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Are you an exceptional communicator who enjoys building relationships, delivering memorable experiences and helping others connect with a meaningful cause? We invite you to apply for the Development Officer - Gardens, Libraries & Museums (GLAM) position within Development and Alumni Engagement at the University of Oxford, where your work will help secure philanthropic support for one of the world's leading universities.
Location: Oxford, with hybrid working available
Salary: Grade 6: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum, with a possible extension to £45,212 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730
Contract: Permanent, Full time
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.
Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) plays a central role in enabling the University's ambitions by building meaningful relationships with alumni, philanthropists, trusts, foundations and partners around the world. Within the Gardens, Libraries and Museums team, you'll help unlock philanthropic support that preserves world-renowned collections, expands access to knowledge and enables cultural engagement for future generations. Your work will directly contribute to initiatives that enrich research, education and public understanding on a global scale.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Sustainable travel benefits, including cycle loans, discounted bus travel and season ticket loans.
- Access to a wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities.
About the Role
This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in major gift fundraising within one of the world's most respected cultural institutions. Working with experienced colleagues, you'll develop your own portfolio of donors, helping to secure philanthropic support for the Bodleian and across the Gardens, Libraries and Museums.
Alongside developing donor relationships, you'll lead the delivery of two high-profile annual stewardship events attended by senior University figures, oversee annual fundraising appeals and create compelling proposals and communications that inspire philanthropic support. You'll work closely with colleagues across the University to turn complex academic and cultural projects into engaging stories for donors.
Whether you're already working in fundraising or bring transferable experience from events, communications, alumni relations or another externally facing role, you'll receive training and support to develop your expertise in major gifts fundraising.
About You
You will bring:
- Experience in fundraising, alumni relations, marketing or other relationship-focused roles.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce engaging and persuasive content for different audiences.
- Experience of planning and delivering high-quality events
- Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities, organise your own workload and deliver to deadlines.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications and CRM or relationship management systems.
- A demonstrable interest in the cultural sector and a desire to develop a career in philanthropic fundraising.
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 Monday 3 August 2026.
Face-to-face interviews will take place funon Thursday 13 August 2026
Registered Charity
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.
Thank you!
Saïd Business School is entering an exciting new chapter. As we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary and deliver an ambitious new five-year strategy, we are expanding our Development and Alumni team and seeking two exceptional Senior Philanthropy Officers to help drive a transformational step change in philanthropic support. Working closely with senior academics, School leadership, alumni and supporters, you will build meaningful relationships with philanthropists whose generosity can help tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges through business, entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact.
You will manage a portfolio of high-potential prospects, developing tailored engagement strategies that connect donors' passions with Oxford Saïd's strategic priorities. From identifying opportunities and cultivating relationships through to securing significant gifts and delivering outstanding stewardship, you will play a leading role in growing philanthropic income and impact across the School.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing and developing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and selected philanthropic organisations.
- Securing gifts typically ranging from £50,000 to £1 million+.
- Building trusted relationships with senior academics, School leadership, alumni volunteers and University colleagues.
- Translating world-class academic research and thought leadership into inspiring donor propositions.
- Supporting cultivation events, donor visits and stewardship activities that deepen engagement and demonstrate impact.
You will be an experienced and strategic fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts and building successful donor relationships within complex organisations. You will have experience engaging high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic organisations, consistently achieving ambitious income targets and managing prospects through the full fundraising cycle. Additionally, you will possess the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling philanthropic opportunities. A strong understanding of fundraising best practice, ethics and data governance is essential, alongside experience using fundraising CRM systems.
Further information on this role can be found in the job description.
At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.
We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:
- Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays
- Hybrid working
- Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme
- Discounted bus travel
- Subsidised onsite catering
- Cycle loan scheme
- Plus, many other University benefits
All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary.
The closing date for applications is Friday 7 August 2026 at 12.00 noon. Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than advertised if we receive a high number of suitable applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Individual Giving
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Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.
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Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.
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Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.
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Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.
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Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.
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Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.
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Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns.
Legacies
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Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)
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Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects
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Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters
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Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters
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Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials
Campaign/Programmes
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Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades
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Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition
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Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs
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Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts
Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund
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Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes.
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Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance.
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Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Essential:
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Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience
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Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures
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Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns
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Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention
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Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting
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Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.
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Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system
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Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.
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Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.
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Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising
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Commitment to high level of professional standards
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Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it
Desirable:
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Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications.
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Event management experience
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Experience of working in the education or charity sectors
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Understanding of the Independent School sector
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.