At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build strong donor relationships to support Sidney Sussex College.
- Company: Join a prestigious college with a commitment to philanthropy and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, free meals, and gym access.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities to meet donors globally.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact in fundraising.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising or relationship-building is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Looking for your next step in fundraising? This is an opportunity to take greater ownership of donor relationships, develop your major gifts experience and play a central role in Sidney Sussex College’s philanthropic ambitions.
You’ll manage your own portfolio, identify, qualify and cultivate new prospects, secure significant five to six figure gifts and deliver high-value, personalised stewardship that keeps our donors engaged and connected with the impact of their support.
We’re looking for an ambitious relationship-builder with fundraising or comparable experience who is ready to step up. You don’t need to come from higher education, but you will need to be confident meeting people, developing lasting relationships and asking for support.
You’ll join a collaborative Development and Alumni Relations team, with plenty of opportunity to get out and meet donors in Cambridge, across the UK and internationally. Ready to make the move into a more senior fundraising role? We’d love to hear from you.
Benefits include an annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme provided by the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), free College meals when on duty and free College gym.
A job description, person specification and application form are available on the College website. In order to apply, please submit a cover letter, completed application form and CV outlining your suitability to the HR Department by the closing date below. Applications that do not include all three documents may not be taken forward.
Alternatively, application paperwork can be posted to HR Department at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU. Sidney Sussex College wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in our Equal Opportunities Policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010. Please complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form to help us understand the diversity of our job applicants. Completing this form is voluntary. The information provided will be kept confidential. None of the information you provide will be linked to your application.
The closing date for application is midday Monday 9 November 2026.
Any offer of appointment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references; verification of identity and qualifications; and eligibility to work in the UK. First-stage online interviews will be held on Friday 13 November 2026 with final in-person interviews, including a presentation, will be held on Friday 20 November 2026.
Sidney Sussex College is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes diversity amongst its students, staff, Fellows and visitors, recognising the particular contributions to the achievements of the College’s mission that can be made by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
Research Development Lead in Cambridge employer: Sidney Sussex College Cambridge
Sidney Sussex College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth within the Development and Alumni Relations team. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and free meals and gym access, employees are well-supported in their roles. Located in the historic city of Cambridge, this position provides unique opportunities to engage with donors both locally and internationally, making it an ideal environment for ambitious fundraising professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Sidney Sussex College Cambridge Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Development Lead in Cambridge
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Sidney Sussex College Cambridge.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Sidney Sussex College Cambridge.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Sidney Sussex College Cambridge.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Sidney Sussex College Cambridge. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Development Lead in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Sidney Sussex College Cambridge. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Research Development Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sidney Sussex College Cambridge
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Sidney Sussex College Cambridge. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
