Development officer jobs in Oxford, oxfordshire

Are you an experienced fundraising professional, or at the early stages of your career, or a skilled communicator looking to make a meaningful impact? Join our Development and Alumni Engagement team at the University of Oxford to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.

Location: Oxford (with options for hybrid working)

Salary: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum, with a possible extension to £45,212 (includes Oxford University Weighting of £1,730).

Contract: Full-time or Part-time (minimum 30 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.

The Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) team works collaboratively across the University to secure philanthropic support that ensures Oxford remains a world-class centre of learning. By building meaningful connections with alumni, trusts, and global partners, the Team helps to fund vital research, world-changing academic posts, and life-changing student scholarships.

For over 900 years, Oxford Law has shaped global legal leadership through world-class teaching, research and independent thought. Today, as one of the world’s leading law faculties, it plays a critical role in providing legal solutions and leadership to global challenges - including artificial intelligence, climate change, geopolitical instability and threats to democracy.  Oxford Law's global influence is reflected in an alumni community that includes a majority of the current Justices of the UK Supreme Court, members of the US Supreme Court and High Court of Australia, and two recent UK Prime Ministers. 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 (with 3 days a week spent on-site in Oxford).
• 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 the Role

This role is a rare and exciting launchpad for an ambitious professional looking to step into major gift fundraising. You do not need a legal background to succeed here - we are looking for someone with the drive, energy, and interpersonal warmth to connect with people, and we are fully committed to providing the coaching and mentoring you need to master the art of fundraising.

Working closely with the Faculty of Law, you will champion philanthropic efforts to raise vital income, by securing donations in the £50,000–£80,000 range from your own developing pool of individual alumni, trust representatives, law firms and a group of loyal barristers' chambers.

You will also gain hands-on experience with face-to-face major gift fundraising by contributing to an ambitious fundraising appeal to redevelop the Faculty of Law’s home, the St Cross Building; alongside securing support for graduate scholarships, academic posts and our growing access and diversity programmes.

About You

We are looking for individuals who can bring the following core attributes:

• Experience in a fundraising, marketing, or a relationship-management role; alongside the confidence to professionally represent the University and make ‘the ask’.
• Excellent verbal and written skills with the creativity to translate legal or academic projects into inspiring donor materials.
• Ability to listen actively, build trust, and manage relationships with a diverse range of academic and external stakeholders.
• Genuine enthusiasm for fundraising and a passion for social or environmental justice or related areas.
• You are organised, capable of managing a diverse workload calmly under pressure, and comfortable using standard Microsoft Office tools and database systems.

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 Thursday 11 June 2026.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face.