Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Murray Edwards College, Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eligibility for Fellowship

Job summary

Murray Edwards College, Cambridge is seeking a dynamic fundraising leader to spearhead their first comprehensive fundraising campaign. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape a pivotal moment in the College's history, focused on capital developments and supporting student needs.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in major gifts fundraising and strategic leadership within complex environments. Strong relationship-building skills are essential to engage donors and stakeholders both nationally and internationally.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in major gifts and strategic fundraising leadership.
• Experience within higher education or a complex values-led environment.
• Accomplished relationship builder and inspiring team leader.

Responsibilities

• Lead and help shape the College’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.
• Build a sustainable major gifts and legacy programme.
• Develop and mentor a talented Development and Alumnae Relations team.
• Create innovative philanthropic opportunities and supporter engagement.
• Influence the future of a globally recognised Cambridge college.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising experience

Strategic fundraising leadership

Relationship building

Team leadership

Credible ambassador

Job description

Murray Edwards College is seeking an exceptional fundraising leader to shape the next chapter of one of Cambridge’s most distinctive and ambitious colleges.

Founded to champion women’s education and opportunity, Murray Edwards combines academic excellence with a modern, inclusive and creative culture. Home to the largest collection of modern and contemporary art by women in Europe, the College offers a uniquely inspiring environment for students, Fellows, staff and visitors alike.

The College is now preparing for the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This transformational campaign will support major capital developments, student support, academic priorities and the future growth of the College’s endowment.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-profile development programme at a pivotal moment for the College. Working closely with the Acting President, senior leadership and Fellows, the Director of Development and Alumnae Relations will shape campaign strategy, build philanthropic momentum and strengthen relationships across a growing global network of supporters.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record in major gifts and strategic fundraising leadership, ideally within higher education or another complex values‑led environment. They will be an accomplished relationship builder, an inspiring team leader and a credible ambassador with the confidence to engage senior donors, volunteers and stakeholders nationally and internationally.

The role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead and help shape the College’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign
• Build a sustainable major gifts and legacy programme
• Develop and mentor a talented Development and Alumnae Relations team
• Work closely with the Women’s Art Collection to create innovative philanthropic opportunities and supporter engagement
• Influence the future of a globally recognised Cambridge college
• Join a collaborative and intellectually vibrant community where relationships matter deeply

Murray Edwards is a place defined by ambition, creativity and community. The College offers an environment where individuality is valued, ideas flourish and philanthropy can make a lasting impact on future generations of students and scholars.

The postholder is eligible for Fellowship.