At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts for the £40 million FutureFitz campaign and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Fitzwilliam College, a unique and welcoming community with a rich history.
- Benefits: Become a Fellow of the College and enjoy professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in widening access to education while working creatively.
- Qualifications: Proven major gifts fundraising experience and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment that values diversity and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
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 visit our website via the button below.
To apply, please send a CV and covering letter by an 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 us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the FutureFitz campaign. Understanding its goals and challenges will help us demonstrate our strategic thinking and how we can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our fundraising successes! Be ready to share specific examples of how we've built relationships with donors and led successful campaigns. Numbers speak volumes, so let’s bring those stats to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Fitzwilliam community.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Development Director role. Highlight your fundraising achievements and any relevant campaign experience to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about Fitzwilliam College and how your values align with ours. Be sure to mention specific examples of your success in building donor relationships.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: As a Development Director, you’ll be leading a team. Make sure to include examples of how you’ve motivated and shaped teams in the past. We want to see your collaborative spirit and how you can inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
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 their commitment to widening access and academic excellence. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially major gifts campaigns. Be ready to discuss your strategies, how you built relationships with donors, and the impact of your work. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the £40 million FutureFitz campaign.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a Development Director, you'll be managing a team. Share experiences where you've successfully led and motivated a team, particularly in a fundraising context. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you foster an engaged team environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the FutureFitz campaign and the College's vision for the future. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career goals. It’s a two-way street!