Senior Development Executive - Humanities (Fundraiser)

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oxford is seeking a senior fundraiser to secure significant financial support for posts, scholarships, and projects within the Humanities Division. This role involves collaboration with distinguished academics and artists while focusing on the activities of the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Candidates should have a proven history of securing gifts ranging from £100k to over £1 million. The position offers a salary range of £49,119 to £58,265, along with generous benefits and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Membership to CASE

Childcare services

Generous family leave

Excellent pension scheme

Salary sacrifice scheme

Subsidised sports centre membership

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted transit travel

Qualifications

• Proven ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+.
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Capacity to identify and maximize fundraising opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Raise major gifts for posts and scholarships in the Humanities Division.
• Collaborate with senior academics and artists.
• Support the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.

Skills

Experienced development professional

Strong track record of securing major gifts

Creative thinking in prospecting and stewardship

Team player with independence

Passion for the arts and humanities

Job description

About the role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts and scholarships in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, including the programme of public events that will start taking place in the building from spring 2026. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential.

In September 2025 Oxford opened its new home for humanities, the state-of-the-art Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Building on our successes in recent years, we are growing the team with a new senior fundraising role that will work with world‑class academics and artists in our faculties and in the Centre's cultural programming.

In addition to housing a Humanities Library and 7 academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre includes a world‑class, purpose‑built concert hall space, theatre, cinema and "black box" performance space, creating a new home for music, film, performing arts and visual arts in Oxford and transforming the experience for students, academics and the local community. The building will create a step change in the visual and performing arts in Oxford, establishing a central base for the Music faculty and History of Art department while offering exciting potential for collaboration with the Ruskin School of Art.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world‑class centre of excellence. We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities Division. Oxford is the world's leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University's scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts - from the earliest civilisation to the present day - enriches our understanding of humankind. Our research informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns, and contributes to our understanding of - and solutions to - some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

Key qualifications

• To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k‑£1m+
• Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally
• The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship by identifying and maximising opportunities
• To work well as part of a team, with the capacity to work independently on projects and priorities
• A passion for the arts and humanities, and an awareness of the funding landscape in the UK and internationally

Salary

£49,119 - £58,265 per annum with possible extension to £63,489 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).

Benefits

• 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work‑life balance
• Extensive personal and professional development opportunities
• Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional
• Supportive childcare services and other family‑friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities
• Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
• Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings
• Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well‑being
• Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting
• Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.