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Background
The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant City, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking critically important research. We are a place of open, critical thinking, and the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge. Professional Services put students at the heart of all they do and enable an exceptional educational experience. They provide outstanding support to our researchers and help the University to grow its influence regionally, nationally, and globally. They ensure the University’s resources are used wisely, manage and improve the infrastructure which sits at the heart of the institution, and support decisions to be made quickly and based on sound evidence. Our Birmingham Professional programme operates across the University, supporting colleagues to network and collaborate, offering opportunities to learn and develop, contributing to the delivery of the University’s objectives, and helping everyone to understand the broader context within which we work.
Department Overview
Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London.
The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in its local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from disadvantaged backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.
DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships.
Role summary
Are you looking for a corporate partnerships role that contributes to a better society? Are you passionate about supporting the future pipeline of talent to fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances? Would you like to work with inspiring academics who tackle some of the world’s most pressing global challenges such as the impact of climate change on our woodlands and forests, issues caused by migration and displacement, the rise in youth mental health issues, and the prevention of needless maternal deaths in the developing world.
The University of Birmingham is recruiting a Corporate Philanthropy Manager, an exciting role that will join us in our ambitious ‘Birmingham in Action’ campaign and help us to grow our philanthropic income. You will manage a portfolio of corporate partners and prospects and will work with colleagues across the University to develop a pipeline of significant philanthropic gifts across priority themes and projects, with the opportunity to shape these based on your fundraising experience. This role is a great opportunity to further develop your skills and will play a vital role in delivering projects to change lives locally, nationally and internationally.
A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Charitable Partnerships team, you will identify, create and manage corporate philanthropic partnerships with local, national and global businesses. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level corporate professionals and academics, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling case for support.
The Corporate Philanthropy Manager will be responsible for:
- Developing and strengthening relationships with key current corporate funders to the University to grow philanthropic income.
- Identifying and building relationships with new corporate funders with the opportunity to raise five and six figure gifts.
- Managing a pipeline of short, medium and long-term funding applications and relationships to enable year-on-year corporate philanthropy income growth.
- Oversight of key campaign programmes.
- Building close working relationships with academics, alongside other University colleagues, to find information needed to write clear and compelling proposals on existing and new areas of research, that aligns with the strategic priorities of corporate funders.
- Build effective, co-ordinated, working relationships with a range of external stakeholders.
- Managing the whole donor journey of a corporate funder, from identification to acknowledgement and stewardship.
- Meeting reporting objectives of funders and ensuring an excellent experience for funders.
- Efficiently use the Customer Relationship Management system to record and report on activity.
- Be responsible for adhering to relevant fundraising regulation and current data legislation in the UK and in target markets whilst ensuring fundraising is ethical and that due diligence is undertaken as necessary.
- Understanding the breadth of the University and appreciating the differences of each College.
- Understanding the context of our work in relation to the wider operations of the University.
- Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff.
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures.
- Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required.
- Evidence of writing motivational and persuasive reports or proposals – this could be demonstrated through performance in full time, part time or voluntary roles.
- The ability to understand and communicate complex expressions of academic vision to non-academic philanthropic supporters.
- Outstanding
- Understanding of and ability to represent the vision and mission of the University of Birmingham.
- Experience of working to a minimum of five figure gifts and exceeding targets.
- Ability to prioritise own workload under pressure and balance a range of competing deadlines.
- Passion for and knowledge of Higher Education, particularly research and the role of philanthropy.
- Ability to build strong relationships and engage with individuals and organisations, internally and externally.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide audience internally including academics and Professional Services staff.
- Personal confidence, independence and determination to succeed as an individual and as part of a team.
- The desire to support colleagues in the achievement of their individual and the collective goals and to celebrate others’ success as positively as your own.
- The ability to represent the University internally and externally through excellent interpersonal skills: diplomacy, discretion, tact, persuasiveness, the confidence to deal with a wide range of audiences, along with the ability to deploy negotiation skills when required.
- Good all-round IT skills including competence with all aspects of MS Office.
- The flexibility and willingness to work unsociable hours (evenings and weekends) occasionally, when required.
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
- communication and to present confidently to audiences of all sizes.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
World-class research and outstanding global education
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Working closely with the Director of Development, this individual will be responsible for raising funds and managing relationships with prospects and donors, organising fundraising campaigns and delivering events.
You will support the Director of Development to raise philanthropic funds through major gift and regular giving fundraising to support key development projects for the College. About Us Clifton College is a leading independent day and boarding school educating over 1,200 pupils aged 3 to 18.
Founded in 1862, the College provides an all-round education, a rich heritage with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Located in the beautiful suburb of Clifton, we lead the way as one of the best independent schools in the country.
