Major Gifts Lead, Physical Sciences

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

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.