Senior Development Managers

Help shape the future of a globally recognised university as Durham builds towards its bicentenary and an ambitious fundraising campaign.

Location: Durham / Hybrid - At least two days on campus

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 24th August 2026

Who we are
Durham University is one of the world's leading universities, combining academic excellence, a distinctive collegiate community and a global network of more than 200,000 alumni and supporters.

As we approach our bicentenary in 2032, philanthropy will help us widen opportunity, support world-leading research, enrich student experience and invest in projects that benefit future generations through an ambitious fundraising campaign. The campaign will build on almost 200 years of achievement and create new opportunities for students, researchers and communities.

The Development and Alumni Relations Office sits at the centre of this work, building lifelong relationships with supporters and securing philanthropic investment.

About the roles

We are recruiting three Senior Development Managers to join our Major Gifts Team. There is one permanent opportunity and two 14-month maternity cover roles. Each postholder will manage a portfolio of alumni and supporters with the potential to make gifts of between £100k and £1m. You will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors, working closely with senior leaders, academics and colleagues across the University to develop compelling opportunities for support.

Although the roles share the same core purpose, each has a distinct focus.

• Senior Development Manager

This permanent position is a broad major gifts role working across Durham’s campaign priorities, who will also take a lead on legacies and planned giving, helping to develop this work across the wider team and dealing sensitively with wills, estates and executors where the University is named as a beneficiary.

• Senior Development Manager (Sciences)

This mat cover role will focus on the Faculty of Science, particularly Computer Science, Physics and Mathematical Sciences. It will also include student and graduate enterprise and enrichment activity connected to the Venture Lab.

• Senior Development Manager (Arts and Humanities)

This mat cover role has a varied portfolio that includes the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Libraries and Special Collections, alongside student enrichment opportunities across sport, theatre and music.

What we are looking for

We are seeking confident, relationship-led fundraisers who can manage a portfolio, build trust with senior stakeholders and move significant opportunities forward. You will bring experience of fundraising, stewardship, business development or another relevant client-facing environment, together with evidence of securing significant support or developing high-value relationships.

Higher education experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. We welcome candidates from charities and other values-led organisations who can demonstrate strong judgement, curiosity, initiative and the ability to communicate a compelling story.

Candidates may apply for one, two or all three roles. Please indicate your preferences in your application.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the roles and how to apply.

Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Monday 24th August 2026.