Major gifts and special events officer jobs

Are you an exceptional communicator who enjoys building relationships, delivering memorable experiences and helping others connect with a meaningful cause? We invite you to apply for the Development Officer - Gardens, Libraries & Museums (GLAM) position within Development and Alumni Engagement at the University of Oxford, where your work will help secure philanthropic support for one of the world's leading universities.

Location: Oxford, with hybrid working available

Salary: Grade 6: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum, with a possible extension to £45,212 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730

Contract: Permanent, Full time

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) plays a central role in enabling the University's ambitions by building meaningful relationships with alumni, philanthropists, trusts, foundations and partners around the world. Within the Gardens, Libraries and Museums team, you'll help unlock philanthropic support that preserves world-renowned collections, expands access to knowledge and enables cultural engagement for future generations. Your work will directly contribute to initiatives that enrich research, education and public understanding on a global scale.

What We Offer

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

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Sustainable travel benefits, including cycle loans, discounted bus travel and season ticket loans.
• Access to a wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities.

About the Role

This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in major gift fundraising within one of the world's most respected cultural institutions. Working with experienced colleagues, you'll develop your own portfolio of donors, helping to secure philanthropic support for the Bodleian and across the Gardens, Libraries and Museums.

Alongside developing donor relationships, you'll lead the delivery of two high-profile annual stewardship events attended by senior University figures, oversee annual fundraising appeals and create compelling proposals and communications that inspire philanthropic support. You'll work closely with colleagues across the University to turn complex academic and cultural projects into engaging stories for donors.

Whether you're already working in fundraising or bring transferable experience from events, communications, alumni relations or another externally facing role, you'll receive training and support to develop your expertise in major gifts fundraising.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience in fundraising, alumni relations, marketing or other relationship-focused roles.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce engaging and persuasive content for different audiences.
• Experience of planning and delivering high-quality events
• Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, organise your own workload and deliver to deadlines.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications and CRM or relationship management systems.
• A demonstrable interest in the cultural sector and a desire to develop a career in philanthropic fundraising.

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 Monday 3 August 2026.

Face-to-face interviews will take place funon Thursday 13 August 2026

Thames Valley Air Ambulance

The role: Philanthropy Manager (Major Gifts)

Location: We offer a well‑established hybrid working pattern, with at least two days each week spent at HQ to stay connected and collaborate.

Salary:  £38,900 - £43,561
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About us

Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. We are here for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are. Wherever and whenever you need us.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking an exceptional major donor fundraising professional to lead and grow our high-value giving programme. This is a senior, strategic, and hands-on role focused on developing meaningful, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and securing transformational income to support our lifesaving work.

At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, we’re committed to giving everyone in our community the best chance when the worst happens. Every day, we’re called to life-threatening emergencies across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. But we can’t do it without the generosity of our supporters and that’s where you come in.

Your role

As the Philanthropy Manager you will lead our major gifts programme, taking ownership of key initiatives including our Chair’s Circle and Philanthropy Board. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will shape strategy while personally driving significant income through strong relationships and compelling fundraising proposals

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and delivering significant income targets
• Personally securing five- and six-figure gifts through tailored cultivation, proposals, and stewardship
• Developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to each supporter’s interests and motivations 
• Making complex, high-value funding asks, preparing compelling proposals and growing the Chair’s Circle and Philanthropy Board programmes
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including Trustees and the CEO
• Contributing to strategy, pipeline development, and identifying new funding opportunities
• Identifying new opportunities for restricted and unrestricted funding
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations, GDPR, and internal policies
• Acting as an ambassador for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and ensuring compliance with fundraising best practice

About you

You are an experienced major donor fundraiser with a proven track record of securing five and six figure high-value gifts and managing senior relationships. You are strategic yet hands-on, with excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in major donor or high-value fundraising with strong results
• Is confident engaging and influencing high-net-worth individuals and senior stakeholders
• Can balance strategic thinking with delivery of income targets
• Communicates effectively, both written and verbally, including proposal development
• Is proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities independently
• Brings a flexible and collaborative approach to work

Why join us?

At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, you’ll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. We’re proud of our culture, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

If this role sounds like it’s for you, we would love you to apply!

In return we offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as.

• 25 Days holiday / 267 Hours Holiday
• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
• Holiday Trading
• Free annual Flu Vaccination
• Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Simply Health – Medical cash back scheme
• Disability Confident Employer

Our values

We live by our values every day:

• We care no matter what – for our patients, their families, and each other.
• We go above and beyond– in the care we provide and the work we do.
• We do the right thing – in how we act and the decisions we make.
• Together we are TVAA – because together, we save lives.

Diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.

Safeguarding

We follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online application form and tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your experience aligns with the role. You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

Vacancy Closing Date:  Friday 7th August 2026

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly

Interviews will be held: w/c 17th August 2026

TVAA is a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to discussing and implementing adjustments to support you during your application process and beyond.

The Director of Finance will lead on all aspects of the Museum’s financial management, including producing monthly accounts and strengthening internal controls and processes. They will oversee treasury functions, including the management of the Museum’s cash holdings and endowments. Serve as Company Secretary, ensuring full compliance with Charity Commission requirements and the Companies Act.

As part of the Leadership Team, they work closely with our board of trustees to manage the Museum’s finances in line with the forward plan and wider Museum strategies.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare annual budgets, working with managers to achieve realistic targets and review figures throughout the year.
• Prepare monthly management accounts including cash-flow forecasts for presentation to the Director and Trustees.
• Prepare monthly management accounts to report and analyse any significant variance between actual and budget result.
• Prepare year-end draft accounts ready for audit and assist the audit team with any queries.
• Manage the Finance Team.
• Organise and oversee the daily and monthly accounting procedures in respect of banking, cash handling, data entry, bill payments etc.
• General financial and business management as well as co-ordination of Museum affairs including Investments, Banking, Legal, and Insurance, Contracts, Licence Agreements and other associated matters.
• Provide the accounting function for fundraising projects including Heritage Lottery, Arts Council, other grants and any other fund providers.
• Provide financial and textual information in support of major capital expenditure projects being an active and crucial team member.
• Preparing Month Gift Aid returns and Quarterly VAT returns and providing advice on VAT and Gift Aid or any other tax matters.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly Pension contributions to Scottish Widows.
• Provide statistical information and returns to various local and national bodies.

What you'll bring

Experience:

• Proven experience of leading a finance function at a senior level is essential, along with extensive experience shaping and delivering financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Experience of managing partial exemption VAT calculations and compliance is vital, along with a track record of establishing and maintaining strong relationships with auditors, regulators, trustees and external stakeholders.
• We would particularly welcome candidates with experience of working within the charity, not-for-profit, or a similarly regulated sector.

Knowledge & Skills

• You will be an excellent people manager, who has exceptional attention to detail and a robust understanding of accounting principles and practices.
• Able to demonstrate strong initiative and accountability in delivering work to a high standard.
• Knowledge of restricted/unrestricted fund accounting and Gift Aid.
• You will have comprehensive knowledge of the full MS Suite, but will excel at Excel.
• Knowledge and experience of using Iplicit and Sage accounting and payroll is preferred.

Qualifications

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).