Head of Development Humanities and Social Sciences

Lead transformational philanthropy. Inspire an exceptional team. Help shape ideas that change the world.

The University of Cambridge is home to one of the world's most influential communities of Humanities and Social Sciences. Across disciplines including politics, economics, education, history, sociology, law and criminology, our academics are tackling some of the most important questions facing society today.

We're looking for an exceptional fundraising leader to help secure the philanthropic investment that will enable that work to flourish.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser with a proven track record of personally soliciting and securing seven-figure gifts. You'll combine strategic leadership with frontline fundraising, building long-term relationships with philanthropists while leading and developing a talented fundraising team.

Why this role?

As Head of Development, you will lead fundraising across one of Cambridge's most intellectually diverse and internationally recognised academic portfolios.

Working closely with senior academics and University leaders, you will shape fundraising priorities, develop compelling philanthropic propositions and build relationships with donors capable of making transformational investments.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate partners, leading complex cultivation and solicitation strategies that result in significant philanthropic support for scholarships, research, academic posts and strategic initiatives.

Alongside your own fundraising, you will provide leadership to a team of experienced fundraisers, creating an ambitious, collaborative environment where people are supported to perform at their very best.

This is an opportunity to influence strategy, develop people and secure gifts that will have a lasting impact on one of the world's leading universities.

About you

You will already be operating successfully within major gifts fundraising and be looking for a role that offers greater scale, complexity and influence.

You will bring:

• A proven track record of personally securing seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations or corporate partners.
• Experience of developing and implementing successful major gifts strategies.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop high-performing fundraising teams.
• The confidence and credibility to work with senior leaders, influential volunteers and internationally recognised academics.
• Outstanding relationship-building, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking, commercial judgement and the ability to identify and develop transformational fundraising opportunities.
• A genuine interest in the Humanities and Social Sciences and the role they play in addressing global challenges.

Why join Development and Alumni Relations?

Our Development and Alumni Relations team is one of the most successful and ambitious advancement programmes in higher education.

With more than 160 colleagues, we are collaborative, innovative and committed to excellence. We work hard, support one another and share a common purpose: building lifelong relationships with alumni and securing philanthropic support that enables world-changing education and research.

You’ll join an environment where your expertise is trusted, your ideas are welcomed and your contribution has genuine impact. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside outstanding colleagues, engage with remarkable donors and academic leaders, and help shape the future of Cambridge through philanthropy.

We believe people do their best work when they’re trusted, challenged and supported to succeed. That’s why we invest in our people, encourage collaboration and create opportunities for everyone to develop their careers.

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous pension contributions, 41 days' annual leave (including bank holidays and Christmas closure), hybrid working, relocation support, professional development opportunities and a supportive, collaborative culture.

University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations - Do your best work here.

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