Associate director major gifts jobs

This is an exceptional opportunity at one of the world's most prestigious universities at a time of extraordinary ambition and philanthropic momentum. 

Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts
Employer: University of Oxford
Salary: £65,336 - £82,255 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record
Location: Oxford (Hybrid)

Here at the University of Oxford, we are recruiting three Associate Directors of Development – Principal Gifts to join our incredible team. These are new positions, part of an expansion of our friendly, collaborative and successful Principal Gifts team.

As Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts, you will operate at the highest levels of the University to secure transformational gifts at the eight-figure-plus level, advancing Oxford’s mission and global impact.  Your work will help ensure that Oxford continues to attract the brightest minds, pursue world-leading research, and address the most urgent challenges facing humanity.

You will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer, Director of Development – Principal Gifts, and other senior leaders to align principal gift opportunities with institutional priorities and articulate a compelling case for support to some of the world’s most significant philanthropists.

Your impact will be enduring – enabling breakthrough discoveries, expanding opportunity for students, and strengthening Oxford’s position as a global leader in education and research.  The Associate Director of Development role offers the chance not only to secure transformational gifts, but also to shape the future of Oxford’s philanthropic culture and leave a legacy at an institution that has been changing the world for over nine centuries.

This is a chance to join a dedicated, professional and ambitious team at a time when Oxford’s fundraising is at unprecedented levels. With strong support from the Vice-Chancellor, a proven track record of principal gift success, and an unparalleled global reputation, you will have every opportunity to make your mark, both at Oxford and in your career.

You will be passionate about what we do here, not phased by complexity and ambiguity, and comfortable orchestrating a myriad of stakeholders.  We hope to hear from you!

The University of Oxford is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

Closing date: midnight on Monday, 6 April 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

No agencies please

There when it matters

About the role:

This role will develop and maintain relationships with trusts, foundations and statutory funders through updates and other bespoke communications in order to maximise income.

You will create funding applications which result in significant five- and six-figure gifts in support of Sue Ryder’s vision and mission. Monitor and report progress towards income targets and other agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

About you:

• Experience of maintaining relationships with funders and designing and implementing tailored donor care and stewardship plans.
• Experience of researching new prospects and of developing pipelines of activity.
• Experience of working with Senior Managers/Directors and committee members.
• Experience of Raiser’s Edge or a similar customer relationship management system and maintaining accurate records.
• A collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience of securing income from trusts and foundations over £50,000.
• Experience of producing high quality applications and updates for donors giving at the five and six- figure funding level.
• Experience of producing budgets suitable for five- and six- figure funding requests.
• Experience of cultivating prospects, initiating conversations and planning and hosting service visits with donors.

Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with our support, no one has to face dying or grief alone.

Benefits
• Company pension scheme
• 27 days holiday - rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employee Networks - LGBTQ+, Ethnic Diversity and Equality, People with Disabilities, and Women and Non Binary Individuals
• Staff discount of 10% on new goods online
• Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds to help us to provide the best possible experience for the people who use our services and continue to make Sue Ryder a great place to work, and attract and recruit the best, most diverse workforce possible.
We are particularly interested in increasing applications from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

For more information on our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work, please visit our website.

If you want more than just a job, we want you.
Join the team and be there when it matters.

Closing date: 27 March 2026
Interviews: CV’s reviewed as received

We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date should we feel we have a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. They are now seeking a senior corporate partnerships specialist to lead Acorns’ newly formed Partnerships Team, which combines corporate new business, account management and community income streams.

A member of the Fundraising Leadership Team, the role will be responsible for securing and managing high-value strategic partnerships with businesses while simultaneously driving engagement with local community groups, education partners, and faith groups, ensuring clear tiering, structured pipeline progression and robust income performance.

The role will also act as Partnerships lead for the upcoming £5m fundraising appeal, co-canvassing alongside the Head of Philanthropy and executive leadership, and mobilising corporate and community networks around key campaign moments.

