Head of Development, Major Gifts

Saïd Business School; England; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious business school in the UK is seeking a Head of Development, Major Gifts to manage a portfolio of 85 prospects and secure philanthropic support. This role offers the opportunity to work on significant projects in a hybrid working environment, join a diverse team, and help shape the future of business education.

Benefits

38 days' holiday

USS pension scheme

Enhanced access to executive education

Qualifications

• Proven experience of major donor fundraising, ideally with some corporate exposure.
• Strong track record of translating subject matter work into cases for support.
• Extremely well organized to operate in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage and cultivate a mixed portfolio of c.85 prospects.
• Secure philanthropic support for high-profile projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the School and university.

Skills

Major donor fundraising

Portfolio management

Relationship building

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

Head of Development, Major Gifts

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Salary range of £55,636 - £64,228pa (Grade 9)

38 days’ holiday | USS pension scheme | Hybrid working

Saïd Business School blends the best of new and old. Founded in 1996, the School is a young, vibrant and innovative business school that is deeply embedded in a 900-year-old world-class university. With a focus on tackling complex world-scale challenges, the School prepares business leaders for the task of making the world a better and more equitable place. To this end, it delivers cutting-edge education and ground-breaking research that transforms individuals, organisations, business practice, and society. Programme participants come from over 60 countries, creating a unique, democratic and diverse community.

Philanthropic income is one of the vital revenue pillars for the School, supporting key capital projects, scholarships, academic posts, and global research programmes. Recent philanthropic successes have enabled ground-breaking advances in medical research and implementation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, global enterprise, and women in leadership. In response to the vast potential for philanthropy, there has been a recent step change in strategic pace resulting in exceptional year-on-year growth. In the last financial year, philanthropic income exceeded £24m, with this year’s target sitting at an ambitious £40m.

The Head of Development, Major Gifts will be a key member of our recently expanded Development & Alumni team. Reporting to the Associate Director, Development and working closely with key stakeholders across the School and wider collegiate university, you will successfully manage and cultivate a mixed portfolio of c.85 prospects of individuals, corporations, and trusts & foundations, and secure philanthropic support for high-profile projects and strategic institutional priorities.

This role presents a tremendous opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who is keen to make their mark and build on their major gifts track record. You will have the opportunity to work with an international community and on gifts up to the seven-figure level. You therefore need to bring proven experience of major donor fundraising, ideally with exposure to the corporate world, and a strong track record of working with subject matter experts in translating their work into robust cases for support. You will have an entrepreneurial mindset that is supported by your knowledge of fundraising best practice, and are extremely well organised to enable you to operate successfully in fast-paced environments.

In return, you will be joining a progressive and growing team, and be part of a premier institution of higher learning. Additionally, an excellent benefits package will be available to the successful candidate, including enhanced access to executive education and professional development.

At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please VISIT WEBSITE.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

Closing date for applications is 09:00 on Friday 26th September 2025