Development Officer - Major Gifts

CHARITY PEOPLE; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking a Development Officer - Major Gifts based in Kingston upon Thames. This hybrid role emphasizes innovative fundraising and donor engagement to foster relationships and secure philanthropic contributions. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated background in fundraising, outstanding communication capabilities, and a collaborative spirit. With benefits such as generous holidays and a supportive team environment, this position offers a significant opportunity to impact student success and university growth.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days

Flexible working policies

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
• A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
• Passion for fundraising in the higher education sector.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and solicit gifts.
• Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets.

Skills

Experience in development or fundraising

Excellent communication skills

Strong influencing and relationship-building skills

Organisational and project management abilities

Job description

Overview

Development Officer - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £39,407 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
Interviews in person: 9 February 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at a university based in Kingston upon Thames.

For over 125 years, we have shaped student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our Town House Strategy, we are embedding a progressive model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University\'s reputation and reach.

About the role

We are seeking a Development Officer - Major Gifts. You will be a key member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income and supporting the pipeline for transformational gifts. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role and we are looking for someone who thrives on creativity and can spot potential and transform it into meaningful opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, personally soliciting gifts at the four- and five-figure level.
• Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our ambitious fundraising growth strategy.
• Assist with compelling proposals, donor engagement activities, and major gift events.
• Work collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropy and alumni engagement into Kingston\'s culture.

About You

An ambitious, curious and motivated fundraiser with:

• Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging donors.
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for Kingston\'s mission.
• Passion for the impact they can have through fundraising in the higher education sector.

What We Offer

• A dynamic, ambitious team environment
• Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community
• Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University\'s future

Benefits include:

• Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
• Three \'meeting free\' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
• Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
• Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
• Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details

• Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
• Closing Date: Mon 26 Jan 2026
• Interview Date: Monday 9 Feb 2026

How to apply?

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.