Philanthropy Lead

Sidney Sussex College Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

USS pension scheme

Free college meals when on duty

Free college gym

Job summary

Sidney Sussex College Cambridge is seeking an ambitious fundraiser to take ownership of donor relationships, grow major gifts, and play a central role in the College's philanthropic ambitions. You'll manage your own portfolio, identify and cultivate new prospects, and secure five to six figure gifts with personalised stewardship that highlights the impact of donors' support.

Join a collaborative Development and Alumni Relations team and meet supporters in Cambridge, across the UK and

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising or comparable field
• Ability to identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Capacity to secure five to six figure gifts and steward donors

Responsibilities

• Manage your own donor portfolio and develop relationships
• Identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects
• Secure five to six figure gifts from donors
• Deliver high-value, personalised stewardship showing impact of giving
• Collaborate with the Development and Alumni Relations team and meet donors in Cambridge, across the UK and internationally

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relationships

Major gifts

Networking

Communication

Job description

Looking for your next step in fundraising?

This is an opportunity to take greater ownership of donor relationships, develop your major gifts experience and play a central role in Sidney Sussex College's philanthropic ambitions.

You'll manage your own portfolio, identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects, secure significant five to six figure gifts and deliver high-value, personalised stewardship that keeps our donors engaged and connected with the impact of their support.

We're looking for an ambitious relationship-builder with fundraising or comparable experience who is ready to step up. You don't need to come from higher education, but you will need to be confident meeting people, developing lasting relationships and asking for support.

You'll join a collaborative Development and Alumni Relations team, with plenty of opportunity to get out and meet donors in Cambridge, across the UK and internationally.

Ready to make the move into a more senior fundraising role? We'd love to hear from you.

Benefits include an annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme provided by the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), free College meals when on duty and free College gym.

A job description, person specification and application form are available on the College website. Applications that do not include all three documents may not be taken forward.

Sidney Sussex College wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in our Equal Opportunities Policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010.

The closing date for application is midday Monday 9 November 2026. Any offer of appointment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references; verification of identity and qualifications; and eligibility to work in the UK. First-stage online interviews will be held on Friday 13 November 2026 with final in-person interviews, including a presentation, will be held on Friday 20 November 2026.

Sidney Sussex College is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes diversity amongst its students, staff, Fellows and visitors, recognising the particular contributions to the achievements of the College's mission that can be made by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experience.