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- Tasks: Lead fundraising initiatives and build relationships with major donors to support university projects.
- Company: Goldsmiths, a creative and progressive institution in South East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and drive meaningful change through philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gift fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of development and alumni relations at Goldsmiths.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Goldsmiths is one of the world’s most creative and progressive institutions. Located on a vibrant and eclectic campus, it is known for its academic strengths in creative arts, humanities and social sciences; for its outstanding alumni from every generation of students; and for its strong voice on current politics and higher education policy. Goldsmiths is home to a lively community of almost 10,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time and part-time students, drawn from across the globe to form a diverse and multi‑cultural population, learning together on a single site campus in South East London.
We are seeking an experienced advancement professional to lead the development office as the Director of Development and Fundraising. Reporting to the Vice‑Chancellor, this role leads Goldsmiths’ philanthropic fundraising programmes by identifying and championing the university’s priority projects, securing major gifts and donations from individuals, trusts, companies, potential legators and public funding partners, and stewarding and mentoring these relationships.
The post holder will be a development professional with significant experience in a major gift fundraising environment and have a proven track record of success. They will have experience in delivering results, confidence in facilitating high level giving, and developing relationships between the university and potential major donors. In addition, the role holder will drive our global alumni fundraising programme, and draw our most successful alumni into the major gift programme and the overall campaign.
They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and empathy for the needs of embedding new ways of working at the university to address the planned growth of development and alumni relations activity. Strong candidates will have the ability to work at a senior level and will have regular contact with the Vice Chancellor and Goldsmiths’ key stakeholders.
In addition to being able to communicate and negotiate effectively face‑to‑face with major donors, the post holder must also be able to speak and inspire an audience, and demonstrate excellent written skills in developing proposals, preparing applications to individuals, charitable trusts and companies. Experience of successfully securing gifts for a broad range of activities – including capital projects, endowment, research projects – would be ideal.
This is an exciting time to join us; we have just launched our new institutional strategy, which will take the best of Goldsmiths and combine it with new ways of thinking and working to give us renewed purpose, improve quality and standards, and help us move forward sustainably.
To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
Applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter, should be sent by an email no later than 2 March 2026. The interview date is to be confirmed.
Director of Development & Fundraising employer: Goldsmiths, University of London
Contact Detail:
Goldsmiths, University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development & Fundraising
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from Goldsmiths. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for development and fundraising shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact at Goldsmiths.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand Goldsmiths’ mission and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can help drive their fundraising efforts forward.
✨Follow Up
After any meeting or interview, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development & Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in major gift fundraising and how it aligns with our mission at Goldsmiths. Be genuine and let your passion for the role come through.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the Director of Development & Fundraising role. We want to see how you’ve successfully secured gifts and built relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves inspiring others, make sure your written application reflects your communication prowess. Use clear, engaging language and demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively.
Follow Application Instructions: We love it when candidates pay attention to detail! Make sure to follow our application instructions carefully, including sending your CV and cover letter via email by the deadline. It shows us you can follow through on important tasks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goldsmiths, University of London
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Goldsmiths and its philanthropic goals. Understand their current projects and how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially those involving major gifts. Be ready to discuss the strategies you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes you achieved. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in driving fundraising initiatives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building relationships with donors and stakeholders. Discuss how you've successfully engaged alumni or other key figures in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to foster connections that are crucial for the Director of Development & Fundraising position.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since you'll be speaking with high-level stakeholders, it's essential to convey your ideas effectively. Consider rehearsing common interview questions and your responses to ensure you come across as both knowledgeable and approachable.
