Associate Director, Physical Sciences (Permanent and Maternity Cover)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is recruiting an experienced fundraiser to join the School of the Physical Sciences on a maternity cover basis. You will lead major gifts fundraising and engage with an international donor community to turn bold ideas into reality.

You will spearhead strategy and delivery for major gifts, manage a portfolio of 50–60 donors, travel in the UK to meet prospects, and collaborate with Cambridge researchers and the collegiate development network to maximise impact.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and working with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and delivery for major gift fundraising across the School.
• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of 50–60 donors and prospects, focusing on gifts between £100k and £5m.
• Build strong partnerships with leading researchers and internal stakeholders.
• Travel in the UK to engage major donors and prospects.
• Collaborate across Cambridge's collegiate development network to maximise impact.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Are you interested in securing some of the most influential donations of your career? Would you like to work in an environment with significant fundraising opportunities and an extensive pool of potential donors, with the chance to secure gifts at the 6, 7 and even 8-figure level?

We are delighted to be recruiting an experienced fundraiser to join our team fundraising for the School of the Physical Sciences on a maternity cover basis.

You will be fundraising for one of the University's largest and most exciting Schools, working alongside world-leading academics and engaging with an international community of donors and prospects. A background in science is not required. Many of our science fundraisers come from humanities and other non-scientific backgrounds. What matters is your ability to build trusted relationships, develop compelling opportunities for support and confidently pursue major gifts that can help turn bold ideas into reality.

Why this role? Why now?

This is an exciting time to join the Physical Sciences fundraising portfolio. There is already significant momentum, with a robust pipeline of active donor conversations and prospective opportunities progressing well.

You will step into an established portfolio where relationships are developing and opportunities are taking shape, allowing you to make an impact from the outset. Over the 12-month period, you'll have the opportunity to develop relationships, shape compelling proposals and potentially bring several significant gifts to a successful conclusion.

You’ll work closely with visionary academics to develop cases for support and lead the cultivation of major donors who want to fund innovation at scale.

What you'll do:

• Lead strategy and delivery for major gift fundraising across the School.
• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of 50¿60 donors and prospects, focusing on gifts between £100k and £5m.
• Build strong partnerships with leading researchers and internal stakeholders.
• Travel in the UK to engage major donors and prospects.
• Collaborate across Cambridge's collegiate development network to maximise impact.

Who we're looking for:

We're seeking a confident, curious and collaborative professional with a strong track record in high-value fundraising or relationship management. If you thrive on meaningful conversations, enjoy a challenge and bring strategic thinking to complex opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

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 Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations?

Working here means joining a talented, mission-driven community helping unlock the potential of one of the world's most influential universities.

A meaningful mission

Your work will help enable discoveries, expand access to education and support research that improves lives locally and globally.

A leading fundraising environment

You’ll be part of a respected advancement team, with excellent infrastructure, systems and networks to support your success.

Growth and learning

With mentoring, secondments, structured learning and access to Cambridge's intellectual community, we support your professional development and advancement career.

Wellbeing and balance

Flexible working, generous leave and wellbeing resources help you thrive professionally and personally.

Diversity and belonging

We value different voices and lived experiences and aim to create an environment where everyone feels included and supported.

Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations Do your best work here.

The closing date for this position is midnight on the 6th September 2026.

First round interviews for this position will take place in the week commencing the 7th of September.

Second round interviews will take place in the week commencing the 14th of September.

Please quote reference DH50680 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.