancement programmes.
About You
You'll be an experienced relationship fundraiser with a proven ability to operate at the highest level.
You'll Bring
- A strong track record of personally securing, or playing a leading role in securing, complex six and preferably seven-figure gifts.
- Experience managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations or corporate partners.
- The confidence and credibility to influence senior stakeholders and work alongside world-leading academics.
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Strategic thinking, sound judgement and the resilience to manage complex fundraising opportunities.
- A collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.
Experience in higher education is welcome but not essential. What matters most is your ability to build trust, inspire philanthropy and deliver transformational results.
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Why join Development and Alumni Relations?
You'll join a friendly, ambitious and collaborative team where your contribution is valued and your success is shared. We work with exceptional people on projects that matter, giving our colleagues the opportunity to make a genuine difference while continuing to develop their own careers.
Here you'll find meaningful work, outstanding colleagues, professional development, flexible working and the chance to be part of one of the world's most respected advancement programmes.
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations. Do your best work here.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for this position is midnight on the 30th of August 2026.
Screening calls with the Talent Acquisition Team will take place in the week commencing the 31st of August 2026.
Interviews are anticipated to take place on the 9th of September 2026.
Please quote reference DH50323 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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