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- Tasks: Lead major gift fundraising and build relationships with high-net-worth donors.
- Company: Join Saïd Business School, a prestigious part of the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic environment while supporting transformative initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gift fundraising and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission; all backgrounds welcome.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 57000 £ per year.
Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is seeking a Head of Development – Major Gifts to lead on securing philanthropic income at the highest levels. This pivotal role, reporting to the Associate Director of Development, will focus on cultivating and securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals, corporations and foundations, ranging from upper five-figure donations to seven-figure transformational gifts.
You will manage a portfolio of approximately 85 major donor prospects, using a strategic ‘moves management’ approach to build relationships and secure funding for key initiatives, including capital projects, scholarships, academic posts, research programs and the flagship Global Leadership Centre, set to open in 2025. Additionally, you will play a critical role in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, collaborating with senior stakeholders and providing leadership to an expanding team of fundraisers.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead on securing major philanthropic gifts of up to £3 million annually.
- Cultivate, solicit and steward major donors through a structured donor engagement cycle.
- Develop compelling funding proposals and cases for support.
- Build strong relationships with senior academics, donors and stakeholders across the University.
- Contribute to high-profile donor events and international fundraising campaigns.
You will have a proven track record in major gift fundraising, capable of representing the University at the highest levels. You must possess strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, data laws and benchmarking, along with the ability to engage and secure significant gifts from high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders. A strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the business school landscape, you should be adept at building relationships with senior executives and academics, as well as managing volunteers and donors.
At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.
All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary. The closing date for applications is 4 April 2025 at 12.00 noon. Interviews will likely be held 30 April 2025.
Head of Development – Major Gifts employer: Corehr
Contact Detail:
Corehr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development – Major Gifts
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fundraising sector, especially those who have experience with major gifts. Attend industry events or seminars where you can meet potential contacts and learn about best practices in securing high-value donations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific philanthropic landscape of Oxford University and Saïd Business School. Understanding their key initiatives and past successful campaigns will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills in detail during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed donor portfolios and secured significant gifts in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in fundraising. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to fostering an inclusive environment at Saïd Business School and how this aligns with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development – Major Gifts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Development – Major Gifts position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement or cover letter should highlight your experience in major gift fundraising. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in securing significant donations and building relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your previous roles related to fundraising, particularly those that involved managing donor portfolios or developing fundraising strategies. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as the amount of funds raised or the number of successful campaigns led.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Since the role requires strategic thinking, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies. Discuss how you have collaborated with stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Research the Institution
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research Saïd Business School and its mission. Understand their key initiatives, especially the Global Leadership Centre, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Be ready to share specific examples of your past successes in major gift fundraising. Highlight any transformational gifts you've secured and the strategies you employed to cultivate those relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about how you would approach securing a major gift from a high-net-worth individual or corporation and be prepared to articulate your thought process.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since this role involves cultivating relationships with senior academics and donors, be sure to discuss your approach to relationship management. Share how you build trust and rapport with stakeholders to secure funding.