As Head of Partnerships, you will:

• Report to the Associate Director of Fundraising and line manage a team of four (Senior Business Development Manager (Corporate), Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager Senior Community Partnerships Manager, Partnership Engagement Officer)
• Form part of the Fundraising Leadership Team, with shared accountability for strategic decision making, compliance and cross-directorate working
• Lead and integrate Corporate and Community fundraising into a cohesive partnerships strategy aligned to the wider Fundraising Strategy
• Design and implement a three-year corporate and community income plan, with full budget and forecasting responsibility
• Conduct an audit of current partnerships activity, pipeline and resource allocation to ensure effort aligns to regional and national potential
• Lead corporate new business acquisition, securing multi-year strategic partnerships, Charity of the Year agreements, cause-related marketing, sponsorship and stock generation partnership

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong corporate fundraising background within a charity setting
• Proven track record of securing six-figure corporate gifts
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver robust income targets
• Experience designing strategies, annual plans and budgets and adapting them as required
• Strong knowledge of the corporate landscape, regionally and ideally nationally
• Confidence leading high-value pitches, negotiations and senior stakeholder engagement
• Experience of forecasting, reporting and managing income performance
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising compliance

Desirable:

• Experience across both local AND national corporate partnerships
• Exposure to community fundraising or engagement programmes
• Experience working on appeal boards or high-value campaign activity

Employee benefits include: 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Hybrid working with 2dpw at preferred location (Birmingham, Worcester or Walsall). 

Job Profile

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.

You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth. 

You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.

• Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.

• Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.

• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.

• Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.

• Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.

• Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.

• Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.

• Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;

• Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.

• Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.

• Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.

• Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.

• Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.

• Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.

• Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.

• Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.

• Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.

• Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.

• Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.

• Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.

Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Education/ Training

Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.

• Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.

• Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.

• Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.

• Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.

• Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.

• Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.

• Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.

• Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.

• Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.

• In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

• Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.

• Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;

• Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.

• Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud

• Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.

• Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.

• Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.

• Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.

• Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.

• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.

• Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan

• Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.

• Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.

• Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.

• Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.

• Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.

The Organisation

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.

Other Information

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations. 

This position presents an excellent opportunity for someone who has the ambition and determination to move up in their career.

Overview

The Campaign Projects Manager is a fixed-term role that supports the University’s fundraising priorities by turning strategy into action.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Campaign Management, you will identify, plan, and manage key fundraising projects and giving opportunities. You will work closely with the Campaigns and Alumni Relations (CAR) team, academic Schools, and Professional Services, acting as a link between them. Your role will ensure that fundraising projects are clearly defined, financially sound, and ready for donor support.

You will manage important strategic projects related to philanthropy, including the Endowment Income Project, support planning for the conclusion of the Forged in Sheffield fundraising and engagement campaign, and lead the development of a pipeline of post-campaign philanthropic opportunities. You will provide project management for campaign planning and meetings with senior stakeholders, drafting Board papers and reports that explain relatively complex information clearly.

As Campaign Projects Manager, you will oversee key initiatives within the department and work closely with colleagues across the University to deliver campaign objectives. The role involves managing complex and varied responsibilities, requiring sound judgement and a high level of discretion and confidentiality. Your work will ensure critically important projects remain on track through the campaign’s public phase and that momentum is sustained.

Main duties and responsibilities 

• Design and implement a process for maintaining a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic fundraising opportunities that align with University priorities and donor interests. Lead work to scope and evaluate the suitability of proposed projects.
• Be proactive in partnering with senior academics and Faculty Leads to identify and "translate" research and capital priorities into fundable projects. Convene groups to source required financial information and narrative content.
• Draft compelling "Cases for Support" and project briefs that align with the University’s strategic themes and are consistent with the overarching Campaign brand. Translate relatively complex information into a form that is understandable by non-experts and appealing to donors.

• Lead the project management of a time-limited plan to ‘unlock’ income and/or capital from dormant or restricted endowment funds. Set milestones, monitor progress and ensure the project keeps on track. Work with colleagues across CAR and across the University to plan, prepare and coordinate submissions to the Charity Commission, providing content for Council papers and proposals where needed.
• Design, set up and test a sustainable system for reporting-on endowment spend and the impact of endowed gifts.
• Use insight and analysis to contribute to the preparation of papers, documents and reports on the project’s progress and outcome. Make recommendations and produce content that is appropriate for different internal and external stakeholder groups.

