At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising to support groundbreaking medical research and build impactful donor relationships.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a global leader in biomedical research and philanthropy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion in philanthropy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by securing transformative funding for innovative research.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gifts fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
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) 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 generous benefits package, including flexible hybrid working, extensive 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)
✨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
Be ready to showcase your passion for medical research. When you land that interview, share stories of how you've successfully secured major gifts and how those contributions made a real impact. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework on Oxford and its Medical Sciences Division. Understand their current projects and how philanthropy plays a role in advancing their research. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the world of medical research and philanthropy.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive (Philanthropy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for medical research and philanthropy shine through. We want to see how inspired you are by the potential of transforming lives through your work!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in major gifts fundraising. We’re looking for specific examples of high-value donations you've secured, so don’t hold back on those impressive achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us smoothly, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
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 their impact on health. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build and maintain relationships with high-value donors. Think about specific instances where you've secured significant gifts and how you navigated those conversations. This will demonstrate your confidence and credibility.
✨Be Strategic and Organised
Come equipped with a clear strategy for how you would approach the role. Outline your thoughts on managing donor portfolios and engaging with stakeholders. This shows that you're proactive and outcome-focused, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Engage with Curiosity
Express your eagerness to learn about diverse medical research themes. Prepare questions that show your curiosity about Oxford’s work and how you can contribute. This will reflect your adaptability and intellectual agility, key traits for this role.
