Head of Development - School of Humanities and Social Sciences
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University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations is seeking an exceptional major gifts and relationship-builder to lead fundraising for one of the most intellectually diverse and globally relevant areas of the University: the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
This is a rare opportunity to join a globally respected advancement community that combines ambition with collaboration, intellectual curiosity with action, and individual excellence with genuine partnership.
We are looking for a sophisticated fundraiser, strategist and leader who is comfortable operating in complex environments with multiple senior stakeholders, competing priorities and significant ambition.
You may already be working in higher education advancement, but we are equally interested in candidates from political fundraising, corporate partnerships, public affairs or major donor environments where influence, judgement and relationship management are critical to success.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior leadership within Development and Alumni Relations, the Head of Development will lead fundraising strategy and major gift activity across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The role combines strategic leadership, donor engagement and team management, alongside close partnership with senior academics and institutional leaders. You will oversee a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and lead complex fundraising conversations with individuals, foundations and corporate partners in the UK and internationally.
This is a role for someone who can absorb complex information quickly, identify what matters most and translate academic priorities into compelling external propositions. You will work alongside world-leading academic thinkers across politics, economics, law, history, sociology and public policy, helping shape support for ideas and research that influence society on a global scale.
About You:
You are likely to bring experience from environments where influence matters as much as authority.
You might currently be:
- Leading major donor fundraising within a university, political party, think tank or national charity
- Building strategic corporate partnerships or high-value stakeholder relationships
- Working in public affairs, external relations or policy-facing organisations
- Managing complex accounts or networks involving senior decision-makers and competing agendas
You will bring:
- Experience of initiating and closing seven figure gifts
- Outstanding diplomacy and emotional intelligence
- Experience operating successfully within matrixed or politically nuanced organisations
- Resilience, judgement and strong leadership capability
- The confidence to engage credibly with senior academics, donors and policymakers
- Excellent listening, influencing and negotiation skills
- A strategic mindset combined with a practical, delivery-focused approach
- The ability to synthesise information quickly and focus on what drives outcomes
You will thrive in an environment that values openness, initiative, collaboration and continuous learning.
Why Join Us
Development and Alumni Relations at Cambridge is one of the most established and successful advancement operations in Europe. It is also a place where people are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge thinking, support one another and grow professionally.
You will join a collaborative and high-performing team united by a shared belief in the impact of philanthropy, research and education.
The University actively welcomes applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations - do your best work here.
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 midnight on the 17th of June 2026.
First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place in the week commencing the 22nd of June.
Second round interviews will then take place on the 29th of June and the 1st of July.
Please quote reference DH49793 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.