Development Officer (Fundraising) – Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences

University of Oxford; Packmoor; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

38 days annual leave

Membership to CASE

Training and development opportunities

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in the UK is looking for a Development Officer (Fundraising) to support innovative research and outreach efforts. This role includes engaging with top academics and building strong relationships to raise substantial funds. Ideal candidates will possess experience in fundraising or marketing and demonstrate creativity and efficiency. Offering flexible hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package, it's a perfect opportunity for someone passionate about science and development.

Qualifications

• Some fundraising, business development, alumni relations, or marketing experience.
• Ability to positively engage and build rapport in conversation and writing.
• Curiosity about scientific impact on global issues.

Responsibilities

• Raise funds for innovative research and outreach projects.
• Collaborate with academics and researchers on capital projects.
• Manage and prioritize diverse tasks efficiently.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Business development

Alumni relations

Marketing experience

Creative communication

Report writing

Ability to work under pressure

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Development Officer (Fundraising) – Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences

This range is provided by University of Oxford. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Are you a creative and curious relationship builder with an interest in science and technology, and its ability to change the world?

University of Oxford’s world-leading Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Development team is looking for their next aspiring fundraising professional, offering the chance to learn, grow and hone their skills in the role of Development Officer.

Offering an exceptional salary and benefits package along with unrivalled opportunities for professional development, this is a unique early-career opportunity for a driven individual with fundraising, marketing or transferable relationship skills looking for a stimulating and nurturing learning environment.

About the role:

From climate science and robotics, to drug discovery and surveying and conserving tropical rainforests, Oxford scientists are at the forefront of international research and their work has global impact. You’ll join the country’s most successful higher education Development team working closely with academics and researchers with an international reputation for excellence.

You will help to raise funds for cutting-edge, innovative and life-changing research, scholarships, access and outreach, and a number of key capital projects.

You’ll also develop your skills and experience across a range of income streams:

• regular giving
• stewardship
• legacies
• major gifts

including gaining experience facilitating gifts up to six figures.

About you:

You’ll already have some fundraising, business development, alumni relations, or marketing experience. We’re looking for you to be able to positively and confidently engage and build rapport, both in conversation and writing.

You’re naturally curious and keen to learn more about the potential for scientific developments impact world issues, and change people’s lives.

We’d also love to see you demonstrate the following skills and qualities:

• Be creative in producing materials, with an understanding of how to articulate projects for donors.
• Able to manage, prioritise and adapt to a diverse workload, meet deadlines, and work calmly under pressure.

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 loans

Application process

• Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions on our Application portal.
• Applications must include a CV and a letter of application, in PDF format, outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.
• For further guidance and support, please visit https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 14 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place 22 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.

University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.