What you’ll be doing:
Donor Relations and Stewardship
● Work closely with the Director of Development to deliver the fundraising strategy, with a focus on securing major gifts, regular giving, and corporate sponsorships.
● Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with prospective and existing donors.
● Identify new prospects and funding opportunities.
● Meet with donors and prospects with the Director and alone to develop the pipeline of future support.
● Ensure timely and personalised communication with donors to acknowledge gifts, provide updates on impact, and cultivate long-term relationships.
● Write compelling proposals and impact reports.
● Work with the Head of Alumni to develop engagement strategies for legacy giving to the 1862 Club.
Work with marketing to create promotional materials and build our portfolio of testimonials.
Event Management
● Create engagement events for potential donors.
● Work with the alumni team to plan stewardship events for supporters.
● Support the development of parent engagement events.
● Support the Head of Alumni with the career mentoring programme. Administration
● Manage gift processing using Raiser’s Edge, including receipting and thanking supporters, and managing pledge payment reminders. ● Create tailored communication and engagement plans for prospects and donors.
● Provide regular updates on fundraising progress and donor reports for the Director of Development.
● Develop and manage fundraising budgets, ensuring all fundraising activities are cost-effective and within financial targets.
About You
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, highly organised, and have fundraising experience within the education or charity sector.
Required Qualifications & experience
● Proven experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, ideally within an educational or non-profit organisation.
● Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, regular giving, legacy giving, grant writing, and event management.
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including current and former parents, alumni, pupils, staff, Governors and donors.
● Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlineseffectively.
● A passion for education and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing independent schools.
● A team player who positively contributes to a collaborative and ambitious team culture. Adaptable and flexible to change as required.
● Experience with managing budgets and using fundraising CRM systems (preferably Raiser’s Edge).
● A proactive, results-driven attitude and a desire to make a tangible impact in a school environment.
● Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes
● Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts
● An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising
● A degree or equivalent.
Desirable Skills
● Experience in organising and leading fundraising events.
● Knowledge of UK charitable giving regulations
● Experience in working with high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors.
● Previous experience in alumni relations or school development.
What’s in it for you £38,000- £42,000 salary
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays • BUPA Employee Assistance Programme •BUPA Confidential counselling and advice • Career development and training • Cycle to work scheme • Discounted onsite gym and pool membership • Subsidised lunch • Enhanced Pension scheme • Life Assurance • Menopause clinic • Onsite Flu vaccine clinics • Pop up bike servicing • Refer a friend scheme • Subsided Holiday Club employee benefit which is available for children from Reception Year up to Year 8 • Wellbeing benefits
Clifton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. That’s why we apply robust selection principles to our recruitment, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Although not all the roles at Clifton College are pupil-facing, we treat all roles as regulated activity. This means we can be safe in the knowledge that we have applied the most stringent recruitment checks to safeguard our pupils. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to contact your referees. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975,2013 and 2020. If you join us, we’ll expect you to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Safeguarding legislation, and our safeguarding policies and procedures. We’ll also ask you to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Equality and Diversity legislation and associated policies, as well as Health & Safety legislation. But don’t worry because we’ll provide training to do this! Equal Opportunities Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or disability. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Clifton College is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. How to apply Please note that we can only accept applications via our vacancy website application form (which will also allow you to attach your CV or any other supporting information). Clifton College and the Clifton College Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, all staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to contact your referees.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you an experienced Development Executive looking to make a meaningful impact? Join the Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) at the University of Oxford to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.
About the Role
This is an opportunity to join Oxford’s DAE team and to make a significant contribution in support of the mission of one of the world’s leading universities.
The Development Executive is a professional fundraiser (ordinarily with some prior experience), with responsibility for devising, implementing, and collaborating on approaches to high-level philanthropic donors, and for working with DAE and academic colleagues to articulate cases for support, develop fundraising strategy and raise funds for priorities at the Ashmolean, Bodleian, Pitt Rivers Museum, Museum of Natural History, History of Science Museum and Botanic Garden and Arboretum.
Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD / GLAM sites across Oxford.
Salary: Grade 7: annual progression from £39,424 - £47779 per annum, with a possible extension to £51,983 per year, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 (pro rata)
Contract: Full Time (37.5 hours), Permanent
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About You
Essential Criteria (See full list in the attached Job Description)
• Prior fundraising experience and direct involvement in securing major gifts
• An ability to think both strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fund-raising goals
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrable ability to show highly nuanced sensitive and good judgement when working with key internal and external stakeholders
• The candidate must work well in a team
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 May 2026
Interviews will take place on 19 May 2026, and will be held face-to-face.
Non Charity Employer
101 - 500
We raise funds in support of the University’s academic priorities, securing donations for all aspects of academic and student endeavour.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.