At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the £40 million FutureFitz campaign and manage a dynamic development team.
- Company: Fitzwilliam College, a unique and welcoming community in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Opportunity for professional growth and to make a real impact in education.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; excellent opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative environment and shape the future of education access.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and excellent relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
About Fitzwilliam College
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.
Position Overview
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, develop new and deepen existing donor relationships, and manage a team of five development staff. Fitz seeks a strategic fundraiser who is open to thinking creatively about development, embodies the College's ambitious, collaborative and pragmatic ethos, and is an active and engaged member of the community.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the delivery of the £40 million FutureFitz campaign.
- Lead fundraising activities for the campaign in collaboration with senior college leaders.
- Develop new donor relationships and deepen existing ones.
- Manage and motivate a team of five development staff.
- Represent the College at external events and fundraising occasions.
- Ensure the Development Director is elected a Fellow of the College.
Qualifications
- Outstanding major‑gifts fundraiser with campaign experience.
- Significant track record of fundraising at a senior level.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proven ability to cultivate long‑term relationships with donors.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee, shape and motivate a team of engaged staff.
- Experience engaging comparable alumni donors (preferred).
- Commitment to the College's values and aims.
Application Process
Apply via the College website (button provided on the job posting page). Send CV and covering letter by email by close of business on 20th March 2026.
EEO Statement
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 in Peterborough employer: FITZWILLIAM COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE
Fitzwilliam College is an exceptional employer that fosters a welcoming and inclusive community, dedicated to academic excellence and widening access to education. Located just a short cycle ride from the heart of Cambridge, the College offers a collaborative work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, particularly for those in senior fundraising roles like the Development Director. Employees benefit from a commitment to diversity, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through initiatives like the £40 million FutureFitz campaign.
Contact Detail:
FITZWILLIAM COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events related to fundraising and development, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Fitzwilliam College! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the college or at an event, make sure to express why you’re excited about their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the college’s past campaigns and current goals. We want to see that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the bigger picture and how you can help drive it forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community at Fitzwilliam College.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Director role. Highlight your fundraising experience and any relevant achievements that align with Fitzwilliam College's values. We want to see how you can contribute to the FutureFitz campaign!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the role and the college. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led fundraising initiatives in the past. Remember, we love creativity and collaboration!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role involves building relationships with donors, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills in both your CV and cover letter. We’re looking for someone who can connect with people and inspire them to support our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through the Fitzwilliam College website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Make sure 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 Campaign Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the £40 million FutureFitz campaign. Familiarise yourself with its goals, current progress, and how it aligns with Fitzwilliam College's values. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to its success.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially those involving major gifts. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented and how they led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability and experience in leading fundraising initiatives.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a Development Director, you'll be managing a team. Highlight your experience in motivating and shaping teams, and share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and engagement among staff. This will reassure them that you can lead effectively within their community.
✨Engage with Their Community Spirit
Fitzwilliam College values community and collaboration. During the interview, express your commitment to these principles and share how you plan to engage with both the college community and external stakeholders. This will resonate well with their ethos and show you're a good cultural fit.
