Senior Development Executive - Economics

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Oxford seeks an exceptional fundraising professional to establish a major gifts fundraising programme. You will lead initiatives supporting endowments and scholarships, collaborating with leadership to drive philanthropic strategy. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record in major gifts fundraising and strong relationship-building skills, with opportunities for flexible hybrid working and generous benefits.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising or equivalent experience in philanthropy.
• Experience in higher education and/or knowledge of Economics is desirable.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a major gifts fundraising programme to support endowments.
• Collaborate with leadership to shape the philanthropic strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Project management

Job description

Overview

To realise the full potential of this work, we are seeking an exceptional fundraising professional to join us in building transformative philanthropic partnerships. This is a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on issues that affect billions worldwide by supporting groundbreaking research and expanding opportunities for the next generation of economic leaders. The Department of Economics is one of the largest groups of academic economists in the world and regularly ranks as the UK's top economics department. Our mission is to recruit and support the very best academics and ensure that an Oxford education in economics is accessible to outstanding students from around the globe, regardless of financial means. Philanthropy and corporate partnerships are central to this ambition, and over the next five years we aim to endow key academic posts, expand graduate scholarships, and launch innovative programmes of research. As the department's first dedicated major gifts professional, you will establish a pioneering programme of philanthropic giving that powers these ambitious goals. Working closely with Economics' leadership and as part of Oxford's highly successful Social Sciences Development and Alumni Engagement team, you will help shape a brighter future.

You will be a collaborative fundraiser with an expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced, target-driven environment, you will be both a strategic thinker and a skilled operator—communicative, adaptable, and naturally adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success. Experience in higher education and/or knowledge of Economics is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford's mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.

Department of Economics, Manor Road Building and University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD

With tariffs, geo-economics, diversity and inclusion, and climate change at the top of the global agenda, Oxford's Department of Economics is leading research into how economics can drive better outcomes for societies and the planet. Among many areas of inquiry, our world-class economists are shaping understanding of the economic impacts and opportunities of artificial intelligence, the shifting dynamics of global trade and power, the benefits of inclusive growth, and the urgent need for sustainable responses to the climate crisis.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a major gifts fundraising programme to support endowments, graduate scholarships, and innovative research initiatives within the Department of Economics.
• Collaborate with Economics' leadership and the Social Sciences Development and Alumni Engagement team to shape the philanthropic strategy and secure complex philanthropic support.
• Build and maintain credible, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic partnerships and fundraising outcomes.
• Operate in a fast-paced, target-driven environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on fundraising execution.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising or equivalent experience in philanthropy.
• Experience in higher education and/or knowledge of Economics is desirable.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Alignment with Oxford's mission and a drive to create meaningful impact through philanthropic partnerships.

What We Offer

• 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 advances world-leading economic research and policy, shaping solutions to global challenges and improving lives around the world. Visa sponsorship would be available for international candidates.