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- Tasks: Lead the development strategy and build relationships with alumni and supporters.
- Company: St John's College, Oxford, a prestigious institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of c£100k and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Shape modern development in a respected college and influence future generations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in development or fundraising.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community committed to academic excellence and lifelong engagement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Employer: St John's College, Oxford
Location: Oxford
Salary: c£100k
Closing date: 27 Feb 2026
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Sector: Education, further & higher
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. 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.
Director of Development in Oxford employer: St John's College
Contact Detail:
St John's College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in Oxford
✨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 expectations, plus it might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for philanthropy! When we talk about our experiences, let’s highlight how we've fostered community connections and driven impactful fundraising initiatives. This will resonate with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into St John's history and its strategic goals. We should be ready to discuss how our vision aligns with theirs and how we can contribute to their transformative plans.
✨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 that we’re genuinely interested in being part of the St John's community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in Oxford
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.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership in development strategies and relationship-building, as these are key for the Director of Development role.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and philanthropy. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St John's College.
How to prepare for a job interview at St John's College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in St John's College's history, values, and current initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their strategic plan and how the Director of Development role fits into it. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for development and alumni relations. Think about how you can create a coherent, values-driven strategy that aligns with the College’s mission. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented similar strategies.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role is all about building meaningful relationships, think of ways to demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share stories about how you’ve engaged with alumni or supporters in the past, and how you plan to foster a sense of community at St John's.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the College’s ambitions. Ask about their expectations for the fundraising campaign and how they envision the development function evolving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
