At a Glance
- 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 committed to equity and social impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on widening participation and social inclusion in education.
- Qualifications: Strong financial planning skills and experience at board level preferred.
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.
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. For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners: William Pringle, Partner, Head of Charity, Arts, Culture & Heritage Practice, Berwick Partners.
Closing date for applications: Friday 5th June 2026.
Bursar (Fellow & Trustee) in Over employer: Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge
Lucy Cavendish College is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking academic institution dedicated to widening participation and social impact. With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, the college fosters a collaborative work culture where employees can thrive and grow professionally while contributing to meaningful initiatives. Located in the prestigious University of Cambridge, this role as Bursar allows you to play a pivotal part in shaping the future of the college within a supportive community of engaged scholars and leaders.
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 Over
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector or even alumni from Lucy Cavendish. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of inclusion and social impact – it’ll make a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams through change or managed financial strategies. We want to hear about your collaborative style and how you inspire trust.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar (Fellow & Trustee) in Over
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Bursar role. We want to see your strategic financial planning skills and leadership style shine through!
Showcase Your Values:Lucy Cavendish College is all about inclusion and social impact, so don’t forget to weave in examples of how you’ve demonstrated these values in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who share our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. No need for fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Lucy Cavendish!
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. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've inspired trust and led diverse teams in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Understand the College's Mission
Lucy Cavendish College is committed to widening participation and social impact. Familiarise yourself with their values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious agenda.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be working closely with various stakeholders, including the President and Governing Body. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships and how you would approach collaboration in this role. Highlight any relevant experiences where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments.
