Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 help shape the future of education through philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gift fundraising and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to drive growth and innovation in development and alumni relations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or industry leaders. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or donors, make sure you can clearly articulate your vision and how you can contribute to their goals. A confident and compelling pitch can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal interview, always send a thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Goldsmiths!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development & Fundraising in London
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 goals 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 achievements in development and fundraising. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves inspiring others, make sure your written application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear, engaging language that demonstrates your knack for storytelling and persuasion.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our vibrant community at Goldsmiths.
How to prepare for a job interview at Goldsmiths, University of London
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Goldsmiths' mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their philanthropic goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially in major gift environments. Be ready to discuss how you identified potential donors, built relationships, and secured significant contributions. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
✨Engage with the Audience
Since you'll be communicating with high-level stakeholders, practice your public speaking skills. Think about how to inspire and engage your audience when discussing fundraising strategies. A confident delivery can make a lasting impression.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the institution's goals. Inquire about their current fundraising challenges or how they envision the future of alumni relations. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their vision.
