Student advice lead jobs

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.

Job Title: Fundraising Manager

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £40,000

Hours per week: 28 hours 4 days per week

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)

Role Description

The Senior Fundraising Manager will play a key strategic role in supporting the mission and ministry of St Edmundsbury Cathedral by developing and delivering a diverse range of fundraising activities, with a particular focus on Trusts and Foundations, major funding opportunities, donor stewardship and the growth of sustainable income.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, the role will identify and develop new funding opportunities, build strong relationships with Trusts and Foundations, and lead the preparation and submission of high-quality funding applications and reports. The postholder will also oversee the Cathedral’s Patron and donor relationships, legacy and regular giving activity, and provide strategic oversight of major fundraising events and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Legacy and Appeals

• Support and develop the Cathedral’s legacy giving strategy, helping to encourage and secure gifts in wills.
• Work with colleagues and volunteers to develop appropriate legacy communications and stewardship activity.
• Provide strategic support for the delivery of fundraising appeals, including the biennial ‘Gift Day’.
• Review and evaluate fundraising appeals, identifying opportunities to improve engagement and income.

Trusts and Foundations

• Develop and implement a Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy to increase income and diversify the Cathedral’s funding base.
• Research and identify new Trusts, Foundations and other institutional funding opportunities aligned with the Cathedral’s mission, ministry and strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective Trusts and Foundations, ensuring effective stewardship and ongoing engagement.
• Lead the development and submission of high-quality funding applications, working with colleagues across the Cathedral to gather relevant information, budgets, impact measures and supporting evidence.
• Maintain a comprehensive pipeline of funding opportunities, applications, deadlines and outcomes.
• Ensure funders receive timely, accurate and engaging updates on the impact of their support.
• Develop compelling cases for support and funding proposals for a range of projects and priorities.
• Support colleagues with grant applications where appropriate, providing guidance on funder requirements, application development and reporting.
• Monitor changes in the funding landscape and identify emerging opportunities for the Cathedral.

Donor Acknowledgement and CRM Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the fundraising CRM database, Donorfy, including donation history, communications and engagement activity.
• Ensure appropriate systems and processes are in place for effective donor stewardship and relationship management.
• Produce reports and analysis from Donorfy to support fundraising planning, decision-making and income monitoring.
• Ensure donors and Patrons are thanked and acknowledged appropriately and in a timely manner, including personal correspondence and letters from the Dean where appropriate.
• Use donor data and insight to identify opportunities for increased engagement, retention and income.

Planned and Regular Giving

• Work with the Planned Giving Committee to develop and implement a strategy for increasing regular giving.
• Develop communications that encourage supporters to become regular givers.

Patrons and Donors

• Manage and develop relationships with existing Patrons and key donors, ensuring high standards of engagement through regular communications, including e-newsletters, invitations and other appropriate engagement activities.
• Oversee the delivery of the Cathedral’s Patron events, including the Patrons’ Carol Service, Spring Trip and Summer Garden Party, working with colleagues to ensure events are delivered to a high standard.
• Monitor Patron membership, renewal dates and income, ensuring effective processes are in place for timely renewal communications.
• Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure Patron income and donations are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow the Cathedral’s Patron network and strengthen relationships with existing supporters.
• Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and develop supporters towards increased giving and longterm involvement with the Cathedral.

Major Fundraising Initiatives and Events

• Provide fundraising leadership and strategic oversight for major Cathedral fundraising initiatives and projects as required.
• Support the delivery team of the Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn Project, providing fundraising expertise and advice as required.
• Oversee the fundraising strategy and income generation associated with major fundraising events, including the Grand Nave Autumn Ball, ensuring that events have clear fundraising objectives and deliver against agreed targets.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues responsible for event planning and delivery, providing strategic fundraising direction, supporter engagement and stewardship.
• Ensure that income and expenditure associated with fundraising events and initiatives are accurately recorded and monitored.
• Evaluate fundraising activity and provide recommendations to maximise future income and supporter engagement.

Strategy, Planning and Reporting

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Cathedral’s overall fundraising strategy and annual fundraising plans.
• Set and monitor fundraising targets across relevant income streams, providing regular updates to senior colleagues and relevant committees.
• Use fundraising data, research and analysis to identify opportunities for growth and inform strategic decisionmaking.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership, Trustees and relevant committees as required. Work collaboratively across the Cathedral to ensure fundraising opportunities are identified and developed effectively.
• Ensure all fundraising activity reflects the mission, values and ethos of St Edmundsbury Cathedral and is undertaken with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Ensure compliance with relevant fundraising regulations, GDPR and data protection requirements, and best practice in donor stewardship.
• Support and develop a culture of fundraising across the Cathedral, encouraging colleagues to recognise and maximise opportunities for philanthropic support.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in fundraising or a related field.

Experience

• Significant experience in fundraising or income generation roles, with a proven track record of securing income and meeting or exceeding fundraising targets.
• Proven experience of developing and managing relationships with Trusts and Foundations and other institutional funders.
• Demonstrable experience of researching funding opportunities and developing successful grant and funding applications.
• Experience of managing donor relationships and delivering effective stewardship and engagement programmes.
• Experience of developing and delivering fundraising strategies across a range of income streams.
• Experience of managing or overseeing fundraising campaigns, appeals or events.
• Experience of using fundraising data and CRM systems to support donor management, reporting and strategic decisionmaking.
• Experience of monitoring and reporting on restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Experience of preparing funding reports and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Trusts and Foundations fundraising and the wider fundraising landscape.
• Good understanding of a range of fundraising income streams, including individual giving, Trusts and Foundations, major donors, corporate and community fundraising.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, data protection and ethical fundraising practices.
• Understanding of budgeting, financial planning and monitoring in relation to fundraising.
• Understanding of effective donor stewardship, cultivation and relationship management.
• Knowledge of the principles and importance of legacy and regular giving.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling funding proposals, cases for support, reports and donor communications.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility and maintain positive relationships with funders, donors, Patrons and colleagues.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and assess new funding opportunities.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and funding applications effectively.
• Ability to use data and insight to inform fundraising decisions, monitor performance and measure impact.
• Ability to manage and maintain accurate records using a CRM system such as Donorfy.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence colleagues to support fundraising objectives.
• Ability to oversee and provide strategic direction to fundraising activities and initiatives.

Personal Qualities

• Highly motivated, proactive and results-driven.
• Strategic and creative thinker, with the ability to identify and develop new fundraising opportunities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and take responsibility for delivering agreed objectives.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and build effective relationships across the organisation.
• Resilient, flexible and able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Professional, trustworthy and committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethical fundraising.
• Commitment to the values and mission of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
• Sensitive to the Cathedral’s core mission as a place of worship, outreach, welcome and care.
• Willingness to work varying hours for fundraising activities and functions, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required.

Desirable

Qualities Qualifications

• Relevant professional fundraising qualification, such as a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Experience

• Experience of working with high-net-worth individuals, major donors or philanthropic supporters.
• Experience of securing significant gifts or grants from Trusts and Foundations.
• Experience of fundraising within the Church of England or another faith-based organisation.
• Experience of working in a heritage, cultural, charitable or not-for-profit organisation.
• Experience of overseeing fundraising events or major fundraising initiatives.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of the funding landscape relevant to heritage, faith, community or charitable organisations.
• Experience of public speaking and presenting to donors, funders, committees or other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of legacy fundraising and planned giving.
• Experience of using Donorfy or a similar fundraising CRM system.

About us

Carers UK’s vision is to create a society that recognises, values and supports carers. As the leading national charity for unpaid carers, we exist to make life better for carers, however caring affects them. Our support, advice, information and campaigning work are now needed more than ever, as unpaid carers are providing more and more care, adversely impacting on their own health and wellbeing.

About the role

We recognise the value of social media in communicating with all our audiences; whether unpaid carers or their friends and families, employers, politicians, service providers, supporters and all those people who may become a carer for a partner, family member, friend or neighbour and will need information, support, and to know that there are people working to make their lives better.

This role works with colleagues across the organisation, including our senior management team - but also in partnership with external organisations and agencies - with targets set for engagement (and other indicators of the success of our campaigns). We're working on multiple campaigns simultaneously; whether that's Carers Week, campaigns to influence changes to the law to better support carers, encouraging unpaid carers to join us as members, updating on activities in the devolved nations or getting people to fundraise for Carers UK. And we use a mix of owned, earned and paid communications to drive engagement in a challenging and crowded environment in order to get our messages to cut through. It's a busy, but varied role, in a supportive and collaborative team.

About you

Working within the communications and marketing team, you'll be confident in managing our social media accounts (we have many), ensuring we're using platforms to get our messages out to both wide and targeted audiences with engaging and timely content.

You'll be happy using tools for social listening, interacting with our audiences and building our reach. You'll be familiar with key metrics for social engagement and will be reporting back to colleagues and other stakeholders - and using this data to constantly improve our communications.

You'll be skilled in writing longer form content for our members' magazine, Caring, proof reading articles, posting content on our websites, creating graphics and making sure our content is engaging, audience focused and dynamic. Oh, and you probably know your way around an emoji set and are not scared of a well timed pun. Plus you'll have a great eye for detail and be confident in your ability to prioritise (and sometimes reprioritise) your workload as needed.

We're a small but effective communications team and pride ourselves on getting stuck in and supporting each other when we need to deliver big on fast moving projects, so you'll need be able to juggle lots of demands while recognising the importance of always hitting deadlines.

Diversity and inclusion

Carers UK is committed to becoming a diverse and truly inclusive organisation; fostering an environment and working culture that celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion.  We strive to create a workplace where our colleagues and volunteers can truly be themselves and feel like they belong and constantly seek to ensure all voices are heard.

To embrace this culture of diversity, our employee and volunteer recruitment should reflect our stakeholders and the society that we serve and support, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, disabilities or religious practices. We value individual diversity and are actively building diverse teams here at Carers UK and value our colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a membership charity for carers, we particularly seek employees and volunteers with a real understanding of the issues faced by carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the process and role, dependent on the needs of the applicant.

We are proud to be an Employers for Carers member. We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and achieved the Disability Confident Employer accreditation. We aim to offer interviews to those who have a disability covered under the definition outlined in the Equality Act 2010 and who meet the minimum criteria for the role. The minimum criteria can be found under the Essential section of the Person Specification of the recruitment pack. Please let us know if your application is being made under the Disability Confident Scheme. You are not required to share the nature of your disability or long term health condition. You will need to state in your email application that you are making your application under the Disability Confident Scheme as you consider yourself to be disabled, or as having a disability. If you meet the minimum criteria then you will be offered an interview.

At Carers UK we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please contact us to discuss.  

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Tuesday 18 August.

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

Carers UK are actively interviewing as we receive applications.

Carers UK may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.