Senior Development Executive, Chemistry

University of Oxford; England; Hybrid; GBP 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Senior Development Executive to enhance fundraising efforts for the Department of Chemistry. The role involves building relationships with donors and securing significant donations to support groundbreaking research. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in philanthropy, excellent relationship-building skills, and an enthusiasm for STEM. This position offers hybrid working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Membership to CASE

Training and development opportunities

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Strong track record of securing major gifts of £100k-£1m+.
• Professional background or personal interest in STEM is important.
• Confident approach to relationship building with donors.

Responsibilities

• Forge relationships with existing and new donors for the Department.
• Lead on major gift fundraising to empower new research challenges.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Chemistry and inspiring scientists.

Skills

Philanthropic fundraising

Relationship building

Creative thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge in STEM

Job description

Senior Development Executive – Chemistry, University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 to £58,265 per annum, with a possible extension to £65,336

The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling Oxford to maintain and build on its status as a world-class centre of learning. The University has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors, whose transformational gifts have made a number of important and globally-impacting projects possible.

The Department of Chemistry is a world-leading centre of research and teaching, and sits within the broader Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences (MPLS) Division of the University. Themissionof Oxford Chemistry is to advance the global understanding of Chemistryandto use that knowledge to address major challenges for society.

Recent research breakthroughs in Oxford Chemistry have been groundbreaking. These include a new diagnostic breath test for early lung disease; a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Oxford alumnus Professor Richard Robson for inventing metal-organic frameworks to store gases and purify water; the mechanochemical recycling of ‘forever chemicals’ into a valuable raw material; and the discovery into how cells sense and absorb oxygen guiding the development of new medicines for cancer, anaemia, and heart disease.

This is an exciting time to join our Development team and to work specifically with the Department of Chemistry. The role of Senior Development Executive – Chemistry is a critical one in enabling Oxford to empower the world’s greatest minds to work on new and emerging research challenges, at the same time as training the leaders of tomorrow in the field of Chemistry. Working closely with the Head of Chemistry, as well as some of the most inspiring scientists in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors to the Department. You will have the support of excellent colleagues across the sciences at Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office.

About you

You are an experienced philanthropic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. Your ability to build rapport and relationships swiftly will enable you to lead on major gift fundraising (securing donations of £100k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and individuals). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success. A professional background or personal interest in STEM will be important although you do not need to be a Chemistry or sciences graduate: we are looking for an enthusiast for knowledge!

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• Flexible hybrid working
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• Membership to CASE
• Training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit: https://richmond-associates.com/job/senior-development-executive-chemistry/

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 09:00 on MONDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2025

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.