At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising to support groundbreaking medical research at Oxford.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a global leader in biomedical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving global medical advancements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and medicine through transformative philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gifts fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 49119 - 58265 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious major gifts fundraiser inspired by the power of medical research to transform lives? Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with the University of Oxford – one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions – to recruit a Senior Development Executive into its high-performing Medical Sciences Development team. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a collaborative, internationally respected fundraising team at the forefront of global medical advancement, securing philanthropic investment that accelerates discoveries from lab to patient.
You’ll join at a pivotal moment as Oxford prepares for their landmark campaign, Oxford Excellence, with a major strategic focus on improving health so that we can all live longer, healthier lives. As a truly global institution, Oxford actively welcomes applications from candidates around the world and particularly encourages applications from the global majority. There is potential for visa sponsorship and relocation support, where required.
Location: Oxford, with hybrid working (typically 2–3 days per week working from home)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: Grade 8 – £49,119 to £58,265, with potential progression to £65,336, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 (pro‑rata)
About the role
With 12 Nobel Laureates across its long and distinguished history, Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division is internationally recognised for excellence across the full spectrum of medical research – from molecular science and genetics to population health, policy and global health initiatives. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling this work, helping researchers push forward life-changing discoveries and translating innovation into real-world impact.
Working closely with the Head of Development, you’ll lead on a portfolio of major and principal gift relationships, securing transformational philanthropic support for pioneering medical research. As well as building long-term partnerships with high-value donors, you’ll also closely collaborate with senior academics and researchers to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities, inspired by world-class science. This is a role offering real autonomy, influence and intellectual breadth, with a rare opportunity to help shape the future of medicine and health at a world‑leading institution.
About you
You’re a confident, relationship-led fundraiser with a track record of securing complex, high-value philanthropic support, already having secured six-figure gifts and possibly beyond. We’re looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in major gifts fundraising, with the ability to lead sophisticated donor relationships with confidence and credibility.
- Strategic thinking coupled with precise delivery skills – organised, proactive and outcome-focused.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Curiosity, adaptability and the intellectual agility to work across diverse medical research themes and priorities.
- Experience within higher education, healthcare, medical research, life sciences or global health would be highly beneficial, but not essential if you have the appetite and ability to learn.
Above all, you’re inspired by Oxford’s unique potential to transform philanthropic gifts into breakthroughs in medicine and health.
What’s on offer
Your wellbeing matters, and the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including:
- Flexible hybrid working
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- Membership of CASE
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Membership of a variety of social and sports clubs
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loan
To find out more or to apply, please get in touch with Amelia Lee at Charity People with a copy of your CV or professional profile. If your experience matches what we’re looking for, then we’ll be in touch with more details.
Deadline: 12pm on Wednesday 17th June
Interview dates will be confirmed soon.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Senior Development Executive (Philanthropy) in Oxford employer: Charity People
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions innovation in medical research. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the university provides a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible hybrid working, generous annual leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Joining the Medical Sciences Development team means being part of a prestigious institution at the forefront of global health advancements, where your contributions can lead to transformative impacts on lives worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Executive (Philanthropy) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical research and philanthropy sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for medical research! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for how philanthropy can drive breakthroughs in health. Let them see that you’re not just looking for a job, but a chance to make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Oxford’s recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to join us in transforming lives through medical research.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive (Philanthropy) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in major gifts fundraising. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your successes and relevant experiences!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about medical research and philanthropy. Share specific examples of how you've secured high-value donations and built relationships with donors.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking and delivery skills. We’re looking for someone who can not only think big but also execute plans effectively, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Dive deep into the world of major gifts fundraising, especially in medical research. Familiarise yourself with Oxford's recent projects and how philanthropy has played a role in their success. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in building and maintaining donor relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've secured high-value gifts and the strategies you used to engage those donors effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can align your fundraising strategies with Oxford's goals. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach securing transformational support for their upcoming campaign, Oxford Excellence, and how you can adapt to their diverse medical research themes.
✨Engage with Curiosity
Show your enthusiasm for learning about various medical research areas. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity about Oxford's work and how you can contribute to their vision of improving health outcomes globally.
