Settlement Associate, Fundraising Liaison

This is an opportunity to play an important role in how philanthropic gifts are managed at a key moment, as the University of Cambridge prepares for its next major fundraising campaign.

Working within Development and Alumni Relations, you'll help ensure that donations can be accepted smoothly and put to use in supporting world-leading research, teaching and innovation.

This is a collaborative role that brings together people, processes and problem-solving, working across a complex and globally recognised organisation.

What the Role Involves

This is a hands-on role with a strong focus on coordination and communication. You will:

• Manage the process of accepting donations from start to finish
• Work closely with fundraisers, academics and donors
• Prepare and review agreements and key documents
• Make sure donations are clearly structured and meet University requirements
• Support internal checks and approvals

You'll work across a range of donations, including unsolicited and corporate gifts, helping ensure everything is handled clearly and consistently.

How the Role Works

You'll manage your own portfolio of donations, guiding each one through the process. This includes:

• Reviewing new opportunities and deciding next steps
• Advising whether a donation is ready to move forward
• Working with academics and donors to agree details
• Coordinating with teams across the University to keep things moving

Alongside this, you'll help improve how the team works by supporting clearer processes and ways of doing things.

Wider Impact

You'll contribute to improving how fundraising works behind the scenes, including:

• Helping to make processes clearer and more efficient
• Supporting good communication with donors
• Keeping documentation accurate and up to date
• Building strong working relationships across teams

Your work will help ensure donations can be used effectively and with confidence.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone organised, practical and good with people, with:

• Experience in fundraising, administration or a similar environment
• Strong communication skills
• Good attention to detail and the ability to stay organised
• Confidence working with different stakeholders
• The ability to handle complexity and find clear solutions
• Experience in higher education or fundraising is helpful but not essential.

What Success Looks Like

• Donations are processed smoothly and correctly
• Colleagues feel supported and informed
• Documentation is clear and consistent
• Work is well organised and continues to improve over time
• Donor intentions are understood and delivered in practice

This is a great opportunity to be part of meaningful work, helping ensure philanthropy can make a real impact at the University of Cambridge.

University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations- Do your best work here.

Key information

Department/location

University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations

Salary

£35,608-£46,049

Reference

DH49228

Category

Academic-related

Date published

22 April 2026

Closing date

6 May 2026