Senior Development Manager (Trusts and Foundations)/Senior Development Manager/Development Manager in Exeter

The University of Exeter has embarked on an ambitious new philanthropic campaign, Greener, Healthier, Fairer. Chaired by alumnus Sir Sajid Javid, the campaign aims to raise £175 million by 2030 for research and education that delivers a greener, healthier and fairer world for all.

We are seeking talented, motivated and resilient fundraisers to join our Global Advancement team and we invite applications for the following roles:

All roles are full-time, permanent, and available immediately.

The starting salary is from £51,258 for Senior Development Manager (Grade G) and from £44,352 for the Development Manager (Grade F), depending on knowledge, skills and experience. Please note in your application which role you wish to apply for.

These roles offer hybrid working with at least 60% of time on campus.

Interviews are due to take place in-person on Streatham campus on Monday 30th November and Tuesday 1st December 2026.

The Roles

Senior Development Manager (Trusts and Foundations)

As Senior Development Manager (Trusts and Foundations), you will work to develop compelling funding propositions for a range of charitable trusts and foundations in the UK and internationally. Managing a portfolio of major funders, you will pursue complex fundraising opportunities, typically at £100,000 - £multi-million.

You will work closely with researchers and senior University leaders to identify high-value opportunities and develop compelling funding proposals.

Senior Development Manager

As Senior Development Manager, you will generate philanthropic support across University priorities, managing a portfolio of prospective major donors, which may include individuals, companies and charitable trusts with the capacity to make gifts in the region of £50,000–£500,000.

You will develop compelling funding proposals, build relationships with donors, and work closely with academics to develop high-value opportunities. You will take ownership of your portfolio, progressing prospects from identification through to solicitation and stewardship.

Development Manager

As Development Manager, you will generate philanthropic support across University priorities, managing a portfolio of prospective major donors (predominantly individuals but this may also include companies and charitable trusts), with the capacity to make gifts in the region of £10,000–£250,000.

You will develop donor relationships, create compelling proposals and work with colleagues and academic partners to secure philanthropic gifts.

About You

For all three roles, you will be an experienced fundraiser with a demonstrable track record of developing relationships and securing philanthropic income. You will have excellent communication and writing skills, strong organisational abilities and the confidence to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to attain your fundraising targets.

For the Development Manager role, you will have evidence of securing major gifts through your own fundraising and experience of managing a portfolio of prospects.

For the Senior Development Manager roles, you will bring a more substantial track record of securing significant funding. You will have experience of managing complex pipelines, delivering against ambitious targets and working strategically with senior stakeholders.

For all roles, you will be motivated by the opportunity to secure philanthropic support that delivers transformational impact through the University's ambitious campaign.

Please ensure you read the relevant Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role you are applying for.

Further Information

Please contact: Stephanie Cherington-Rimmell, Head of Development (Environment, Science, and Economy), [email protected]

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. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues – see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do

How we can help

If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.