At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major fundraising efforts to support groundbreaking medical research and build lasting donor relationships.
- Company: Join a top UK university renowned for its biomedical research and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while shaping the future of medicine.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising or a passion for learning about medical research is a plus.
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 one of the UK's top universities - and 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 this institution prepares for their landmark campaign, Oxford Excellence, with a major strategic focus on improving health so that we can all live longer, healthier lives.
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
Grade 8 - £49,119 to £58,265, with potential progression to £65,336, including an University Weighting of £1,730 (pro‑rata)
With 12 Nobel Laureates across its long and distinguished history, this university'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. 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.
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
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loan
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 Director (Hybrid) employer: Charity People
Join a prestigious institution at the forefront of medical research, where your role as a Senior Development Director will not only influence groundbreaking discoveries but also contribute to improving global health. With a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility, professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and pension schemes, this is an exceptional opportunity to thrive in a collaborative environment dedicated to making a real-world impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Director (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the medical research and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with alumni from your university. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's recent projects and campaigns. Show genuine interest in their work and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your adaptability and curiosity in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head straight to our website! We often post exclusive opportunities there, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Director (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Development Director role. Highlight your experience in major gifts fundraising and how it aligns with the mission of transforming lives through medical research.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for medical research shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar causes or projects, and why you're excited about the opportunity to work with a leading biomedical research institution.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and fit for the role without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the university's Medical Sciences Division and its recent research breakthroughs. Familiarise yourself with their key projects and how philanthropy plays a role in advancing medical research. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially those involving major gifts. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with high-value donors and secured transformational support. Tailor your stories to highlight your adaptability and curiosity in diverse medical research themes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the institution's goals. Inquire about their upcoming Oxford Excellence campaign and how they envision the Senior Development Director contributing to its success. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in their future.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with senior academics and researchers, be sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities. This will illustrate your ability to work within a high-performing team and contribute to their mission.
