Head of Development

Help Queen Mary open the doors of opportunity by building philanthropic relationships that support students, research and positive change.

Location: Whitechapel, with work across London campuses and flexible working considered
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd November 2026

Who we are

Queen Mary University of London combines world-leading research with a deep commitment to social mobility and social justice. Rooted in East London, we welcome students and staff from across the world and work with local, national and international communities. Our ambition is to become the most inclusive research-intensive university of our kind.

Philanthropy helps us turn that ambition into practical support. It can remove financial barriers for students, enable researchers to explore important ideas and improve the spaces in which people study and work. Our global community of more than 240,000 alumni also brings valuable relationships, knowledge and connections to Queen Mary.

About the role

Our Department of Development and Alumni Engagement has built stronger foundations across development, alumni engagement, and operations and campaigns. We are now ready to widen our philanthropic community and develop relationships with more individuals, trusts, foundations and companies who connect with Queen Mary’s work and values.

As Head of Development, you will lead our major gift programme while remaining personally close to fundraising. You will manage a portfolio of significant prospective donors, develop relationships from an early stage and secure support for priorities across the University. You will work with academics and senior colleagues to shape compelling opportunities for donors. You will also lead an experienced team working across health, science and engineering, humanities and social sciences, and trusts and foundations.

The role will help Queen Mary build a stronger external pipeline, develop a consistent approach to prospect management and make thoughtful decisions about where our time and relationships can have the greatest impact.

What we are looking for

You will bring evidence of developing significant donor relationships and securing major gifts. You will understand the care, judgement and persistence required to build lasting support, including relationships that begin from a relatively cold base. Your experience may come from higher education, medical research, health, culture, international development or another organisation with a strong social mission. We are interested in your fundraising capability and readiness to work within a complex university.

You will be comfortable working with academics, senior leaders and experienced fundraisers. Your leadership will give colleagues direction and support while allowing them the space to use their expertise.

If Queen Mary’s commitment to opportunity, inclusion and research speaks to you, we warmly encourage you to find out more.

Location: The role is based in Whitechapel, with work across Queen Mary's London campuses. The current pattern is three days in the office (external meetings can be included in this).

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23rd November 2026.