At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage estates at a prestigious college.
- Company: Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge - a values-driven institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and the chance to make a social impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for underrepresented students in a supportive community.
- 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 & Trustee: Strategic Finance & Estates Leader in Cambridge employer: Totalwellnessacupuncture
At Lucy Cavendish College, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking institution that champions inclusion and social impact. As a Bursar, you will not only lead strategic financial initiatives but also be part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to empowering underrepresented students. With a commitment to professional growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in higher education while enjoying the rich heritage of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bursar & Trustee: Strategic Finance & Estates Leader in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector or related fields. Attend events, webinars, and workshops where you can meet people who might help you land that Bursar role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lucy Cavendish College thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and current projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've inspired trust and collaboration in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic financial planning and management skills.
✨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 with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar & Trustee: Strategic Finance & Estates Leader 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:We’re all about inclusion and social impact, so don’t shy away from sharing your commitment to these values in your application. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve contributed to similar missions.
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 qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Totalwellnessacupuncture
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Bursar, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets or endowments in the past. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative and values-led approach. Prepare examples of how you've inspired trust and led diverse teams. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in complex environments like higher education or charities.
✨Understand the College's Mission
Lucy Cavendish College is all about inclusion and social impact. Familiarise yourself with their values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious agenda and support their fundraising goals.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the college’s future and its strategic direction. Ask about their current challenges or opportunities in estates development and how they envision the Bursar's role evolving in the coming years.
