Climate change 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

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past?  

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it.

We are now recruiting for an Administrative Coordinator to join our team. 

This is a key enabling role within a small, relational and values-led organisation. The Administrative Coordinator will provide coordinating and administrative support across the Network, helping ensure smooth systems, high-quality financial administrative and shared working practices across a dispersed team. 

You will be a highly organised and dependable administrator, with experience supporting finance and digital systems, and a clear commitment to social justice and relational ways of working. 

Key tasks include:

• Coordinating meetings, events and trustee processes 

• Providing hands-on finance administration, including bookkeeping using Xero 

• Supporting digital systems, CRM and data stewardship 

• Maintaining accurate records and shared documentation 

• Contributing to consistent, relational and accountable ways of working across the Network 

This role involves working from home with some travel. 

We welcome applications from people with the necessary skills and experience from all walks of life, particularly those from communities underrepresented in the charity sector. 

How to apply 

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) explaining how your skills and experience match this role. Please include the names and contact details of two referees (at least one of whom knows you in a professional capacity). 

The application deadline is 23:30 on Wednesday 25th March.

Interviews will be held online on 1st and 2nd April.

Applications will only be considered from applicants who already have the right to work within the United Kingdom. 

The Vacancy

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and proactive Partnerships Manager with a strong instinct for business development and a track record of turning opportunities into significant funding partnerships. You will be energised by identifying new prospects, opening doors and building relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Creative and strategic in your approach, you will be comfortable shaping compelling propositions and developing confident high seven figure funding asks that resonate with large philanthropic donors.

You will also be a mature, thoughtful and kind manager who can lead and develop a high performing team. We are looking for someone who can set ambitious targets, encourage initiative and create an environment where colleagues feel trusted, motivated and able to grow, while playing a central role in expanding and diversifying a major global funding portfolio.

JOB PURPOSE

The Partnerships Manager will be a key position within the fundraising team, managing key private donors and co-leading on developing and implementing a new business strategy focused on significantly increasing trust and foundation and corporate funders.

They will also be working with SLT members to put together strategic seven and eight figure grants and strategic plans to engage large global donors to support Start Network programming.

The Resource Mobilisation team works collaboratively with those in programmes to manage internal and external relationships, adopting a coordinated approach when it comes to donor management and reporting.

The Partnerships Manager, together with the Head of Resource Mobilisation, will set and deliver a strategy that maximises trust and foundation and corporate funding and set a clear path to bring in new donors and increase income substantially over the coming three years. Currently the funding portfolio you will be managing is over £30million from 13+ global donors. This means this role is personally responsible for engaging and retaining 60% of our donors. This role will set a strategy to increase income according to targets, maximise donors plus retain all key strategic donors through robust engagement plans. Beyond this, the person in post will line manage three with scope for growth in 2026. 

Additionally, across 2026-2028 and beyond they will lead on the development of an employee engagement offering with our corporates and corporate foundations in order to create a new avenue of unrestricted funding. 

Beyond this, we expect this role, to lead on behalf of the resource mobilization team key global events, particularly Skoll / Marmalade and Shift the Power. In collaboration with the Institutional Funding Manager they will also plan our activities London and NY Climate Weeks. They will set the plans and strategy for the organization to engage with these events and work with Directors, CEO, Heads of, and coordinate cross organisational plans for this together with our Head of Advocacy and Influence. 

Finally, this role will act as a key point of contact for the communications and advocacy teams and will need to make sure donor requirement and visibility will be taken into account across teams projects and strategies. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Increase new business from trusts and foundations and corporate funders

• Lead on the development of an innovative strategy together with the Head of Resource Mobilisation and Director of Business Development to identify and drive new business from trusts and foundations and corporates.
• Responsible for growing our funding from new geographical areas (focus on US and Asia) and sectors (Insurance) – and set a plan that will enable the diversification of our funding portfolio. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of an employee engagement offer in order to create a new avenue of unrestricted income and boost the interest of corporate donors.  
• Drive high quality prospecting of new potential funders across the organisation by working with and guiding heads of teams and the CEO strategically to engage with this task. 
• Oversee how the organisation engages strategically with large trusts and foundations and corporates (potential giving 7 and 8 figures).
• Co-lead on the planning of key global events with our external affairs team such as Climate Week (New York and London) and make sure we have a cross organisational strategic approach to these events. 
• Oversee the strategy to catalyse new relationships with middle sized trusts and foundations and corporates with a potential giving of 6 figures.
• Set a plan to attract more flexibility funding that can enable the organisation to catalyse key strategic projects that fall out of our programmes.
• Lead on developing positioning for corporate partnerships (insurance, finance, and tech industries), new areas of business for Start Network.
• Lead on the business planning process for the Trust and Foundations and Corporates Team.
• Manage large event budgets and make sure resources are used effectively.
• Work with programmes teams and colleagues to understand funding needs and develop creative ways to position and pitch areas of Start Network such as hubs, innovation etc.
• Work with programmes teams and finance team to drive and support the development of robust budgets and narrative proposals for large and medium sized asks.
• Attend and speak at key advocacy events, representing the resource mobilisation team as required, in order to meet donors and advocate for Start Network’s mission

Ensure high quality stewardship of current philanthropic donors

• Responsible for the overall stewardship of several high giving trusts and foundations (6, 7 & 8 figures).
• Oversee the development of quality reporting and updates for donors and make sure we have clear processes and systems for this to happen
• Responsible for making sure the resource mobilization team is creating informative and engaging updates across programmes for T&F and corporate donors.
• Work across teams to implement the insurance advisory group and make sure this group links back to resource mobilization strategies. 
• Work with heads of teams to develop an engaging agenda for the insurance advisory group, taking into account the function and work with finance team to ensure appropriate expenditure of grant. Oversee the development of complex donor budgets and make sure they are ready for CFOO and Director approval.
• Support grant management function and work with finance team to ensure appropriate expenditure of grants.
• Work closely with the communications team in order to set up a strategic comms plan that will enable the organisation to position itself as a trend setter in the humanitarian sector, particularly around our core areas of work. 

