Philanthropy Manager - Physical Sciences

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking a Philanthropy Manager to drive major gift fundraising initiatives within the Physical Sciences. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with top talent and influential donors while developing compelling funding strategies that substantially impact academic innovation. Candidates should demonstrate a strong fundraising expertise coupled with exceptional relational capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in major gifts fundraising or managing high-level stakeholder relationships.
• Proven track record in securing significant charitable donations.

Responsibilities

• Lead on strategy and delivery for major gift fundraising across Departments.
• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of 50-60 donors and prospects, focusing on gifts of £100k to £5m.
• Build deep partnerships with leading researchers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Resilience

Entrepreneurial mindset

Relationship management

Job description

Philanthropy Manager - Physical Sciences

Join to apply for the Philanthropy Manager - Physical Sciences role at University of Cambridge

Philanthropy Manager - Physical Sciences

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Join to apply for the Philanthropy Manager - Physical Sciences role at University of Cambridge

This role is known internally as Associate Director

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

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 looking to expand the Physical Sciences fundraising team from two to three Associate Directors of Development.

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.

You don't need a background in science, 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. 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 Departments.
• 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 a confident, curious, and collaborative professional with a strong track record 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 this role.

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.
  
  

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 22nd June 2025.

First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 25th of June. Second round interviews are anticipated to take place on the 30th and 1st of July.

Please quote reference DH46174 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.

Further information

• Candidate Pack - Associate Director, Physical Sciences
  
  

Apply online

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Research Services

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