Development Executive - Sport (Internal and Oxford College Applicants Only)
Development and Alumni Engagement, Oxford
The future of sport at the University of Oxford is full of possibility, from transforming sporting facilities to creating opportunities for students and the wider community.
We are looking for a Development Executive who will help bring these ambitions to life by securing major philanthropic support, building influential donor relationships and shaping a sporting legacy that extends far beyond the University.
Location: Oxford (with possible hybrid working)
Salary: Grade 7: £39,424 – £47,779 per annum, with possible extension to £51,983, including Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
Contract: Permanent, full-time. Applications for part-time working (minimum 30 hours per week) are also welcome.
This role is open to Internal and Oxford College Applicants Only
About Us
Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) builds the relationships and philanthropic partnerships that help the University realise its ambitions in education, research and student life. Working with alumni, supporters, academic colleagues and partners around the world, the department secures philanthropic support that might otherwise remain beyond reach. As the University advances its £4 billion Oxford Excellence campaign , DAE is helping translate philanthropic generosity into lasting institutional and societal benefit, including widening participation in sport, supporting student wellbeing and strengthening connections with the wider community.
About the Role
As Development Executive - Sport, you will help secure the philanthropic support needed to advance the University's sporting ambitions. From supporting student participation and elite performance to improving facilities and expanding community engagement, you will connect donors with projects that reflect their interests and create lasting benefits. You will develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, building meaningful relationships and securing 5 to 6 figure donations.
Working alongside colleagues in Development and Alumni Engagement, the Sport Department, student sports clubs and senior University stakeholders, you will help translate sporting priorities into compelling fundraising propositions.
This is a distinctive opportunity to combine major gifts fundraising expertise with the University's rich sporting heritage and ambitious plans for the future. With more than 80 sports clubs, significant opportunities for facility renewal and growing sport and community programmes, you will help secure support that enhances student experience and extends the benefits of sport beyond the University. You will also benefit from a collaborative fundraising environment, specialist support and opportunities for professional development.
About You
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience in fundraising, including direct involvement in securing major gifts and successfully developing significant donor relationships.
- The ability to develop and deliver strategic approaches to major gift fundraising, from identifying prospects through to securing and stewarding donations.
- Strong relationship management skills, with the confidence to engage donors, senior stakeholders, academic colleagues and external partners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present compelling fundraising propositions and make significant gift requests.
- Knowledge of and a passion for sport as well as an understanding of its contribution to student experience, health and community engagement, with the ability to communicate sporting priorities convincingly.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy under pressure, with flexibility to travel , work and attend sporting events outside regular hours when required.
Interviews will take place in the week commencing Monday 16 November 2026, and will be held face-to-face.
Salary (£) : £39,424 – 47,779 per annum with possible extension to £51,983 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata)
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Development Executive - Sport (Internal and Oxford College Applicants Only) employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
