At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising and build impactful relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
- Company: St Peter's College, University of Oxford - a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape the College's future.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and contribute to an ambitious centenary campaign.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact through philanthropy at a pivotal moment in the College's history.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in major gifts fundraising and exceptional relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
- Head of Major Gifts
- St Peter's College, University of Oxford
- Salary: Grade 8 (£47,389-£56,535 per annum) | Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid working
As St Peter's College approaches its centenary in 2029, we're preparing for an ambitious fundraising campaign that will shape the College's future for generations.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser to play a leading role.
Founded in 1929 to widen access to Oxford, St Peter's combines academic excellence with a welcoming and inclusive community.
Philanthropy is central to our future, and we're seeking an exceptional relationship fundraiser to inspire transformational support from alumni and friends.
As Head of Major Gifts, you'll manage a portfolio of prospects with the capacity to give £50,000+, building relationships that secure significant philanthropic investment.
Working closely with the Director of Development, the Master, Fellows and senior colleagues, you'll develop compelling funding opportunities, secure major gifts and help establish a thriving major gifts programme at a pivotal moment in the College's history.
We're looking for someone with a strong track record of securing major philanthropic gifts, outstanding relationship-building skills and the confidence to engage high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders.
Whether you're already fundraising in higher education or bringing transferable experience from another sector, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
This is a rare chance to join an ambitious, collaborative team in the heart of Oxford and help secure the future of one of the University's most distinctive colleges.
Applications close at the end of the day on 21st August 2026.
St Peter's is an equal opportunities employer that supports underrepresented groups and values diversity.
Salary £47,389 to £56,535 per annum (Grade 8) | Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid working.
More about the role
The Head of Major Gifts is a new and strategically important role, responsible for managing a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors, with the capacity to give £50,000 or more, including six-figure gifts.
Working closely with the Development Director, you will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, while also developing relationships with a small number of selected trusts and foundations, and corporates.
You will build lasting philanthropic partnerships and secure significant support for the College's strategic priorities.
You will be an accomplished major gifts fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts and managing a dynamic portfolio of prospects through every stage of the donor journey.
Organised, proactive and collaborative, you will be confident in identifying new opportunities, developing tailored engagement strategies and maintaining accurate prospect records.
You will also work closely with senior College leaders, Fellows and colleagues to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities that align donors' interests with the College's ambitions.
This is a rare opportunity to establish and grow a major gifts programme at a pivotal moment in the College's history, helping to secure the philanthropic investment that will shape St Peter's future for generations to come.
Main responsibilities
Major Gifts Fundraising
- Develop and manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors, with the capacity to give £50,000 or more, including six-figure gifts.
- Lead the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects, developing tailored strategies to maximise philanthropic support.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with alumni and other individuals with the capacity to make significant gifts, as well as with trusts and foundations, and corporate philanthropic funders whose charitable objectives align with those of St Peter's.
- Personally solicit major gifts and work with senior College leaders to secure transformational philanthropic support.
- Meet agreed activity and income targets, maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospects at every stage of the donor journey.
- Ensure all donor interactions, strategies and contact reports are accurately recorded on the College's CRM database (DARS).
Strategic Relationship Management
- Work closely with the Development Director, the Master, Fellows and senior colleagues to identify funding priorities and develop compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Prepare senior volunteers and College representatives for donor meetings, proposals and cultivation activities.
- Develop a strong understanding of the College's priorities and communicate the impact of these effectively to prospective supporters.
- Ensure donors receive outstanding stewardship, demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy and encouraging long-term engagement.
Programme Development
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the College's major gifts strategy, supporting the success of the centenary campaign and future fundraising priorities.
- Identify new prospects and opportunities through research, networking and collaboration with colleagues across the College and the wider University.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Development, Alumni Relations and Communications to deliver integrated fundraising and engagement activities.
- Support the development of legacy giving and other strategic fundraising initiatives where appropriate.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Work collaboratively across the Development team, contributing to a positive, supportive and high-performing culture.
- Build effective relationships with academic and professional colleagues across the College such as the Master, the Bursar and Fellows to foster a culture of philanthropy.
- Represent the College professionally at events and meetings, both in Oxford and elsewhere, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post, as reasonably required by the Development Director.
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Head of Major Gifts in Oxford employer: Case
Case offers a dynamic and creative work environment in Greater London, where employees are encouraged to innovate and contribute to a brand with a rich design heritage. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and fosters a collaborative culture that values teamwork and creativity. Joining Case means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing customer experiences in the e-commerce space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts in Oxford
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Case.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Case, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Case. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Case supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Case. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Head of Major Gifts role at Case. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Case
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Case. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Case.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Case. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
