At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts fundraising to support groundbreaking medical research and build impactful 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 equity and inclusion in philanthropy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by transforming philanthropic gifts into life-changing discoveries.
- 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 Development Executive (Philanthropy) in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
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 initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Executive (Philanthropy) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical research and philanthropy sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to chat with people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for medical research and how it transforms lives. Let them see that you’re not just looking for a job, but a mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Oxford and its Medical Sciences Division. Understand their current projects and how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive (Philanthropy) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for medical research and philanthropy shine through. We want to see how inspired you are by the potential of transforming lives through your work!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in major gifts fundraising. We’re looking for specific examples of high-value donations you've secured, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Dive deep into the world of major gifts fundraising, especially in medical research. Familiarise yourself with Oxford's recent projects and how philanthropy has played a role in their success. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in building and maintaining high-value donor relationships. Have specific examples ready that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to secure complex gifts. This will demonstrate your credibility and fit for the role.
✨Engage with Curiosity
Exhibit your curiosity about diverse medical research themes. Be ready to ask insightful questions during the interview that show your eagerness to learn and adapt. This will reflect your intellectual agility and genuine interest in the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills to ensure you can engage a variety of stakeholders effectively. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to articulate your vision for how you can help shape philanthropic opportunities at Oxford.