Influence externally

• Work with the Head of Resource Mobilisation and Director of Business Development to position Start Network strategically in global funding discussions.
• Engage key donors at strategic events and meetings.
• Work with the Head of Advocacy and External Affairs to coordinate advocacy messages for donors.
• Represent the organisation in key donor events globally, as required.
• Build knowledge and capacity within the organisation
• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children.
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach.
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture.

Line Management

• To carry out effective line management of a team, including recruiting and training direct reports and having an active role in building an inclusive team culture in line with our values
• Oversee and manage high performing team.
• Coach and mentor team members, as appropriate, enabling them to fulfil their potential.
• Mentor hubs and in country fundraising manager, sharing and catalysing foundation and corporate opportunities for hubs.
• Ensure the organisation builds its capacity around donors’ compliance and policies.
• Deputise for the Head of Resource Mobilisation where required.
• Ensure all staff members in the Trust and Foundation and Corporate team have relevant objectives, targets and other KPI’s.
• Lead by example, building the team’s confidence, supporting them as appropriate and being a positive influence across the organisation.
• Drive a positive culture of fundraising within the Resource Mobilisation team and across Start Network.

Start Network Culture

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children 
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach 
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture. 

This role description is non-exhaustive and includes any other duties that may reasonably be required for the role. 

PERSON PROFILE

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A well stablished fundraiser, with experience of developing relationships with a wide range of private funders (including 7-8 figure multi-year grants).
• A leader with management experience who can grow a team effectively.
• Good understanding the humanitarian sector  and key stakeholders and can represent Start Network accordingly in global external event.
• An experienced bid writer who can oversee the process of bids creation and can write them when required. 
• A person who is experienced in putting together multi million pound budgets, working across teams.
• An experience fundraiser who has managed large donors such as Gates, Hilton, IKEA.
• Experience in managing a £10m annual plus portfolio.
• Experience negotiating complex multi-million pound contracts.
• A confident speaker who can pitch and convince technical donors to fund our cause.
• A leader with experience in setting funding strategies and executing them
• Proactive and strong skills in business development, with experience of taking the lead on identifying and securing new funding opportunities.
• A creative eye, with skills and experience supporting and leading on the development and implementation of communications strategies for fundraising.
• An individual who is keen to be part of a smaller organisation, playing a significant role in furthering a collaborative fundraising culture, with the autonomy to try new approaches and build on existing relationships.
• A person who is target and output driven and is looking to set ambitious goals for themselves and the team and not afraid to try, fail and improve
• A fundraiser who enjoys working across complex proposals and donors requirements and is solutions focused

Desirable

• Experience in impact investment, insurance or blended finance 
• Masters in relevant subject such as international development, international relations, etc.
• Fluency in Spanish or French and other languages 

The Company

Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world.

Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises.

We are an organisation committed to doing things differently. For some roles, we need more technical humanitarian expertise, but for other roles, we are looking for relevant transferable skills, the right attitude, and a passion to bring change.

Will you accept the challenge?

Right now, is Manchester’s time to shine. At the end of 2025 we launched our first ever fundraising and volunteering campaign, “ Challenge Accepted”. This campaign, unprecedented in Manchester’s history, will increase both reach and impact, engaging broader audiences and encouraging participation from the University community in fundraising and volunteer activities.

Manchester individuals distinguish themselves through shared values such as integrity, boldness, ambition, and collaboration. We are also united by a pioneering spirit and the determination to effect positive change. If you possess a fearless character, strong optimism, and a commitment to promoting a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world, we encourage you to contact us.

Details of the role

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy (Health), and working in a team of major gift fundraisers, you will be responsible for securing six-figure gifts across a range of life-changing priorities spanning students, research and innovation. This post will work closely with colleagues across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health to deliver major gifts into priority areas including cancer, brain health and health inequalities. The post will support the Division’s efforts to develop and implement the health fundraising strategy in order to significantly increase philanthropic income.

An exceptional major gift fundraiser, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of relationships to secure six-figure gifts. You will proactively build the pipeline, demonstrating a creative approach to reach potential new donors. You will develop creative and effective engagement, cultivation and stewardship plans that deepen prospect relationships and inspire future support.

You will have experience working within a team whilst working towards personal targets. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are results orientated, persuasive and have exceptional negotiation skills.

You will work in collaboration with colleagues in areas including Alumni Engagement, Regular Giving and Donor Relations to identify opportunities to maximise fundraising income and give our donors the very best supporter experience possible. And you’ll work together with colleagues across the University to help embed a culture of fundraising at Manchester.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers, and more.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.