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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts for the £40 million FutureFitz campaign and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Fitzwilliam College, a unique community committed to academic excellence and widening access.
- Benefits: Become a Fellow of the College and enjoy professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven major gifts fundraising experience and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse community that values personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Fitzwilliam College is a special welcoming community with a long history of being different, from its founding in the 1860s as a non-collegiate institution for students who could not afford to be affiliated with a Cambridge college through to its movement into becoming a college rooted in the 1960s modernist designs of Denys Lasdun. Fitz combines a drive for academic excellence and enquiry with a proven commitment to widening access to a Cambridge education. The College is located on a large seven-acre site within 10 minutes’ cycle ride of all the major faculties and departments of the University.
Fitz is looking to appoint an outstanding individual as Development Director. A senior figure within the College, the post-holder will oversee the delivery of the £40 million FutureFitz campaign in conjunction with the Master, the Bursar, and the Governing Body. They will lead on fundraising for the campaign, developing new and deepening existing donor relationships, and will manage a team of five development staff. Fitz is looking for a strategic fundraiser who is open to thinking creatively about development. They will embody the College’s ambitious, collaborative and pragmatic ethos, and will be an active and engaged member of the community.
The ideal candidate will be an outstanding major gifts fundraiser, with campaign experience and a significant track record of fundraising at a senior level. They will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience of cultivating long-term relationships with donors, and a proven ability to oversee, shape and motivate a team of engaged staff. They will ideally have experience engaging comparable alumni donors. They should be committed to the College’s values and aims.
The Development Director will be elected a Fellow of the College, reflecting the seniority of the post and the importance of the role.
To apply, please send a CV and covering letter by email by close of business on 20th March 2026. Fitzwilliam College values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities. The College is committed to helping people grow and develop; to that end we actively welcome diversity in personal and professional backgrounds and aim to ensure the postholder will have access to excellent opportunities to continue to grow and progress in their professional tenure at the College.
Development Director employer: FITZWILLIAM COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE
Contact Detail:
FITZWILLIAM COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Fitzwilliam College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the FutureFitz campaign. Understand its goals and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. We want to see your passion for fundraising!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills during the interview. Share stories that highlight your ability to build relationships with donors. Remember, they’re looking for someone who embodies their collaborative ethos!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Fitz community.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in fundraising and how it aligns with Fitzwilliam College's values. We want to see your passion for the role and how you can contribute to the FutureFitz campaign.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your major gifts fundraising experience and any relevant campaign successes. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to build relationships with donors.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: As a Development Director, you'll be leading a team. Highlight your experience in managing and motivating teams in your application. We want to know how you’ve shaped and inspired others to achieve their goals in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Remember to submit your CV and cover letter by the deadline on 20th March 2026. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at FITZWILLIAM COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE
✨Know Your Fitzwilliam College
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and values of Fitzwilliam College. Understand its unique journey from a non-collegiate institution to a modern college. This knowledge will help you connect your vision for the Development Director role with the College's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially major gifts campaigns. Be ready to discuss how you cultivated relationships with donors and led teams to achieve ambitious targets. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive the FutureFitz campaign.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Creativity
Fitzwilliam College values collaboration and creative thinking. During the interview, share instances where you worked with diverse teams or thought outside the box to solve challenges in fundraising. Highlighting these experiences will show that you embody the College’s collaborative spirit.
✨Engage with the Community
As an active member of the community is crucial for this role, express your commitment to engaging with the College's community. Discuss how you plan to build relationships not just with donors but also with staff and students, showcasing your interpersonal skills and dedication to the College's values.
