At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage diverse teams at a prestigious college.
- Company: Lucy Cavendish College, a forward-thinking institution with a strong social mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape the future of education, and supportive community.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to social impact and equity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on widening participation and inclusion in higher education.
- Qualifications: Strong financial planning skills and experience in leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 € 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.
Closing date for applications: Friday 5th June 2026.
Bursar in Cambridge employer: Lucy Cavendish College
Lucy Cavendish College is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking academic institution dedicated to social impact and inclusion. As a Bursar, you will join a supportive community where your strategic leadership will directly contribute to the college's ambitious goals, including significant fundraising and estates development initiatives. With a commitment to professional growth and a collaborative work culture, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bursar in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lucy Cavendish College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their mission of inclusion and social impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! We need to clearly articulate our vision for the financial strategy and how we can contribute to the college’s ambitious fundraising goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the team at Lucy Cavendish.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Bursar role. Highlight your strategic financial planning expertise and any relevant leadership experience to show us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Values:Since Lucy Cavendish College is all about inclusion and social impact, don’t forget to weave in your commitment to these values throughout your application. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission and inspire trust among diverse stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Lucy Cavendish College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Cavendish College
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Bursar, you'll be expected to have a strong grasp of financial strategy and management. Brush up on key financial metrics related to endowments and fundraising. Be ready to discuss how you would approach financial modelling and strategic planning for the college.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative and values-led leadership style. 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 experience in board or trustee-level operations.
