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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative fundraising initiatives to support groundbreaking economic research.
- Company: Join Oxford's top-ranked Department of Economics, shaping global economic solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global challenges through strategic philanthropic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major gifts fundraising and relationship building.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.
Senior Development Executive – Foundations and Corporations
University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, UK with hybrid working options
Permanent and full-time role
Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 – £58,265, with a possible extension to £63,489 per annum. Includes an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730
The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling Oxford to maintain and build on its status as a world-class centre of learning. The Development and Alumni Engagement Office (DAE) at the University of Oxford has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors. All support enables the University to achieve its key aims of advancing excellence in research and teaching.
Within DAE, the Foundations and Corporations team is a pan-University fundraising team focused on building and maintaining successful philanthropic relationships for the University\’s priorities. Funding secured supports posts and key research areas such as the environment, health and societal challenges, as well as scholarship support for postgraduate students. We work closely with our colleagues in specialist fundraising teams as well as those in business partnerships, innovation teams and research services.
This is an exciting time to join our Development and Alumni engagement team. The role of Senior Development Executive – Foundations and Corporations will support the University to establish and grow new philanthropic relationships with charitable trusts, foundations and corporations across a range of subject areas and themes, from global health and climate change, to civil society and the role of AI. Funding secured will support capital projects, academic posts, innovative research and enable talented students to undertake further studies at Oxford. To achieve this, you will have the support of excellent colleagues across DAE as well as wider academic, departmental and professional service staff at Oxford.
About you
You are an experienced philanthropic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively.
Your ability to build rapport and relationships swiftly will enable you to lead on major gift fundraising (securing donations of £500k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and foundations). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success.
Your strong experience of building philanthropic partnerships with organisation donors will be key. Experience of work in higher education is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford\’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through philanthropy.
What We Offer
Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
- Flexible hybrid working
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- Membership to CASE
- Training and development opportunities
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan
You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and health, enables new public policy and interventions, or facilitates education for the next generation of leaders in their fields. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you\’ve been looking for, we\’d love to hear from you.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- A covering letter/supporting statement
- Your CV
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026, and will be held face-to-face.
The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.
Senior Development Executive employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Executive
✨Tip Number 1
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 potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the department and its projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your fundraising experience and how it aligns with our mission at Oxford. Be genuine and let your passion for economics and philanthropy come through.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the Senior Development Executive role. Highlight any major gifts you've secured and your ability to build relationships.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: We love team players! In your application, mention examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This will show us that you can thrive in our fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends in economics, philanthropy, and major gifts. Brush up on Oxford’s Department of Economics and its research areas. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission will show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in securing major gifts. Use metrics and stories to illustrate your impact. This will help demonstrate your ability to thrive in a target-driven environment and build strong relationships.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the department's goals and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and demonstrate your collaborative mindset.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The role requires adaptability and strong interpersonal skills, so being authentic will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your fit for the team.