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- Tasks: Build meaningful relationships with major donors and secure transformational support for education.
- Company: Corpus Christi College, dedicated to outstanding education and impactful philanthropy.
- Benefits: Collaborative team culture, opportunity to make a lasting impact, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a values-driven institution and contribute to long-term educational missions.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in major gifts fundraising and relationship building.
- Other info: Supportive environment prioritising collaboration and thoughtful stewardship.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will suit a frontline major gifts fundraiser who is motivated by purpose and partnership, and who wants to work in an environment where philanthropy is about long-term impact, not short-term transactions. Corpus Christi College exists to support outstanding education, research, and student opportunity. Philanthropy plays a central role in sustaining that mission. The College has strong foundations in place and is now looking for an experienced major gifts fundraiser to help deepen relationships and secure transformational support.
The role:
- You will personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, typically capable of gifts in the £50,000 to £250,000 range, with some larger opportunities.
- You will lead relationships from first engagement through to stewardship and six-figure asks, taking time to understand donors’ motivations and connect them meaningfully to the life of the College.
- Alongside your own portfolio, you will contribute to the leadership and day-to-day running of a small development team. This includes supporting colleagues, strengthening stewardship practices, and helping ensure donors feel valued, informed, and part of something enduring.
- This is a hands-on fundraising role, grounded in thoughtful relationship building.
What you will be doing
- Building trusted relationships with major donors and prospects
- Developing personalised cultivation and stewardship plans
- Preparing compelling cases for support and donor proposals
- Making confident, well-judged six-figure asks
- Personally raising at least £250,000 per year
- Working closely with senior academics and professional colleagues
- Supporting a collaborative and supportive team culture
What we are looking for
This role is only suitable for candidates who can demonstrate:
- A track record of initiating, stewarding, and closing six-figure gifts
- A relationship-led approach grounded in listening, empathy, and judgement
- Confidence and credibility working with senior stakeholders and donors
- Experience in higher education is welcome but not essential. What matters is your ability to build authentic donor relationships and steward significant gifts with care and integrity.
Why this role stands out
- A values-driven institution with a clear educational mission
- An environment that prioritises thoughtful stewardship and donor care
- Real scope to shape relationships and see long-term impact
- A supportive, collegiate team that values collaboration over ego
- A role where purpose and professionalism sit comfortably together
If you are a major gifts fundraiser who wants your work to contribute to something lasting, and who values collaboration as much as results, this is a role worth exploring.
To apply - please send a CV and Cover letter to recruitment@corpus.cam.ac.uk
Deputy Development Director - Major Gifts in Cambridge employer: Corpus Christi College Cambridge
Contact Detail:
Corpus Christi College Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Development Director - Major Gifts in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the College or a donor, let your enthusiasm for their mission shine through. Share why you care about education and philanthropy – it’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the College and its values thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their long-term goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Development Director - Major Gifts in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for philanthropy and how your experience aligns with the mission of Corpus Christi College. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show!
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Deputy Development Director role. We’re looking for evidence of your major gifts fundraising success, so make sure to showcase those six-figure gifts you’ve secured in the past!
Showcase Relationship Building Skills: This role is all about building relationships, so be sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with donors in the past. We want to see your ability to connect with people and foster long-term partnerships that lead to impactful giving.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corpus Christi College Cambridge
✨Know Your Donors
Before the interview, research the major donors and prospects you might be working with. Understand their motivations and past contributions to similar causes. This will help you demonstrate your relationship-led approach and show that you genuinely care about connecting them to the mission of Corpus Christi College.
✨Craft Your Case for Support
Prepare a compelling case for support that aligns with the College's mission. Think about how you can articulate the long-term impact of donations and why they matter. Practising this will not only boost your confidence but also help you make well-judged six-figure asks during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves contributing to a collaborative team culture, be ready to discuss how you've supported colleagues in previous roles. Share examples of how you've strengthened stewardship practices or fostered a supportive environment, as this will resonate well with the values of the College.
✨Demonstrate Your Track Record
Be prepared to talk about your experience in initiating, stewarding, and closing six-figure gifts. Use specific examples to illustrate your success and how your relationship-building skills have led to transformational support. This will help establish your credibility with senior stakeholders during the interview.
