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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage diverse teams at a prestigious college.
- Company: Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge - a values-driven institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape future, and supportive academic community.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with ambitious goals and significant development projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on widening participation and social inclusion in education.
- Qualifications: Strong financial planning skills and leadership experience, ideally at board level.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
Lucy Cavendish College, one of Cambridge’s most forward looking and values driven colleges, is seeking to appoint an exceptional Bursar to join its senior team. This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in the strategic leadership of a thriving academic institution with a powerful social mission. Established in 1965, Lucy Cavendish is a young, ambitious college with nearly 1,200 students and a proud commitment to widening participation, inclusion and social impact.
The Opportunity
- A member of the Senior Team, a Fellow of the College and a Trustee of the charity.
- Responsible for developing and delivering the College’s financial strategy, astute management of the endowments fund and the estates.
- Leading experienced professional teams across finance, estates & operations, HR and IT.
- Working closely with the President, Governing Body and Finance & Investment Committee.
- Playing a pivotal role in delivering an ambitious agenda, including estates development, fundraising growth and long-term financial sustainability.
The College has a c.£20m endowment, an active £65m fundraising ambition by 2030, and a significant estates development programme of c.£60m.
About You
- You will be a senior, credible leader with strong strategic financial planning and financial modelling expertise.
- Experience operating at board or trustee level, ideally within higher education, charity or complex mission led organisations.
- Commercial acumen and confidence managing growth, change and investment.
- A collaborative, values led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust across diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion and social impact.
- A professional qualification in finance is preferred. Experience in higher education is welcomed but not essential - transferable leadership experience and intellectual curiosity are highly valued.
Why Lucy Cavendish?
This role offers the rare chance to help shape the future of a distinctive Cambridge college that exists to create opportunity for students from underrepresented backgrounds and to do so as a Fellow within an engaged and supportive academic community.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit here.
Closing date for applications: Friday 5th June 2026.
Bursar (Fellow & Trustee) employer: Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bursar (Fellow & Trustee)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or even alumni from Lucy Cavendish. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture at Lucy Cavendish. We love candidates who resonate with our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the financial strategy and how you can contribute to our ambitious fundraising goals. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar (Fellow & Trustee)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Lucy Cavendish College. Highlight your experience in financial strategy and leadership, showing how you align with their commitment to inclusion and social impact.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your collaborative and values-led approach in action. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've inspired trust and managed diverse teams effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your strategic financial planning expertise and any relevant board-level experience, making it easy for us to see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lucy Cavendish College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Bursar, you'll be expected to have a strong grasp of financial strategy and modelling. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the college's endowment and fundraising goals. Be ready to discuss how you would approach financial planning and sustainability in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This position requires a collaborative and values-led leadership approach. Think about examples from your past where you've inspired trust and led diverse teams. Prepare to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders.
✨Understand the College's Mission
Lucy Cavendish College is committed to widening participation and social impact. Familiarise yourself with their initiatives and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the college's culture.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the college's strategic goals, challenges, and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right environment for you to thrive as a Bursar.