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- Tasks: Conduct in-depth research to identify potential major donors and support fundraising efforts.
- Company: Join the Rhodes Trust, a prestigious educational charity with a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private health insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by connecting compassionate individuals with transformative educational opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research or educational development is a plus; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and a supportive, inclusive environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Rhodes House, Central Oxford (hybrid working)
Contract: Fixed-term 12-month contract (From mid-March 2026)
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £33,000-£35,000
Reports to: Research Manager
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Officer (Fundraising Prospect Research) to join the Rhodes Trust, Oxford. This role is based within the Global Engagement department, focusing on Development and Alumni Engagement, based at Rhodes House. We are looking for the successful candidate to ideally start with us in Mid-March 2026.
About the Rhodes Trust:
The Rhodes Trust is an educational charity which offers Rhodes Scholarships to exceptional students from around the world to come and study at the University of Oxford. Our mission is to build a better world through global fellowship programmes that develop and connect compassionate, innovative, and public-spirited people committed to solving humanity's challenges.
The role:
The Research Officer will help provide a high-quality in-house prospect research service to the senior leadership team and the Warden (CEO) of the Trust. The Research Officer will report to the Research Manager, work closely with the major gift team located in the UK, Canada, Australia and the United States, and gain first-hand knowledge and experience working as an in-house prospect research professional for a highly regarded educational charity.
- Providing a high-quality in-house prospect research service to the Development Team and senior leaders including the Warden (CEO) of the Trust, and Trustees, as required.
- Contributing to the proactive identification of potential major donors and partners to the Rhodes Trust including alumni, individuals, foundations and corporates.
- Delivering a pipeline of briefing materials for the Warden (CEO) and senior leadership team to support key fundraising and stakeholder meetings, events and overseas travel itineraries as requested.
- Assisting with compiling and managing a portfolio of additional research materials and projects, including profiles, network mapping, philanthropy reports, and targeted analysis, as well as country-specific content to support the Trust's fundraising efforts in different geographies.
- Recording and managing prospect and stakeholder data using the Trust's CRM database (Salesforce).
- Role modelling the Trust's organisational values of commitment, inclusion, belonging, growth and innovation.
- Carrying out any other duties relevant to the role, as requested.
- Having a deep commitment to the values, ethos and mission of the Rhodes Trust.
Essential skills, experience and qualifications:
- Previous experience in an educational Development and/or alumni office; direct experience in prospect research would be a plus.
- Reliable and responsible with excellent written communication skills and an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to use initiative and creatively source information to identify opportunities and map connections.
- Ability to keep information confidential and exercise discretion.
- Experience of accurate data entry and record maintenance; good working knowledge of a CRM system and competency in creating and running reports from a database.
- Excellent IT skills, including experience with Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook).
- An interest in the educational sector.
Benefits of working here:
- 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Generous family leave schemes.
- Private health insurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Personal development opportunities.
- Additional benefits, such as free access to the University's gardens, parks, libraries and museums, and University staff discounts in shops across Oxford.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric car scheme.
If you would like to find out more, please click apply to view the full job description and to find the link to apply. Please send us your CV and a covering letter. Please note, this advert will close on 4 February 2026.
If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email the Recruitment team. The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion.
Research Officer Fundraising Prospect Research employer: The Rhodes Trust
Contact Detail:
The Rhodes Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Officer Fundraising Prospect Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni or current employees at the Rhodes Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Rhodes Trust's recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re genuinely interested in their mission and how we can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to prospect research and fundraising. We need to demonstrate our skills and experience confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Officer Fundraising Prospect Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in educational development and prospect research. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the Rhodes Trust's mission and how you can contribute to our goals. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role involves managing data and producing briefing materials, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to double-check their work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rhodes Trust
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the Rhodes Trust's mission and recent initiatives. Understanding their values and how they align with your own will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in prospect research or educational development. Prepare specific examples that highlight your attention to detail, data management skills, and ability to creatively source information.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team’s goals, especially regarding fundraising strategies.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since excellent written communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief pitch about yourself that highlights your relevant skills and experiences.
