Job Details

Are you looking for a role where you can make a real impact, work alongside brilliant minds, and help shape the future of innovation? You’re in the right place.

The University of Bath is a place of energy and ambition, where academics, students and supporters alike drive to challenge ideas, push boundaries and create solutions that change lives. It’s exactly this spirit that makes Bath special. With top 10 league table rankings in 2025 and a string of recent accolades and awards, Bath is one of the most innovative and high-performing universities in the UK.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Phil Taylor, took up his post in 2024, and a new Director of Advancement joined in 2025. As the University approaches its 60th anniversary, it is reflecting on its many successes and looking ahead to what’s next, ensuring that Bath remains at the forefront of research in digital, sustainability, and health and wellbeing – areas which already have had a global impact.

Advancement is at the heart of making that vision a reality, and a high-performing team is being built with the ambition and determination to match. With new leadership and a strong history of inspiring and developing teams, it is setting the stage for success. This is a department where you will be encouraged and empowered to make a significant mark, and build your own career impact.

For the Head of Philanthropy, this presents an opportunity to engage with an untapped, high-potential prospect portfolio. There are major gifts in the seven and eight figure range that are within reach. There are also inspiring programmes and projects where funding partners can continue to shape and contribute to solving key societal challenges.

This is an especially exciting time for Bath. The University is preparing to welcome a new Chair of Council, who will play a pivotal role in shaping governance and strategic direction. Alongside this, a new university strategy is being launched, designed to drive excellence in education, high-impact research and global partnerships.

Joining Bath’s Advancement team means stepping into an environment where learning and development are at the forefront. You’ll be supported through a tailored L&D programme, created and led in collaboration with impressive sector leaders. Just as importantly, you’ll be working alongside committed and supportive colleagues who value collaboration and shared success.

The Advancement department stands for ambition, integrity and creating meaningful connections that drive real change. It hopes to attract somebody keen to stretch themselves, willing to learn from others, ready to share experiences and committed to contributing positively to both Advancement and the wider University mission.

So, if you thrive on building relationships, love the challenge of philanthropy, and want to be a key part of shaping Bath’s future of research and innovation, we want to hear from you.

A hybrid working policy of two days per week is in place – either spent on site or at externally facing meetings with prospects/donors. Requests for 0.8 FTE or compressed hours may be considered. Visa sponsorship would be available for international candidates.

Closing date for applications is 09:00 Monday 14th July 2025. 

Interviews are scheduled for Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th July 2025.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.