Pembroke College Cambridge

Meet the Team: Development Officer

Emily Johnson has worked at Pembroke since 2015 as a Development Officer. She recently left Pembroke, but took the time to tell Kit Smart about her work over the last few years.

In her time here Emily has worked on successful crowdfunding campaigns, reunion bursary appeals, and numerous other fundraising tasks in between. She also raises funds for the Time and the Place campaign, and was part of the team that created an amazing launch for the campaign last year. We’re very sad to see her go, but as with all our staff, students and Fellows when they leave Pembroke, we wish her all the best for the future.

What does your job involve day-to-day?

My job is always fascinating, because I get to go out and meet Pembroke alumni face-to-face and ask them to support the vision of the College by making a gift. It’s always interesting to hear about their time at Pembroke, whether it was five years ago or fifty years ago, as well as what they’ve done since leaving the College. When I’m not out and about meeting alumni, or on the phone scheduling these meetings, I run Pembroke’s crowdfunding platform, co-ordinate the reunion bursary appeal for those coming back to the College for their year dinners, or create campaign materials. I also get to organise and attend some of the interesting events we hold. The Pembroke Soirées have been a great addition to our events calendar recently; alumni have the opportunity to hear from a range of Fellows and graduate students about their impactful research – over drinks and canapés, naturally.

What’s been the best part of working at Pembroke?

Without a doubt, the best part of working at Pembroke has been my colleagues in the Development Office. Every single person in the office is such a wonderful character and full of expertise which they are always willing to share. It creates such a lovely environment to work in. Ever since I arrived in the team, my ideas have been properly listened to and embraced, which has been so rewarding. I feel very lucky to have worked with such a kind and fun group of people.

What’s been the most challenging part of your job?

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about Cambridge and Pembroke finances/admissions/fundraising which, as a fundraiser, you come up against. Usually, these are easy to deconstruct if people give you the opportunity to talk to them, and it is gratifying when someone makes a gift because you have done so.

What’s it been like working on the Time and The Place campaign?

It has been a privilege to work at Pembroke at such an exciting moment in its history as the College embarks upon the development of the Mill Lane site. Having a big and important project like this to raise funds for, knowing that the new site will provide the world-class facilities to enable future students to fulfil their potential, has been very motivating. I hope it is equally as motivating for a donor as it is a fundraiser! Thinking about how to best convey this to alumni and prospective donors has been a chance for lots of creativity and strategic thinking, which I really enjoy. A highlight of my time here was the launch of The Time and The Place campaign – Eric Idle performing ‘Always Look On The Bright Side of Life’ to a tent full of alumni, students and staff, with everyone singing along, was a magical moment.

How would you describe Pembroke to someone who’s never heard of it?

Beautiful but unassuming, proud of its achievements but not showy, Pembroke is a college which really supports its people to thrive, whether they’re staff, students, or fellows.

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