Associate Director, Student Support (Maternity Cover)

Are you passionate about creating life-changing opportunities for students? Would you like to work in an environment where there are significant philanthropic potential, world-leading education, and strong institutional ambition? Are you excited by the prospect of securing six- and seven-figure gifts that transform access and experience for talented students from all backgrounds?

We are now seeking an Associate Director of Development, Student Support on a 12-month maternity cover to help shape and secure major funding partnerships that expand scholarships, bursaries, and initiatives supporting students at Cambridge.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, creative fundraiser to work alongside leading academics, global donors, and a high-performing development team to generate transformational support.

Why this role? Why now?

You'll be joining one of Europe's most successful fundraising operations at a time of major ambition. Working closely with academics and internal partners, you'll lead the development of compelling funding cases and bespoke proposals that enable more students to study at Cambridge, regardless of financial background.

Whether supporting social mobility projects to address underrepresentation in our student body, postgraduate scholarships, or wellbeing and enrichment initiatives, your work will help secure funding that unlocks potential, changes lives, and strengthens the University's global community.

What you'll do:

• Lead strategy and delivery for student support fundraising across your assigned portfolio
• Contribute to strong, long-term relationships with major donors, trusts, and other philanthropic partners
• Develop tailored proposals and cases for support, aligning Cambridge's priorities with donor interests
• Maintain and cultivate a portfolio of high-value supporters, focusing on strategic six- and seven-figure gifts
• Work in partnership with academics, student services, and fundraising colleagues to shape fundable projects
• Contribute to Cambridge's broader development strategy and collaborate across its collegiate network

Who we're looking for:

We're looking for a confident, collaborative professional with a strong track record in major gift fundraising, student support, or strategic partnerships. If you're someone who thrives on connecting ideas with impact, and donors with opportunities to change lives, you'll find this role both fulfilling and inspiring.

You'll bring:

• Experience securing significant gifts from major donors, trusts, or institutional funders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals
• Emotional intelligence and resilience and an ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strategic thinking, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence in execution

A commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with integrity Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.  

The closing date for this position is the 21st of September 2025.

Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 30th of September.

Ideally the candidate would be in post by the beginning of November, but we are prepared to be flexible for the right candidate

Please quote reference DH47161 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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