Philanthropy Manager - Engineering or Physical Sciences (Maternity Cover)
This role is known internally as Associate Director*
Cambridge (Hybrid working) ' Full-time ' 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract £46,735 ¿ £59,139 + generous benefits
Help shape the future. Raise gifts that change lives. Join a world-leading university where your work truly matters.
At Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations, we're more than fundraisers we're partners in progress, connecting philanthropy to world-changing research and education.
Following the close of our landmark £2.2 billion "Dear World, Yours Cambridge" campaign, we're entering an exciting new chapter of growth and impact. We are now looking for two Associate Directors of Development to lead fundraising across either Engineering or Physical Sciences during a period of maternity leave.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to work with top academic talent, global donors, and purpose-driven peers to help secure major philanthropic support from climate resilience and AI to cancer research and space science.
You don't need a background in science or engineering just a passion for impactful relationship-building and the ambition to raise six- and seven-figure gifts that drive real-world change.
Why these roles? Why now?
You'll join a collaborative, high-performing team within one of Europe's most successful fundraising operations. Working closely with visionary academics, you'll craft compelling cases for support and lead the cultivation of major donors who want to fund innovation at scale.
Whether focused on Engineering or Physical Sciences, your portfolio will be dynamic, intellectually rich, and ripe with opportunity.
What you'll do:
- Lead on strategy and delivery for major gift fundraising across your Department.
- Manage and cultivate a portfolio of 50-60 donors and prospects, focusing on gifts between £100k and £5m
- Build deep partnerships with leading researchers and internal stakeholders
- Travel in the UK to engage major donors and prospects
- Work collaboratively across Cambridge's collegiate development network to maximise impact
Who we're looking for:
We're seeking two confident, curious, and collaborative professionals with strong track records in high-value fundraising or relationship management. If you are someone who thrives on meaningful conversations, loves a challenge, and brings strategic thinking to complex opportunities, consider applying for one of these opportunities.
You'll have:
- Experience in major gifts fundraising or managing high-level stakeholder relationships
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and working with integrity
Why join us?
At Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations, we offer more than a job. We offer purpose, development, and belonging:
A Meaningful Mission Your work will fuel ideas and discoveries that improve lives locally and globally.
A Leading Advancement Environment Join one of the world's most respected fundraising teams, with exceptional infrastructure and networks.
Learning and Development From secondments and mentoring to Cambridge's renowned learning ecosystem, we invest in your professional journey.
Wellbeing and Flexibility Hybrid working, generous leave, strong wellbeing support, and a culture that respects life beyond work.
Diversity and Belonging We celebrate diverse voices and lived experiences, and we're building a workplace where everyone feels seen and supported.
Outstanding Tools and Benefits Competitive pay, excellent pensions, world-class systems, and access to everything Cambridge has to offer.
Collaboration and Innovation Work in vibrant, values-led teams that value ideas, initiative, and impact.
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 16th of June
First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 25th of June.
Second round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 30th of June and 1st of July.
Questions? Contact Sam Asbey, Talent Acquisition Co-ordinator ¿ Sam.Asbey@admin.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference DH45727 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.