Major gifts and philanthropy manager jobs

Senior Development Executive – Chemistry

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 to £58,265 per annum, with a possible extension to £65,336

The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling Oxford to maintain and build on its status as a world-class centre of learning. The University has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors, whose transformational gifts have made a number of important and globally-impacting projects possible.

The Department of Chemistry is a world-leading centre of research and teaching, and sits within the broader Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences (MPLS) Division of the University. The mission of Oxford Chemistry is to advance the global understanding of Chemistry and to use that knowledge to address major challenges for society.

Recent research breakthroughs in Oxford Chemistry have been groundbreaking. These include a new diagnostic breath test for early lung disease; a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Oxford alumnus Professor Richard Robson for inventing metal-organic frameworks to store gases and purify water; the mechanochemical recycling of ‘forever chemicals’ into a valuable raw material; and the discovery into how cells sense and absorb oxygen guiding the development of new medicines for cancer, anaemia, and heart disease.

This is an exciting time to join our Development team and to work specifically with the Department of Chemistry. The role of Senior Development Executive – Chemistry is a critical one in enabling Oxford to empower the world’s greatest minds to work on new and emerging research challenges, at the same time as training the leaders of tomorrow in the field of Chemistry. Working closely with the Head of Chemistry, as well as some of the most inspiring scientists in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors to the Department. You will have the support of excellent colleagues across the sciences at Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office.

About you

You are an experienced philanthropic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. Your ability to build rapport and relationships swiftly will enable you to lead on major gift fundraising (securing donations of £100k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and individuals). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success. A professional background or personal interest in STEM will be important although you do not need to be a Chemistry or sciences graduate: we are looking for an enthusiast for knowledge!

What We Offer

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.

For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 09:00 on MONDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2025

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.

We are looking for a bold, creative, and strategic fundraising leader to work alongside the CEO to rebuild and grow our income — securing existing partnerships while opening up new streams of support. 

Like many UK charities, Opportunity International has faced a challenging few years. Shifts in government funding, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and periods of leadership transition have all affected our income since 2018. Yet, out of this challenge comes great opportunity. We are now entering an exciting phase of renewal — revitalising our brand, re-energising our supporter base, and reimagining how we engage with donors.

Historically, our private income has been driven by generous major donors, and while this will continue to be a core pillar, our strategy is focused on diversification and long-term sustainability. In the short term, we’re deepening our relationships with trusts and foundations and growing our individual giving, particularly through digital channels. Looking ahead, we plan to strengthen our legacy programme and build meaningful corporate partnerships. With our refreshed brand and vibrant new visual identity, we’re well-positioned to reach new audiences and inspire fresh support. Our Royal Patron and emerging ambassadors will help us to do this.

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to help shape our organisational strategy for the next 3–5 years (to be finalised in early 2026) and to lead the design and delivery of a dynamic fundraising and communications strategy. A major appeal or capital campaign is expected to be a cornerstone of this work.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation about this role then please contact Mary Oakes, CEO, to arrange.

Corporate Partnerships Lead

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum
Location: Midlands-based with travel across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Drive high-value corporate partnerships that help save lives

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is recruiting a Corporate Partnerships Lead to head up a successful and growing team. You will be responsible for building, managing and growing relationships with businesses across the region, securing significant five- and six-figure gifts that directly fund our lifesaving service.

This is a senior role for someone with strong experience in corporate fundraising who wants to step into leadership. You will manage a small, motivated team, oversee a healthy pipeline, and be responsible for both new business and stewardship of existing partnerships. With the chance to shape our approach to philanthropy in the future, you’ll also have opportunities to grow your skills in major donor fundraising.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and developing the Corporate Partnerships team to meet ambitious income targets
• Securing and managing partnerships with businesses across our six-county operating region
• Creating tailored proposals, sponsorship opportunities and employee engagement activities that align with business objectives
• Ensuring excellent stewardship through impact reporting, supporter engagement and regular communication
• Supporting the Head of Fundraising and Engagement to grow our philanthropy programme and engage high-net-worth individuals
• Representing the charity at meetings, pitches and events, inspiring stakeholders to back our mission
• Monitoring and reporting on the corporate pipeline and income performance to senior leadership

What we’re looking for

• Extensive experience in corporate fundraising with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts
• A confident leader, able to motivate a team and develop their potential
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, comfortable engaging senior executives
• Excellent communicator with strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinker who can identify opportunities and deliver results
• Organised, resilient and able to balance multiple priorities
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle, with flexibility to travel across the Midlands

Why join us

• Play a leading role in one of the UK’s busiest and most respected air ambulance charities
• Work with a strong portfolio of supporters while also unlocking exciting new opportunities
• Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to saving lives every day
• Salary of £45,000 to £50,000 with flexible working and the chance to shape the future of corporate and major donor fundraising at the charity

This is a fantastic opportunity to step up, lead a talented team, and play a central role in funding a lifesaving service for thousands of people across the Midlands.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

At Ambitious about Autism, we are currently looking for a Trust Fundraiser to join our team.

This role will be a key part of our Philanthropy team, working on securing funding from charitable trusts and foundations with the capacity to give up to £30,000. The Philanthropy team is highly regarded, consistently bringing in over half of our organisation's total voluntary income.

