At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage endowments for a thriving college.
- Company: Lucy Cavendish College, a forward-thinking institution at the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and the chance to make a social impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive community committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and support underrepresented students in a prestigious setting.
- Qualifications: Strong financial planning skills and experience in leadership roles.
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
- 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
- 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.
Bursar (Fellow & Trustee) in Cambridge 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) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lucy Cavendish College. 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 college's values and recent initiatives. We want to see how your experience aligns with their mission of inclusion and social impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during discussions. We love collaborative leaders who can inspire trust and drive change, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨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’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar (Fellow & Trustee) in Cambridge
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 our commitment to inclusion and social impact.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your journey! Share specific examples of your strategic financial planning and any board-level experience you've had. We want to see how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone with a collaborative leadership style, so don’t hesitate to express your values and how they guide your decision-making. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
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 related to endowments and fundraising. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the college's financial challenges and opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role 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 to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.
✨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 numbers person but also someone who cares about the college's mission.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the college's future plans, especially regarding estates development and fundraising. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.