Philanthropy Lead

Philanthropy Lead  
Hours: Full-Time, 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (0.8 FTE may be considered)  
Contract: Permanent  
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience, with the possibility of further flexibility for an exceptional candidate (pro rata for a 0.8 FTE position).  
Office Base: Trinity Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1TL. Attendance in College at least one day a week will be essential.  
Location: On the road. The nature of the role requires the role-holder to be out of College, visiting prospective and current donors, at least 2–3 days per week. 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the most successful college philanthropic programmes. Clare College is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year. Accompanied by a new strategic vision for the College’s eighth century, the anniversary provides an opportunity to launch Clare’s next fundraising campaign. 

The Philanthropy Lead will be in a key position to attract significant support for our 700th anniversary campaign, working alongside the Master, other senior College Officers, the Deputy Development Director and other members of the College. The post will appeal to a talented major gifts fundraiser who is motivated by the opportunity to have a tangible impact on the College’s future success at a crucial point in its history. Building on a platform of strong fundraising performance and alumni engagement, the role-holder will play a pivotal role in attracting philanthropic funding from alumni, well-wishers, trusts and foundations in the UK and worldwide. Success in this role will be transformational, not only for the College but also for the role-holder’s own career. 

About Us 

Clare College is the second oldest of the 31 Colleges in the University of Cambridge. Regarded as one of the most progressive and informal, Clare is renowned as a College that achieves academically at the highest levels, whilst also being welcoming, forward-thinking, and inclusive. 

Located in the heart of Cambridge city centre, the College is extraordinarily beautiful and famed for its gardens on “the Backs” (the famous backs of the Colleges that overlook the River Cam). Our gardens are widely renowned as some of the best in Cambridge and are valued by all members of the College, as well as our guests. Clare’s Old Court, a Grade I listed building, is the centre of the College and is unique among the ancient Cambridge Colleges in having maintained its architectural integrity over the course of its history. 

Salary and Benefits 

Remuneration will be between £50,000 and £60,000 depending on experience, with the possibility of further flexibility for an exceptional candidate. There will be a four-month probationary period. Confirmation in role will be subject to satisfactory completion of the probationary period, which will include demonstrable progress towards achieving the full-year fundraising target for the role. The salary increases annually with the cost of living and will be subject to periodic review, benchmarked against equivalent roles in other Cambridge colleges.  

The nature of the role requires the role-holder to be out of College, visiting prospective and current donors, at least 2–3 days per week. Attendance in College on these days is not required. Because Clare is a community, attendance in College at least one day a week will be essential. The usual hours of work are between 8.45am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (36.25 hours a week), but flexibility and some evening and weekend work are required. A willingness to travel abroad for donor and prospect meetings is highly desirable. TOIL may be given at the discretion of the line manager. 

Benefits 

• The role holder will be eligible to join the College’s contributory pension scheme after three months’ service.  
• The role-holder is entitled to 26 days’ holiday per year, plus public holidays.
• Eligibility for a free parking space in College.
• Clare staff are entitled to a free lunch in College on working days.
• Clare College is a non-smoking environment.
• Clare College is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

The closing date is Wednesday 30th September 2026  
Interviews will take place on 8th October 2026.  

Interested?

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We are committed to the principles of equal opportunities, diversity and respect and want to be known as an employer that invests in its staff, recognising and rewarding them for their commitment. 

Any offer of employment will be made subject to references. 

No agencies please.