Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global university in London seeks a Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global. The role focuses on driving global fundraising efforts and requires a proven track record in securing major gifts. Ideal candidates will excel in relationship management and strategic leadership. The position offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and the chance to contribute to impactful fundraising campaigns.

Benefits

Sector-leading salary and benefits

41 days’ annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative work culture

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing principal gifts worth £5m-£40m.
• Experience in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Ability to work closely with academic leaders and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-level philanthropic engagement worldwide.
• Shape and manage fundraising campaigns.
• Build relationships with influential philanthropists.

Skills

Proven track record of securing principal gifts

Managing complex relationships

Building relationships with high-net-worth individuals

Philanthropic engagement

Strategic leadership

Job description

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Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global, London

Client: Imperial College London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: de40b6687238

Job Views: 5

Posted: 25.08.2025

Expiry Date: 09.10.2025

Job Description:

This is a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s leading universities and drive its principal gifts, global fundraising, and foundation, corporate, and trusts strategy. The newly created role of Director of Development: Principal & Global will be pivotal in helping Imperial scale its ambition and impact, at a moment of extraordinary momentum.

Founded in 1907, Imperial is recognized for research, education, and innovation. Our new strategy, Science for Humanity, is bold and ambitious, aiming for greater impact. We are planning a comprehensive fundraising and alumni engagement campaign, with a strong track record of securing principal gifts of £5m-£40m.

The Director of Development: Principal Gifts and Global will report to the Vice President (Advancement) and be part of the senior leadership team. You will lead high-level philanthropic engagement worldwide, working closely with academic leaders and stakeholders, building relationships with influential philanthropists, and shaping our next campaign.

Ideal candidates will have a proven track record of securing principal gifts, managing complex relationships, and building relationships with high-net-worth individuals. They will be strategic, values-driven leaders, entrepreneurial, and comfortable managing diverse stakeholders.

Benefits include:

• The opportunity to advance your career at a world-leading institution and contribute to our mission to use science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and benefits, including 41 days’ annual leave and a generous pension scheme.
• Workplace benefits like flexible working, family leave, on-site leisure facilities, and cycle-to-work schemes.
• Interest-free season ticket loans for travel.
• A diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with resources to support your personal and professional growth.