At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising to support groundbreaking medical research and build partnerships with high-value donors.
- 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: Opportunity for visa sponsorship and relocation support available.
- 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.
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 Executive (Maternity Cover) employer: Charity People
Join a prestigious institution at the forefront of medical research, where your role as a Senior Development Executive will not only contribute to groundbreaking discoveries but also foster meaningful relationships with high-value donors. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the University of Oxford offers a flexible hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and extensive professional development opportunities, making it an exceptional place for ambitious fundraisers to thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Executive (Maternity Cover)
✨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 a lead on that perfect role!
✨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. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior Development Executive. Highlight your fundraising successes and how you’ve built relationships with donors in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that dream role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Development Executive role. Highlight your experience in major gifts fundraising and any relevant work in medical research or higher education. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for medical research shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to transformative projects or initiatives in the past. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Stuff
Make sure you research the university's Medical Sciences Division and its recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with their landmark campaign, Oxford Excellence, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to improve health through medical research.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in major gifts fundraising. Highlight how you've built relationships with high-value donors and secured transformational support, as this role will require you to lead on a portfolio of major and principal gift relationships.
✨Demonstrate Curiosity and Adaptability
This position requires intellectual agility across diverse medical research themes. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new challenges in your previous roles and how your curiosity drives your work in fundraising and medical research.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the impact of philanthropy on research, and how the university measures success in its fundraising efforts. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
