Do your best work here.
At Cambridge, exceptional people come together to achieve extraordinary things.
Every day, philanthropy helps support world-changing research, talented students and solutions to some of society's biggest challenges. Behind that philanthropy sits insight, strategy and expertise. The ability to identify opportunity, understand relationships and ensure effort is focused where it can have the greatest impact.
We're looking for an outstanding leader to shape and lead Prospect Development at the University of Cambridge.
This is a rare opportunity to influence fundraising strategy at one of the world's leading universities, working alongside talented colleagues united by a shared purpose and committed to delivering meaningful impact through philanthropy.
The Opportunity
As Director of Prospect Development, you will lead the University's prospect intelligence, due diligence, prospect management and portfolio strategy functions, ensuring fundraising colleagues have the insight and direction they need to build exceptional philanthropic partnerships.
Working closely with senior fundraising leaders, you will act as a trusted adviser on prospect strategy, pipeline health, campaign priorities, opportunity and risk. You will help shape how prospects are identified, prioritised and progressed across a global fundraising operation, strengthening donor pipelines and supporting future philanthropic growth.
Leading a highly skilled specialist team, you will champion best practice, drive continuous improvement and ensure insight is translated into action.
This is far more than a prospect research leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence fundraising strategy at one of the world's most respected institutions.
You'll Thrive Here If¿
You understand how insight drives fundraising performance and how strong prospect strategy can transform philanthropic outcomes.
You bring significant leadership experience within prospect development, prospect research or prospect management and have a track record of advising senior stakeholders on complex decisions.
You are skilled at building trusted relationships, leading high-performing teams and translating complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
Most importantly, you are collaborative, thoughtful and motivated by the impact philanthropy can have on society.
Why Cambridge?
For more than 800 years, Cambridge has been home to some of the world's brightest minds and most influential ideas. Today, philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling the University to deliver world-leading education, research and innovation.
Development and Alumni Relations is central to that mission.
With more than 160 colleagues, we are a collaborative, ambitious and values-led community. We work hard, support one another and are committed to creating an environment where people can do their best work.
Our global reputation, international alumni community and worldwide donor network create opportunities to work on fundraising challenges and philanthropic partnerships that few organisations can match.
A Place Where You Can Thrive
We know exceptional candidates do not always meet every requirement listed in a job description. If your experience is not an exact match, but you believe you could make a significant contribution to this role, we would encourage you to apply.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can thrive.
At Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations, we believe great work happens when talented people are trusted, supported and connected to a meaningful purpose.
Our ambition is simple: to create an environment where you can do your best work.
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates relocating to Cambridge from abroad.
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 19th of July 2026.
First round Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 28th and 29th of July.
Second round Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on the 3rd of August.
Please quote reference DH49606 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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