The University of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional fundraiser to join Development and Alumni Relations as Head of Development for the Department of Medicine, the largest department within the School of Clinical Medicine.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next stage of the Department's philanthropic development. Its work spans cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, immunology and infectious disease, acute and critical care, traumatic brain injury and more, with outstanding research and powerful individual stories of discovery and impact.
The opportunity now is to bring those stories together, identify where philanthropy can make the greatest difference and develop a clear and compelling case for support that reflects the breadth and ambition of the Department.
Working closely with the Director of the Department of Medicine, senior academics and clinicians, you will be both an experienced fundraiser and a trusted adviser. You will bring the judgement and credibility to guide senior stakeholders, challenge constructively where appropriate and help turn complex ideas into propositions that inspire donors.
In this role, you will:
- Shape and develop a compelling fundraising proposition for the Department, bringing together its breadth of research, ambition and impact.
- Build and manage relationships with major donors and prospective supporters, developing opportunities for significant philanthropic gifts.
- Work with senior academics and clinicians to identify and prioritise where philanthropy can make the greatest difference.
- Act as a trusted adviser, using your fundraising expertise and judgement to guide, influence and constructively challenge senior stakeholders.
- Work across the Department, School of Clinical Medicine, Development and Alumni Relations, NHS partners and wider Collegiate University to ensure fundraising is coordinated, strategic and supports Cambridge's wider priorities.
We are looking for an accomplished major gifts fundraiser with excellent relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills. You will be comfortable operating with senior stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals, able to navigate complexity and confident exercising your own judgement.
You do not need to be a scientist, but you will need the intellectual curiosity to engage with complex research, ask the right questions and translate what you learn into something meaningful and compelling for a donor.
You may already work in higher education, medicine or science, but we also welcome applications from experienced fundraisers who have developed relevant skills in other complex environments. What matters is your ability to build credibility, develop strong relationships and use your fundraising expertise to turn ambitious ideas into opportunities for philanthropic support.
You will join a friendly, ambitious and collaborative Development and Alumni Relations community where your expertise will be recognised and valued. We work hard, support one another and value the different experiences, perspectives and ideas people bring.
If you are excited by the opportunity to work with outstanding people, develop meaningful donor relationships and help unlock the philanthropic potential of one of Cambridge's largest and most scientifically diverse departments, we would love to hear from you.
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations - do your best work here.
Please note: this is a 3-year fixed-term contract position.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for this position is midnight on the 25th of October 2026.
First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place in the week commencing 2nd of November.
Second round interviews for this position are due to take place in the week commencing 9th of November.
Please quote reference DH51083 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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Key information
Department/location
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations
Salary
£63,606-£67,468
Reference
DH51083
Category
Date published
25 September 2026
Closing date
25 October 2026