Development executive jobs

Senior Development Executive – Department of Economics

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with some hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8 role with a salary range of £49,119 - £58,265 pa, with possible extension to £63,489 (including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year, pro rata)

This is an exceptional career opportunity to help deliver philanthropic support that creates knowledge, shapes policy and inspires future leaders.

The University of Oxford’s Department of Economics is home to one of the largest and most diverse groups of academic economists.  With strong policy impact, outstanding academic programmes and world-class research tackling issues from climate change and improving refugee resettlement to AI and reducing unemployment, Oxford is a global centre of excellence in economics.

As a Department we aim to produce transformative and innovative economic research; to have a sustained impact on economic policy outside academia; and to develop and train the next generation of researchers and research leaders. Our goal is always to create a stimulating, supportive and collaborative environment that allows researchers and research groups to pursue cutting-edge agendas. A priority is to achieve this within an inclusive and diverse department.

The Department sits within the University’s Social Sciences Division, which is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academe.  You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that helps to fund breakthroughs in research with positive global impact.  If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, please read on.

The opportunity
Philanthropy has played a key role in enabling the ambitions of the Social Sciences Division and wider University, and we are seeking a talented fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to  raise money to support the very best academics and ensure that an Oxford education in economics is accessible to exceptional students from around the world, regardless of financial means.  Oxford will shortly be embarking on the public phase of a multi-billion campaign – the most ambitious in higher education outside North America  .  This could be your opportunity to help the brightest students, academics and researchers develop interventions and solutions that protect and improve the lives of people everywhere, at a career defining moment in the higher education sector in the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Development – Social Sciences and the senior leadership of the Department of Economics, as well as some of the most inspiring academics and researchers in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors to the department.  You will have the support of excellent colleagues across Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office.

About you
You are a skilled major gifts specialist with a proven track record of successfully building and  managing portfolios of relationships with individual and corporate donors and prospects with the capacity to give in the £100k - £1m+ range.  Bringing creativity and a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit, you enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues to identify and design engagement opportunities, and securing philanthropic gifts.  The foundations of your success include your:

· track record of securing philanthropic gifts at the six-figure level or more

· gravitas and innate ability to establish trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels

· highly developed interpersonal skills, diplomacy and negotiation skills

· ability to lead through ambiguity by shaping, designing, and delivering transformative initiatives

You do not need an academic or professional background in economics – we’re more interested in someone with intellectual curiosity and a passion for engaging philanthropy to drive positive change in the world.

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

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search.  To request a copy of the candidate information pack and to apply, please visit their website by following the Apply button, or contact them on +44 (0)20 3617 9240.

Closing date for applications is 9AM, Monday, 6 April 2026
Interviews with the University of Oxford are scheduled to take place from late April 2026.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement 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.

Senior Development Executive - Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS)

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with some hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8 role with a salary range of £49,119 - £58,265 pa, with possible extension to £65,336 (including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year, pro rata)

Have you ever wondered how the universe was first formed – or how the Earth works today, from earthquakes and volcanoes to climate systems and oceans? What about how technology and AI will change the world of the future – from healthcare diagnostics and drug discovery, to the next generations of batteries, cleaner energy, and resilient infrastructure?

The University of Oxford’s nine academic departments within MPLS span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Research in MPLS tackles major societal and technological challenges – whether developing new energy solutions or improving cancer treatments, understanding climate change processes, or helping to preserve biodiversity.

The Division is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders. As Senior Development Executive, you would deliver philanthropic support that helps to fund breakthroughs in this research and exploration, that will have a positive impact on the world we live in and beyond.  Oxford will shortly be embarking on the public phase of a multi-billion campaign – the most ambitious in higher education outside North America, so this opportunity comes up at a career defining moment in the UK.  If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, please read on.

The opportunity
Philanthropy has played a key role in enabling the ambitions of the MPLS Division and wider University, and we are seeking a talented fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to raise money to support ground-breaking academics and research tackling the world’s hardest challenges, and enabling talented students from all backgrounds to study at Oxford.  This could be your opportunity to help the brightest students, academics and researchers develop solutions that protect and improve our lives on this planet and beyond.

Working closely with the Head of Development – MPLS, as well as some of the most inspiring scientists in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors.  You will have the support of excellent colleagues across the sciences at Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office – the leading higher education fundraising team outside North America.

About you
You are an accomplished philanthropic fundraiser with a proven track record of securing major gifts and a confident and collegiate approach to achieving results. Creative, strategic and relationship-driven, you bring the ability to engage, inspire and influence donors, enabling you to be successful in major gift fundraising in the £100k–£1m+ range across individuals, trusts and corporate partners.

You will play a central role in building and stewarding meaningful relationships, working closely with a diverse community of donors and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the MPLS Division. Your success is underpinned by your:

• strong record of quickly establishing credibility and trust with senior internal and external stakeholders;
• intellectual curiosity and an active interest in the world around you;
• collaborative mindset, combined with an entrepreneurial and proactive approach;
• ability to work confidently in the detail while maintaining a clear focus on strategic objectives; and
• high emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills, enabling you to connect with people from all backgrounds.

An interest in science is essential, but you do not need an academic or professional background in the field. Above all, we are seeking a passionate advocate for philanthropy – who believes in the impact it can have, knows and implements best practices to achieve results, AND is motivated to enable world-changing discoveries.

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

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Training and development opportunities

· Membership of CASE

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership of a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search.  To request a copy of the candidate information pack and to apply, please visit  the Richmond Associates website by following the Apply button, or contact them on +44 (0)20 3617 9240.

Closing date for applications is 12noon Thursday, 26 March 2026
Interviews with the University of Oxford are scheduled to take place from mid-April 2026.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement 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.