Job Details

Grounded in Oxford’s long tradition of independent scholarship and academic freedom, they deliver world-leading research that not only challenges existing ideas but also develops new ways of understanding and improving society globally.

Consistently ranked among the world’s top three universities for social sciences, Oxford demonstrates the power of those disciplines in addressing global challenges.

Through deep engagement with organisations, policymakers, and communities, they translate knowledge into real-world impact – shaping policy, informing debate, and driving progress locally, nationally, and internationally. Oxford’s researchers regularly advise international governments and multilateral agencies, as well as NGOs that lobby and encourage policy change.

We are now seeking an accomplished fundraising leader to join their high-performing Development and Alumni Engagement team, and design and lead the philanthropic strategy for Social Sciences. If you are ready to make a lasting contribution to research with global impact, we would like to hear from you.

About you
You will be an experienced major gifts fundraiser and manager, who brings a collaborative and relationship-based approach to ensure success in your endeavours.  Your experience, authenticity and curiosity about the world around you, enables you to establish credibility quickly and gain the confidence of the stakeholders you work with.  As a divisional team leader and member of the major giving leadership team, you will inspire a motivated and committed Social Sciences development team as well as engage and collaborate with other fundraising leaders across the collegiate network, to identify and leverage all opportunities that will enable the University to achieve its strategic ambitions.  It will therefore be important that you:

• Are a self-starter, motivated to achieve against strategic goals within a complex environment;
• Have highly developed emotional intelligence and sophisticated interpersonal and diplomacy skills;
• Bring an entrepreneurial mindset and can-do attitude; and
• Are a collaborative and personable colleague and manager, with a track record of bringing people along to achieve and celebrate outcomes together.

Higher education experience is desirable, while a passion for Oxford’s mission and a desire to drive positive change through philanthropic partnerships are absolutely essential.

In return
Your happiness and wellbeing at work matter to us, so we offer a range of family friendly, financial and professional benefits, including:

• Opportunity for hybrid working
• Exceptional contributory pension scheme and salary sacrifice options
• 38 days annual leave
• Comprehensive childcare services and family-friendly leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Subsidised University Sports Centre membership
• Engaging social groups and sports clubs beyond the workplace
• Use of the student discount card Totum
• Membership to CASE for advancement professionals
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.

Visa sponsorship will be available for international candidates.

Closing date for applications is 10AM on Friday, 31 October 2025

First Stage Interviews: Monday 24th November 2025

Second Stage Interviews: Friday 28th November and Tuesday 2nd December 2025

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

The University of Oxford Development 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.