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- Tasks: Lead the development strategy and build relationships with alumni to enhance fundraising efforts.
- Company: St John’s College, Oxford - a prestigious institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape impactful initiatives and engage with a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students and scholars through transformative philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in development strategy and relationship building.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on academic excellence and community connection.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
St John’s College, Oxford is a world-leading academic institution with a rich history dating back to 1555. Renowned for its breadth across more than thirty disciplines in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, the College combines academic excellence with a vibrant, diverse, and internationally minded community. Its purpose is to support outstanding learning, research, and the flourishing of talent from all backgrounds, while fostering a strong sense of belonging and lifelong engagement.
This is an exceptional moment to join St John’s. With a new strategic plan launching in 2026 and ambitions to embark on a transformative fundraising campaign, the College is shaping a modern development and alumni relations function that reflects its values, heritage, and long-term vision.
Philanthropy at St John’s is rooted in community and connection. Through inspired giving, the College seeks to enhance academic excellence, support early-career academics and graduate scholarships, and enable projects that will have lasting impact. The Director of Development will play a pivotal role in this transformation, leading the creation of a coherent, values-driven development strategy, building meaningful relationships with alumni and supporters, and embedding philanthropy as a shared organisational priority.
Responsibilities:- Lead the creation of a coherent, values-driven development strategy to guide fundraising and alumni relations.
- Build meaningful relationships with alumni and supporters to advance College priorities.
- Embed philanthropy as a shared organisational priority across the College.
If you are inspired by the opportunity to shape modern development within one of Oxford’s most respected colleges, and by the impact your leadership could have on generations of students and scholars, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026
Director of Development in England employer: St John’s College, Oxford
Contact Detail:
St John’s College, Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and current staff at St John's College. A friendly chat can give you insights into the culture and values, plus it might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for philanthropy! When you get the chance to speak with anyone from the College, make sure to express why you believe in their mission. Authentic enthusiasm can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding their strategic plan. Dive deep into their goals for 2026 and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This will show you're not just interested, but invested.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand St John’s College and its values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission of fostering community and connection through philanthropy.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Share your passion for development and how it connects to your personal journey. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous roles and achievements that relate directly to the responsibilities of the Director of Development. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've built relationships and led successful fundraising initiatives.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, make sure to double-check for any deadlines or specific requirements before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John’s College, Oxford
✨Know the College Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into St John’s College's history, values, and current initiatives. Understanding their strategic plan and how philanthropy plays a role will show your genuine interest and alignment with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As the Director of Development, building relationships is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged with alumni or supporters. Highlight how you fostered connections that led to successful fundraising efforts.
✨Emphasise Values-Driven Leadership
St John’s is looking for someone who can create a coherent, values-driven development strategy. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve previously integrated organisational values into your strategies and initiatives.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the College’s future plans and how the development strategy will evolve. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
