Development director jobs in East of england

Hughes Hall is one of the largest constituent Colleges of the University of Cambridge: progressive, international and egalitarian, with a distinctive commitment to putting learning and research at the service of wider society.

As Hughes Hall looks ahead to its 150th anniversary in 2035, the College is entering a period of major transformation. With a highly international student body, a growing global alumni community and ambitious plans across education, impact and the estate, Hughes Hall seeks to reimagine what a Cambridge College can be: outward-looking, inclusive, and connected to the challenges of the wider world.

We are seeking an experienced and ambitious individual to lead the College’s fundraising and alumni operation as Development Director. Reporting to the President, Sir Laurie Bristow, the postholder will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, and will lead a small development office. They will lead a major anniversary campaign, expected to raise in the region of £30–50m over the next decade to support scholarships, transformational capital projects and wider social impact.

The post holder will likely be a senior development professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts. They will have first-hand experience leading, or being instrumental in, major campaigns. They will be prepared to travel in the UK and internationally to cultivate prospective donors and stakeholders.

Strong candidates will be energetic, confident communicators and relationship builders, able to act as a warm, credible and energetic ambassador for Hughes Hall. They will combine strategic judgement with a hands-on approach, be able to speak and inspire an audience, and to lead a successful team.

This is a mission-critical appointment at an exciting moment for Hughes Hall. It is a rare opportunity to design and lead the first major philanthropic campaign in Hughes Hall’s history, and to help shape the College’s future as it approaches its 150th anniversary. The College has strong foundations, clear ambition and significant philanthropic potential; this is a distinctive opportunity for someone who shares Hughes Hall’s ethos to help shape the future of a unique Cambridge institution.

To apply for this vacancy, please visit the website via the apply button. The closing date for this role is 15th September 2026.

The Director of Growth, Impact and Partnerships will provide strategic leadership for growth, partnerships, engagement and impact across Ormiston Families.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will help turn strategy into action by building strong partnerships, growing sustainable income, strengthening organisational influence and ensuring the organisation has the relationships, reputation, resources and insight needed to increase its reach, deepen its impact and deliver its long-term ambitions. 

The postholder will also play a central role in delivering Ormiston Families' organisational change journey, helping us grow well. They will work across Purpose, People, Process and Performance, helping to shape a more connected, insight-led and sustainable organisation by embedding strategic planning, organisational learning, performance measurement and continuous improvement into how the charity operates, grows and creates impact. 

The main duties of this role include: 

• Setting and delivering an ambitious, evidence-informed strategy for income growth, engagement and impact.
• Supporting the delivery of the organisation's Purpose, People, Process and Performance agenda, ensuring growth, engagement, impact and partnerships contribute to organisational effectiveness and long-term sustainability. 
• Championing the development of organisational insight, performance measures and impact reporting that support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Representing Ormiston Families externally, building credibility, influence and strategic relationships with key stakeholders, partners, commissioners, funders and sector leaders.
• Leading the directorate to deliver annual income targets, long-term growth plans and high-quality supporter experiences.
• Developing existing income streams and identify new opportunities, products, partnerships and channels.
• Building and influencing strategic partnerships across the charity, public, education, health, community and commercial sectors to increase impact, reach and sustainability
• Overseeing integrated marketing and communications activity that builds awareness, reputation and engagement. 
• Ensuring Ormiston Families’ story is told with clarity, warmth and impact, grounded in the experiences of children, young people and families.
• Leading organisational impact measurement, evaluation and learning, ensuring insight is embedded in planning, delivery and decision-making. 
• Promoting a culture of innovation, learning, inclusion and continuous improvement. 
• Providing robust performance reporting, forecasting and analysis to the CEO, SLT, committees and Board of Trustees.

Benefits include:

•           Competitive salary, benchmarked for a senior charity leadership role.

•           Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, supporting balance and effectiveness.

•           Generous annual leave and family-friendly policies.

•           Pension contribution and employee support offer.

•           Opportunities for professional development, learning and leadership growth.

•           The chance to help shape the future of a values-led organisation making a lasting difference for children, young people and families. 

Location: This is a hybrid role, offering a flexible combination of home working and attendance at our central office.

Salary: £85,000 gross per annum.

To apply, please submit your cover letter detailing how you meet the criteria (no more than 2 pages) and CV.