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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure major donations for impactful university projects.
- Company: Join a diverse and innovative university committed to social justice and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping the future of education and community.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing significant donations and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with over 30,000 students from 150 countries.
The predicted salary is between 43482 - 50253 £ per year.
This full-time post is available immediately on a permanent basis. The role is available as a Development Manager at Grade F, or as a Senior Development Manager at Grade G for candidates with demonstrable experience of securing multiple six-figure gifts. The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F for Development Manager or from £50,253 on Grade G for Senior Development Manager, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. This role offers an opportunity for hybrid working, with a minimum of three days a week in the office.
Following the successful conclusion of the Making the Exceptional Happen campaign (which raised over £71m), attention is turning to a new campaign chaired by alumnus Sir Sajid Javid to raise £150m in support of the University’s 2030 strategy. This campaign will launch publicly in autumn 2026. We are seeking to recruit a resilient and target-driven fundraiser to deliver our philanthropic endeavours. You will identify and generate significant philanthropic income from individual alumni and potential supporters in the UK and overseas. You must have a natural ability to develop long-lasting relationships which is critical to you achieving agreed individual income targets.
With an established track record of securing major gifts you will maximise your experience to generate five and six-figure donations on a regular basis. Your excellent communication skills and the vision to work across University departments will facilitate contacts that lead to revenue generation. You must be able to develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the University and our strengths and priorities. Above all, you must understand donor motivation and expand the pool of potential donors by using your own initiative.
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives, generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays), competitive pension contributions, and a genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues are some of the benefits we offer.
If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme.
Development Manager/Senior Development Manager in Exeter employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager/Senior Development Manager in Exeter
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Talk about why you’re excited about fundraising and how you can contribute to their mission. Passion is contagious and can set you apart!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the university’s goals and recent campaigns, like the Making the Exceptional Happen campaign. Being knowledgeable will help you answer questions confidently and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager/Senior Development Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development Manager/Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in securing major gifts and your ability to build relationships, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve secured significant donations in the past. We want to see the impact you’ve made!
Understand Our Mission: Take some time to understand our university’s strengths and priorities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge in your application and show us that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the university's mission and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with the Making the Exceptional Happen campaign and the upcoming £150m campaign. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built long-lasting relationships with donors or stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you used to secure major gifts, as this is crucial for the role. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped you achieve fundraising targets.
✨Demonstrate Your Initiative
Think of ways you've proactively identified and engaged potential donors. Share stories that illustrate your ability to expand donor pools and understand donor motivations. This will show that you’re not just reactive but can take charge in driving fundraising efforts.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the university’s future campaigns and how the Development Manager role fits into their strategy. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations. It’s a two-way street, after all!
