Job Details

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. The mission of Oxford Chemistry is to advance the global understanding of Chemistry and to 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 Oxford’s sector-leading 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.

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.