Senior Development Executive (Foundations and Corporations)

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oxford is seeking a Senior Development Executive to enhance philanthropic relationships with corporations and foundations. This role involves securing major gifts to support critical projects in various fields, including health and climate change. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in fundraising and the ability to build trust. The position offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Membership to CASE

Training and development opportunities

Comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel and travel loan

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (£500k-£1m+).
• Experience building philanthropic partnerships with organizational donors.
• Desirable: experience in higher education sector.

Responsibilities

• Support the establishment and growth of new philanthropic relationships.
• Work with a range of donors including corporations, trusts, and foundations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across DAE and the wider University.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Relationship building

Creative thinking

Trust building

Philanthropic partnerships

Job description

Senior Development Executive (Foundations and Corporations)

Development and Alumni Engagement, Wellington Square, Oxford

Senior Development Executive - Foundations and Corporations

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 - £58,265, with a possible extension to £63,489 per annum. Includes an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730

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 Development and Alumni Engagement Office (DAE) at the University of Oxford has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors. All support enables the University to achieve its key aims of advancing excellence in research and teaching. Within DAE, the Foundations and Corporations team is a pan‑University fundraising team focused on building and maintaining successful philanthropic relationships for the University's priorities. Funding secured supports posts and key research areas such as the environment, health and societal challenges, as well as scholarship support for postgraduate students. We work closely with our colleagues in specialist fundraising teams as well as those in business partnerships, innovation teams and research services. This is an exciting time to join our Development and Alumni engagement team. The role of Senior Development Executive - Foundations and Corporations will support the University to establish and grow new philanthropic relationships with charitable trusts, foundations and corporations across a range of subject areas and themes, from global health and climate change, to civil society and the role of AI. Funding secured will support capital projects, academic posts, innovative research and enable talented students to undertake further studies at Oxford. To achieve this, you will have the support of excellent colleagues across DAE as well as wider academic, departmental and professional service staff at Oxford.

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 £500k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and foundations). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success.

Your strong experience of building philanthropic partnerships with organisational donors will be key. Experience of work in higher education is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford's mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through philanthropy.

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 health, enables new public policy and interventions, or facilitates education for the next generation of leaders in their fields. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026, and will be held face‑to‑face.

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.

Contact Person: Adedeji Akinsanya

Vacancy ID: 184058

Contact Phone:

Closing Date & Time: 13-Jan-2026 12:00

Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 8

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Salary (£): £49,119 - £58,265 per annum, with a possible extension to £63,489. Includes an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730