• Provide project management support for the creation and delivery of a clear plan to close the Forged in Sheffield campaign and maintain momentum post-campaign. Ensure the plan covers key milestones and shows the overall impact of donor support and engagement throughout the life of the campaign. Work with colleagues across CAR to keep the plan current, monitoring progress, identifying risks and responding to change as needed.
• Lead work to evaluate and report on the outcomes of the University’s first major philanthropic campaign. Make recommendations on content, convene expert groups and contribute to creation of materials, as required. Ensure that planned reports are consistent and timely and reflect the full range of stakeholders.
• Support the Associate Director of Campaign Management in planning and preparing for meetings with key internal and external stakeholders. Tasks may include preparing agendas, drafting discussion papers, designing and producing slide decks, being proactive in sourcing content, and following-up on actions. Attendance at meetings may also be required.
• Be proactive about engaging with peers across the sector to gather insight on best practice.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With an integrated fundraising structure and an upcoming £5m appeal, Acorns is looking for a senior leader to review, refine and scale its end-to-end donor experience across all income streams.

Forming part of the Fundraising Leadership Team and reporting to the Associate Director of Fundraising, the Head of Donor Experience will lead a central support function covering donor journeys, supporter care, data and insight, digital fundraising and compliance. They will be responsible for shaping and delivering a comprehensive donor-centred strategy that drives engagement, loyalty and long-term value, while championing a digital-first, data-driven approach to stewardship.

As Head of Donor Experience, you will:

• Lead a high-performing Donor Experience team of nine, with four direct reports across Donor Experience, Data & Insight, and Digital Fundraising
• Develop and embed a cohesive donor experience strategy aligned to the wider Fundraising Strategy
• Design and implement a structured supporter journey framework, ensuring appropriate automation and personalisation across channels and income streams
• Drive innovation in stewardship, including digital engagement, journey design, automation, and personalisation
• Review and refine thanking, banking, fulfilment and supporter care processes to improve efficiency and supporter satisfaction
• Oversee CRM development and optimisation, ensuring robust data governance and a clear single supporter view
• Lead insight generation and segmentation strategy to inform fundraising performance and income growth
• Establish and maintain a centralised compliance framework across fundraising activity
• Strengthen collaboration between Fundraising and Marketing to enable more coordinated, funnel-led campaigns

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in fundraising operations, supporter care, compliance or customer experience within a charity setting
• Proven track record of developing and delivering stewardship strategies that improve retention and long-term supporter value
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver operational excellence and performance improvement
• Experience designing and implementing strategy, annual plans and process improvements
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems, data governance and supporter database management
• Confidence influencing senior internal stakeholders and driving cross-team collaboration
• Experience of reporting, performance analysis and using insight to inform decision-making
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and sector regulation

Employee benefits include: 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional events and creating memorable experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) wants you on our team as our new Events Administrator! 

We are at an ambitious and exciting stage, redesigning and expanding our portfolio of learning products and delivering a growing programme of in-person, online and hybrid events including major conferences like our Global AI Conference. 

As our Events Administrator, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth delivery of meetings and conferences that make a real difference to clinical care. Working closely with our Conference Organiser and the wider Learning Team, as well as colleagues in marketing, sponsorship and external stakeholders, you’ll help us deliver events that inspire, educate and connect healthcare professionals worldwide. 

What you’ll do 

• Support the planning and delivery of high-quality events across the UK and globally. 

• Coordinate logistics, manage registrations, and ensure delegates and speakers have an exceptional experience. 

• Work with subject matter experts, sponsors and partners to bring events to life. 

• Provide outstanding customer service and troubleshoot on the day to keep everything running smoothly. 

What we’re looking for 

• Experience in event administration and logistics (in-person, online and hybrid). 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities. 

• Confidence using Microsoft Office and online event platforms (e.g., Zoom). 

• A proactive, adaptable approach and a passion for delivering great experiences. 

Why join us: 

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day! 

• Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely) 

• Modern working environment 

• Equipment provided to work from home 

• Generous annual leave allowance 

• Excellent pension scheme 

• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

If you think this may be the opportunity for you, please see the candidate pack attached to this advert for more information on the role and instructions on how to apply.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 15 March 2025. First stage interviews are scheduled for 24 March 2026.