Development Associate, Law (12-month FTC)

University of Cambridge - Development and Alumni Relations

Location: Central Cambridge

Do you have an interest in law and philanthropy? Do you thrive on building high-impact relationships and unlocking potential through strategic fundraising?

The University of Cambridge is seeking a motivated and confident Development Associate to support major gifts fundraising for our world-renowned Faculty of Law and the Institute of Criminology.

As a key member of our Schools fundraising team, you'll be at the heart of transforming ambitious academic priorities into philanthropic partnerships. Working closely with senior academics, legal professionals, and alumni, you'll identify and cultivate donors including top-tier law firms, barristers' chambers, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals in the UK and internationally.

You'll help raise five- and six-figure gifts (and beyond) to support cutting-edge research, scholarships and academic posts. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a background in law, fundraising, or relationship management to make an enduring impact at one of the world's most prestigious universities.

As Development Associate, you'll be at the forefront of our ambitious campaign, working closely with academic leaders, researchers, and philanthropists to:

• Secure major gifts (typically £25,000 to £500,000+) from individuals, trusts, and foundations in the UK and globally.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of major donor prospects and lead on all aspects of the donor journey from discovery and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
• Develop compelling cases for support across the Faculty's priorities, with tailored proposals and impact-focused narratives.
• Collaborate across Collegiate Cambridge to align donor interests with academic excellence and innovation.
• Contribute to shaping the future of major giving at one of the world's most influential universities.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in or strong knowledge of the legal profession (e.g. law firms, chambers, legal fundraising or client development).
• Has a proven track record in fundraising, business development or managing high-value relationships.
• Can confidently engage senior stakeholders including legal professionals, academics and donors in person and in writing.
• Communicates persuasively and builds rapport with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Thinks strategically and works proactively to identify and secure major gifts.
• Understands or can quickly adapt to the higher education or not-for-profit environment.
• Brings professional credibility, initiative, and a results-driven mindset.

Why Join Us?

At the University of Cambridge, we're more than fundraisers, we're partners in global progress. Join a top 50 advancement team, working with the Faculty of Law and Institute of Criminology to strengthen their legacy and drive lasting global impact. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, hybrid working, and access to Cambridge's world-class resources, training, and mentoring.

This is more than fundraising; it's a chance to shape a better future through philanthropy. If you're a motivated, strategic, tenacious and empathetic professional ready to make a meaningful difference, we want to hear from you.

Join one of the world's most respected fundraising teams and play your part in shaping the future at Cambridge.

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

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role in the Upload section of the online application.

The closing date for this position is the 12th of October 2025.

First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 20th of October 2025.

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