Director of Development in London

Director of Development in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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 respected college at a pivotal moment in its history.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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.

Find out more and apply: date: Friday 27 February 2026

Director of Development in London employer: St John’s College, Oxford

St John’s College, Oxford is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to be part of a prestigious academic institution with a commitment to fostering talent and community engagement. With a vibrant work culture that values diversity and collaboration, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact through transformative fundraising initiatives. Joining St John’s means contributing to a legacy of academic excellence while being supported in your career development within a historic and inspiring environment.
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Contact Detail:

St John’s College, Oxford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Development in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and current staff at St John’s College. A friendly chat can give us 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 highlight your commitment to community and connection. It’s all about aligning with their mission.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into their strategic plan. Understanding their goals for 2026 will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re on the same page when it comes to their vision.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the St John’s community.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in London

Strategic Planning
Fundraising
Alumni Relations
Relationship Building
Philanthropy
Organisational Development
Community Engagement
Leadership
Communication Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Values-Driven Approach
Impact Assessment

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.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you in your application. Share your passion for philanthropy and how it connects to your past experiences and future aspirations.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any previous roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to lead development strategies and build relationships. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact and achievements.

Follow the Application Instructions: We can’t stress this enough! Make sure to follow the application guidelines provided on our website. This shows attention to detail and respect for the process, which is crucial for a role like this.

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 decision-making processes.

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 this role aligns with your vision.

Director of Development in London
St John’s College, Oxford
Location: London

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