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- Tasks: Drive philanthropic support for groundbreaking research and impactful economic policies.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Department of Economics.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by funding transformative research that improves lives globally.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience with major gifts and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change in the world.
The predicted salary is between 49119 - 58265 £ per year.
University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, UK with some hybrid working options
Permanent and full-time role
Salary: Grade 8 role with a salary range of £49,119 - £58,265 pa, with possible extension to £65,336 (including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year, pro rata)
This is an exceptional career opportunity to help deliver philanthropic support that creates knowledge, shapes policy and inspires future leaders. The University of Oxford’s Department of Economics is home to one of the largest and most diverse groups of academic economists. With strong policy impact, outstanding academic programmes and world-class research tackling issues from climate change and improving refugee resettlement to AI and reducing unemployment, Oxford is a global centre of excellence in economics.
As a Department we aim to produce transformative and innovative economic research; to have a sustained impact on economic policy outside academia; and to develop and train the next generation of researchers and research leaders. Our goal is always to create a stimulating, supportive and collaborative environment that allows researchers and research groups to pursue cutting-edge agendas. A priority is to achieve this within an inclusive and diverse department.
The Department sits within the University’s Social Sciences Division, which is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academe. You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that helps to fund breakthroughs in research with positive global impact.
If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, please read on.
The opportunity
Philanthropy has played a key role in enabling the ambitions of the Social Sciences Division and wider University, and we are seeking a talented fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to raise money to support the very best academics and ensure that an Oxford education in economics is accessible to exceptional students from around the world, regardless of financial means. Oxford will shortly be embarking on the public phase of a multi-billion campaign – the most ambitious in higher education outside North America. This could be your opportunity to help the brightest students, academics and researchers develop interventions and solutions that protect and improve the lives of people everywhere, at a career defining moment in the higher education sector in the UK.
Working closely with the Head of Development – Social Sciences and the senior leadership of the Department of Economics, as well as some of the most inspiring academics and researchers in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors to the department. You will have the support of excellent colleagues across Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office.
About you
You are a skilled major gifts specialist with a proven track record of successfully building and managing portfolios of relationships with individual and corporate donors and prospects with the capacity to give in the £100k - £1m range. Bringing creativity and a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit, you enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues to identify and design engagement opportunities, and securing philanthropic gifts. The foundations of your success include your:
- track record of securing philanthropic gifts at the six-figure level or more
- gravitas and innate ability to establish trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels
- highly developed interpersonal skills, diplomacy and negotiation skills
- ability to lead through ambiguity by shaping, designing, and delivering transformative initiatives
You do not need an academic or professional background in economics – we’re more interested in someone with intellectual curiosity and a passion for engaging philanthropy to drive positive change in the world.
In return
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 improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search. To request a copy of the candidate information pack and to apply, please visit https://richmond-associates.com/job/uox-senior-development-executive-economics or contact them on info@richmond-associates.com or 44 (0)20 3617 9240.
Closing date for applications is 9AM, Monday, 6 April 2026. Interviews with the University of Oxford are scheduled to take place from late April 2026.
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 – Department of Economics 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 – Department of Economics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with alumni from Oxford. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the department and its recent projects. Show genuine interest in their work and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your successes in fundraising and relationship building to make a lasting impression.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive – Department of Economics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for philanthropy and economics shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a positive impact and how you can contribute to our mission at the Department of Economics.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in fundraising and relationship management. We’re looking for specific examples of your success in securing major gifts, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to connect your skills and experiences to the role. We love seeing creativity, so feel free to express how your background aligns with our goals at the University of Oxford.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and ready to take that next step in your career.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Familiarise yourself with the University of Oxford's philanthropic initiatives, especially those related to the Department of Economics. Understand their recent campaigns and how they impact research and education. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your success in building and managing relationships with donors. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to engage high-value prospects and how you've secured significant gifts in the past. This is crucial for a role focused on major gifts.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Think about innovative engagement opportunities you've created or participated in. The department values creativity, so share ideas on how you could approach potential donors or design campaigns that resonate with their interests and values.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in previous roles. Highlight your ability to lead through ambiguity and how you can contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment.