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- Tasks: Lead major fundraising efforts to secure impactful donations for vital projects at the University of Oxford.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Development and Alumni Engagement Office.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, 38 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting groundbreaking research and scholarship through philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing major gifts and building philanthropic partnerships.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating meaningful impact in higher education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Development Executive – Foundations & Corporations (Fundraiser) role at the University of Oxford. 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. 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
- Flexible hybrid working
- 38 days annual leave
- Membership to CASE
- Training and development opportunities
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan
Application process
Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal. Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification. Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 13 January 2026 can be considered. Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026, in person in Oxford.
Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. 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 – Foundations & Corporations (Fundraiser) 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 – Foundations & Corporations (Fundraiser)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to introduce you to someone at the University of Oxford.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the University of Oxford's recent fundraising initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal interview, being able to articulate your fundraising successes and strategies clearly will set you apart. We want to hear about your major gifts and how you built those relationships!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the University of Oxford.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Executive – Foundations & Corporations (Fundraiser)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV Wisely: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your fundraising achievements and relevant experience clearly. Tailor it to showcase how you align with the role of Senior Development Executive – Foundations & Corporations.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter: This is your chance to shine! Use your cover letter to express your passion for philanthropy and how your skills can contribute to Oxford's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure to stick to the application instructions. Submit your documents in PDF format and keep your letter to a maximum of 2 pages. We want to see your best work, so no AI-generated content, please!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll be part of our exciting journey at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Philanthropic Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current philanthropic trends and key players in the foundations and corporations sector. Familiarise yourself with the University of Oxford's recent fundraising initiatives and how they align with global issues like health and climate change. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and its impact.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with donors in the past. Highlight your ability to establish trust and credibility quickly, as this is crucial for securing major gifts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Align with Oxford’s Mission
Make sure you articulate how your personal values and experiences align with the mission of the University of Oxford. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating meaningful impact through philanthropy, especially in areas like education and societal challenges. This connection will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or the strategic direction of the Development and Alumni Engagement Office. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