You'll research, identify and drive forward new income opportunities, maintain relationships with existing donors and ensure our supporters have an excellent experience through giving to us. You'll deliver high quality, written applications and reports to trusts and foundations, in line with funder deadlines and keep in touch with donors and prospects via phone, virtually and in face-to-face meetings and visits.

We are looking for someone who has:

• The ability to manage a task or project from conception to completion and meeting set deadlines
• The ability to engage, inspire, manage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively to generate income in line with the organisational strategy
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills in order to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Salary: £65,000-£80,000 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, EdCity, London, W12 7TF (hybrid working - office-based three days per week)

Be the force behind our fundraising future

We’re looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead the acceleration of Lift Schools’ comprehensive fundraising strategy and scale a proven fundraising income stream that supports our ambitious mission and long-term growth.

This newly created central role offers a unique opportunity to shape and scale how Lift Schools attracts philanthropic support, builds strong partnerships and unlocks new income streams to transform education for thousands of children. You’ll lead the delivery of a high-impact fundraising strategy, and develop a fundraising and major gifts pipeline with major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.

You’ll be joining an organisation with philanthropic momentum, supported by a compelling strategy which you would have the opportunity to shape. Our foundation for growth is proven, including a track record of securing significant donations and grant successes. This is an opportunity to build upon prior successes for immediate, large-scale impact and rapid growth.

You’ll be someone who:

• Is motivated by our mission to provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day
• Brings a proven track record in securing income from major donors, trusts, foundations and corporates
• Has the vision and drive to both scale existing and establish new income streams from the ground up
• Understands how philanthropy can unlock opportunities for young people across the country

You’ll also need to bring:

• A strong track record in successful fundraising, ideally in education or the wider non-profit sector
• Experience leading or establishing a fundraising function
• Confidence in engaging high-value supporters, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinking, strong project management and a solutions-focused mindset

You’ll be ambitious, creative and values-driven – someone who’s energised by our mission and ready to lead.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

• We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
• With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
• We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

How we support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
• Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work–life balance with two days a week working from home, 33 days of annual leave, and the freedom to work remotely outside of term time.

Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can’t wait to hear from you.

The role is due to commence as soon as possible. 

Closing date: 19th November 2025, 5pm

Interview dates: 3rd and 8th December 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The King's Trust International works with local partners around the world to deliver education, employment and enterprise programmes that empower young people to learn, work and thrive. Operating across more than 20 countries, they collaborate with governments, NGOs, employers and philanthropists to strengthen youth ecosystems, create opportunity and drive lasting systemic change.

As they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the inspiring Generation Potential campaign, King's Trust International enters an exciting new decade with an ambitious strategy to support one million young people worldwide. To realise this vision, they are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Fundraising to lead the next phase of growth-building on strong philanthropic and corporate foundations while unlocking new global income streams.

Location: London, UK (hybrid working)
Salary: £85,000 - £95,000
Contract: Full time, permanent

About the role

The Director of Fundraising will play a pivotal role in driving income growth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of King's Trust International. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across all fundraising activity, nurturing an exceptional team and leveraging high-level networks across the King's Trust Group globally.

You will oversee two core income streams-philanthropy and corporate partnerships-while expanding opportunities through institutional funding, impact investment and innovative income models. Building on the momentum of Generation Potential, you will shape and implement an ambitious strategy that strengthens KTI's global impact and supports its mission to empower young people to thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and deliver KTI's annual fundraising target (£6.25m), driving sustained growth and diversification.

• Oversee and support Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.

• Develop strategies to engage new donors and partners, including high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, corporates and institutional funders.

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders including KTI's Board of Trustees, Africa Advisory Board, Pakistan Development Group and the King's Trust Group internationally.

• Identify and develop new income opportunities, including consultancy, programme commercialisation and impact investment.

• Ensure robust governance, compliance and adherence to ethical fundraising standards.

• Represent KTI externally at key events, cultivating relationships and inspiring major donors and partners worldwide.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring fundraising is culturally responsive and globally relevant.

The ideal candidate

• Proven success securing significant philanthropic or partnership income (including £1m+ gifts), ideally internationally.

• Experience leading and inspiring high-performing fundraising teams.

• Expertise in developing and delivering successful campaigns and multi-channel strategies.

About the Role

The work of the Prospect Research Team drives the fundraising activities of the University, by providing insights to build relationships with new and existing high-value supporters (individuals, corporations and foundations).

We are seeking a curious and analytical person to join our dynamic team, to conduct philanthropy research and reputational due diligence research in a motivating higher education setting. Finding, evaluating, and communicating information clearly and effectively is the essence of this role.

We support a diverse set of fundraising priorities, on themes ranging from innovative medical and scientific advances, to widening access to our University, to supporting world-class museums.

The role sits in a friendly team, experienced in this work, who will provide training.

About You 

· Experience in a research- or information-focused role in a business setting or experience of research in a fundraising setting.

· Excellent research and communication skills (both written and spoken), including the ability to write in a factual, unbiased manner

· An ability to assess information rapidly and rigorously from a variety of sources

· Commitment to providing a high-quality service

· An adaptable and versatile approach

· Attention to detail

· Enjoyment of working collaboratively in a team

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as: 

· 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. 

· One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. 

· A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. 

· An excellent contributory pension scheme. 

· Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. 

· Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs. 

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

· A covering letter/supporting statement

· Your CV

· The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 7 November 2025.

Interviews will take place on 17 November 2025 and will be held face-to-face.