Head of Development, Arts & Humanities

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Head of Development for Arts & Humanities to lead major gift fundraising initiatives. This role demands a proven track record in securing large gifts and managing relationships with sophisticated donors. Your responsibilities include developing fundraising strategies, sustaining relationships with high-profile donors, and leading a team to achieve ambitious goals. Join a values-led environment committed to transformational philanthropy and higher education excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing and managing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience in complex institutions or equivalent relationship-led environments.
• Sound judgement and strategic focus in philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver high-value major gifts strategy.
• Build lasting professional relationships with major donors.
• Lead and motivate a senior fundraising team.

Skills

Relationship building

Fundraising strategy

Team motivation

Credibility with donors

Job description

# Head of Development, Arts & HumanitiesThis role is for fundraisers withâ¯**personal experience of, and a passion for, initiating, securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts**, who want to work where intellectual ambition, global relevance and philanthropic scale come together.As Head of Development for Arts and Humanities, you will lead senior major and principal gift fundraising, working closely with academics and donors to support the Schoolâsâ¯academic priorities. The role involves managing complex relationships, long timeframes and significant donor expectations, in an environment where judgement and credibility matter.You will be comfortable operating within a collegiate, matrixed organisation, aligning senior stakeholders around shared priorities and building long-term philanthropic partnerships.**The role**You will develop and deliver a high-value major gifts strategy, securing gifts from £100k through to £5m and above. Your portfolio will include a significant proportion of six- and seven-figure prospects and donors, requiring patience, strategic focus and the confidence to lead trust-based relationships over time.Working closely with senior academics and leaders within the School of Arts and Humanities, you will help shape compelling philanthropic opportunities across research, teaching and collections. The portfolio will appeal to fundraisers drawn to big, contemporary questions, including the role of the Arts and Humanities alongside the digital world, AI and geopolitics.**What youâll do*** Personally initiate, ask for and stewardâ¯*six- and seven-figure gifts*\** Build and sustain strong professional relationships with major and principal donors* Partner at peer level with senior academics and University leaders to shape fundable priorities* Navigate complex internal dynamics with confidence and clarity* Lead, motivate and develop a small, senior team* Represent the University with credibility to high-profile donors in the UK and internationally**What youâll bring*** A strong track record of personally securing and stewardingâ¯six- and seven-figure gifts, ideally within a complex institution or equivalent relationship-led environment (for example cultural, international or mission-led organisations)* Credibility with senior stakeholders and sophisticated donors* Experience building long-term donor relationships, not just closing gifts* Experience motivating and managing a small team* Sound judgement, strategic focus and intellectual curiosity* You do not need prior higher education experience.**Why Cambridge, why Development and Alumni Relations**You will join Development and Alumni Relations at one of the worldâs leading universities, part of a globally respected advancement operation with the scale and ambition to support truly transformational philanthropy.This is a values-led environment where senior fundraisers are trusted to operate with autonomy and integrity, and where philanthropy supports free and independent thought, discovery and global impact.**Inclusive approach**We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.**University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations â Do your best work here.**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 11th of January 2026.First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place virtually on the 23rd of January.Second round interviews are due to take place on the the 2nd of February.Please quote reference DH48240 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.### Department/location### Salary£63,606-£67,468### ReferenceDH48240### Category### Date published17 December 2025### Closing date11 January 2026