At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major fundraising efforts and build relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
- Company: St Peter's College, University of Oxford - a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and the chance to shape the College's future.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and help secure transformational support for the College.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on education and philanthropy at a historic institution.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in major gifts fundraising and excellent relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Location: St Peter's College, University of Oxford
Salary: Grade 8, Currently £47,389 - £56,535 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (35-hour standard working week for the full-time role)
Applications close at the end of the day on 21 August 2026.
As St Peter's College approaches its centenary in 2029, we're preparing for an ambitious fundraising campaign that will shape the College's future for generations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser to play a leading role. Founded in 1929 to widen access to Oxford, St Peter's combines academic excellence with a welcoming and inclusive community. Philanthropy is central to our future, and we're seeking an exceptional relationship fundraiser to inspire transformational support from alumni and friends.
You will be an accomplished major gifts fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts and managing a dynamic portfolio of prospects through every stage of the donor journey. Organised, proactive and collaborative, you will be confident in identifying new opportunities, developing tailored engagement strategies and maintaining accurate prospect records. You will also work closely with senior College leaders, Fellows and colleagues to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities that align donors' interests with the College's ambitions.
- Develop and manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors, with the capacity to give £50,000 or more, including six-figure gifts.
- Lead the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects, developing tailored strategies to maximise philanthropic support.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with alumni and other individuals with the capacity to make significant gifts, as well as with trusts and foundations, and corporate philanthropic funders whose charitable objectives align with those of St Peter's.
- Personally solicit major gifts and work with senior College leaders to secure transformational philanthropic support.
- Meet agreed activity and income targets, maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospects at every stage of the donor journey.
- Ensure all donor interactions, strategies and contact reports are accurately recorded on the College's CRM database (DARS).
Strategic Relationship Management:
- Work closely with the Development Director, the Master, Fellows and senior colleagues to identify funding priorities and develop compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Prepare senior volunteers and College representatives for donor meetings, proposals and cultivation activities.
- Develop a strong understanding of the College's priorities and communicate the impact of these effectively to prospective supporters.
- Ensure donors receive outstanding stewardship, demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy and encouraging long-term engagement.
St Peter's is an equal opportunities employer that supports underrepresented groups and values diversity.
Head of Major Gifts employer: St Peter's College, University of Oxford
St Peter's College, University of Oxford is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the College offers unique opportunities to engage with high-net-worth individuals and shape the future of one of Oxford's most distinctive institutions. As you contribute to a pivotal fundraising campaign, you'll be part of a dedicated team in the heart of Oxford, where your efforts will have a lasting impact on generations to come.
Contact Details:
St Peter's College, University of Oxford Recruitment Team
