Development Executive - Sport (Internal And Oxford College Applicants Only)

University Of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a Development Executive - Sport to secure philanthropic support for the University’s sporting ambitions. You will build donor relationships, manage a major gifts portfolio, and shape a lasting sporting legacy.

The role offers permanent, full-time employment with possible hybrid working from Oxford. Internal or Oxford College applicants are welcome to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, including major gifts and relationship-building.
• Ability to develop and deliver strategic approaches to major gift fundraising.
• Strong relationship management with donors, stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for compelling proposals.
• Knowledge of sport and its role in student life and community engagement.
• Willingness to travel and work outside regular hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and secure five- to six-figure donations.
• Translate sporting priorities into fundraising propositions and donor briefs.
• Collaborate with Development, Alumni Engagement, and Sport Department teams.
• Engage senior stakeholders and partners to grow philanthropic support for sport.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Major gifts strategy

Relationship management

Communication skills

Sport understanding

Travel flexibility

Job description

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 , 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.