At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising to support groundbreaking medical research and build lasting donor relationships.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a global leader in biomedical research and philanthropy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to transforming lives through medical advancements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and medicine while working with world-class researchers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gifts fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 49119 - 58265 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious major gifts fundraiser inspired by the power of medical research to transform lives? Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with the University of Oxford – one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions – to recruit a Senior Development Executive into its high-performing Medical Sciences Development team. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a collaborative, internationally respected fundraising team at the forefront of global medical advancement, securing philanthropic investment that accelerates discoveries from lab to patient.
You’ll join at a pivotal moment as Oxford prepares for their landmark campaign, Oxford Excellence, with a major strategic focus on improving health so that we can all live longer, healthier lives. As a truly global institution, Oxford actively welcomes applications from candidates around the world and particularly encourages applications from the global majority. There is potential for visa sponsorship and relocation support, where required.
Location: Oxford, with hybrid working (typically 2–3 days per week working from home)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: Grade 8 – £49,119 to £58,265, with potential progression to £65,336, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 (pro‑rata)
About the role
With 12 Nobel Laureates across its long and distinguished history, Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division is internationally recognised for excellence across the full spectrum of medical research – from molecular science and genetics to population health, policy and global health initiatives. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling this work, helping researchers push forward life-changing discoveries and translating innovation into real-world impact.
Working closely with the Head of Development, you’ll lead on a portfolio of major and principal gift relationships, securing transformational philanthropic support for pioneering medical research. As well as building long-term partnerships with high-value donors, you’ll also closely collaborate with senior academics and researchers to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities, inspired by world-class science. This is a role offering real autonomy, influence and intellectual breadth, with a rare opportunity to help shape the future of medicine and health at a world‑leading institution.
About you
You’re a confident, relationship-led fundraiser with a track record of securing complex, high-value philanthropic support, already having secured six-figure gifts and possibly beyond. We’re looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in major gifts fundraising, with the ability to lead sophisticated donor relationships with confidence and credibility.
- Strategic thinking coupled with precise delivery skills – organised, proactive and outcome-focused.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Curiosity, adaptability and the intellectual agility to work across diverse medical research themes and priorities.
- Experience within higher education, healthcare, medical research, life sciences or global health would be highly beneficial, but not essential if you have the appetite and ability to learn.
Above all, you’re inspired by Oxford’s unique potential to transform philanthropic gifts into breakthroughs in medicine and health.
What’s on offer
Your wellbeing matters, and the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including:
- Flexible hybrid working
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- Membership of CASE
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Membership of a variety of social and sports clubs
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loan
To find out more or to apply, please get in touch with Amelia Lee at Charity People with a copy of your CV or professional profile. If your experience matches what we’re looking for, then we’ll be in touch with more details.
Deadline: 12pm on Wednesday 17th June
Interview dates will be confirmed soon. Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Senior Major Gifts Executive – Medical Research in Oxford employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment within its prestigious Medical Sciences Development team. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the university provides generous benefits such as flexible hybrid working, extensive annual leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while contributing to groundbreaking medical research that transforms lives. Joining Oxford means being part of a globally respected institution where your efforts directly impact health advancements and philanthropic success.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Major Gifts Executive – Medical Research in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical research field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Major Gifts Executive role. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone at Oxford.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Oxford's recent projects and campaigns. Show us that you’re not just passionate about fundraising, but also about the incredible work being done in medical research. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience with major gifts fundraising and how you've successfully built relationships with high-value donors. We want to hear about your wins and how you can replicate that success at Oxford.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in medical research.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Major Gifts Executive – Medical Research in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Major Gifts Executive role. Highlight your major gifts fundraising achievements and any relevant experience in medical research or higher education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about medical research and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm show!
Showcase Your Relationship Skills:Since this role is all about building relationships, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with high-value donors and collaborated with diverse stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Oxford's Medical Sciences Division. Familiarise yourself with their recent research breakthroughs and how philanthropy plays a role in advancing medical science. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes, especially those involving six-figure gifts. Be ready to discuss the strategies you used to build relationships with high-value donors and how you navigated complex situations. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in leading major gift initiatives.
✨Engage with Curiosity
During the interview, ask insightful questions about the current challenges and opportunities within the Medical Sciences Development team. This shows your curiosity and adaptability, which are key traits they’re looking for. It also positions you as someone who is eager to contribute to their goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with diverse stakeholders, including academics and researchers. Discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities. This aligns perfectly with their need for someone who can build long-term partnerships and work across various medical research themes.
