Major gifts manager jobs

Are you a strategic senior fundraiser with a track record of building influential relationships and securing significant philanthropic support?

The University of Oxford is seeking a Senior Development Executive to help secure philanthropic support for the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA). This is a rare opportunity to build philanthropic partnerships that enable ground-breaking research, transformative student opportunities, and deeper understanding of the world's diverse societies, cultures, and regions including Africa, Asia and Latin America

Location: Oxford

Salary: Grade 8: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum, with a possible extension to £63,489 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per annum

Contract: Full-time, Fixed-term for 2 years

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. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The University of Oxford's ambitious Oxford Excellence campaign is creating new opportunities to advance research, education and global understanding through philanthropy. As part of Development and Alumni Engagement, and working closely with the OSGA, you will help build philanthropic partnerships to support world-leading research, scholarship and teaching, deepening understanding of the societies, cultures and global issues shaping our interconnected world.

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.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in advancing one of the world's leading centres for research and teaching on global societies, cultures and international affairs. Through philanthropy, you will help enable research that informs policy, broadens understanding across cultures, and addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the world.

This role offers the opportunity to support some of OSGA's key academic priorities, including African Studies, Asian Studies and Latin American Studies, helping to secure philanthropic support for research and teaching that deepen understanding of diverse societies and cultures around the world.

Success in this role will come from your ability to build trusted relationships, develop compelling cases for support, and inspire philanthropic partnerships that advance both the priorities of OSGA and the wider ambitions of the Oxford Excellence campaign.

About You

• Proven success in securing major philanthropic gifts (high six-figure gifts) and managing relationships with high-value donors, trusts and foundations and stakeholders.
• Experience of delivering results within a target-driven environment.
• Ability to develop and implement major gift fundraising strategies.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong interest in global issues and the ability to discuss them with confidence and credibility.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

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 20 July 2026.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 30 July 2026 and will be held face-to-face.

We are excited to be recruiting for the new part-time position of Development Operations Officer at Linacre College.

Our Benefits

• 38 days of annual leave, which includes the 8 statutory public holidays, a day off to support your wellbeing and the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• A meal (usually lunch) is provided free of charge when you are on duty and when the College kitchen is operational.
• All staff are members of the Common Room and have access to a vibrant college community with clubs, sport and recreation facilities.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) through Health Assured. 

About the Team

The Alumni Relations and Development Office is a small, collaborative team responsible for alumni engagement, fundraising, alumni events, and stewardship activity. Working closely with senior College leadership and colleagues across departments, the team delivers a varied programme of events and communications to strengthen engagement and support the College’s development priorities. As a small office, the team works flexibly and collaboratively, with clearly defined but complementary roles. The Development Operations Officer will work closely with the Alumni Relations and Development Manager and the Alumni Relations and Events Officer, and will maintain a close working relationship with the Finance Office.

About the Role

The Development Operations Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operation and continuous improvement of the systems, data, reporting and financial processes that underpin fundraising and alumni relations activity at Linacre College. Working at the heart of a small and ambitious team, the postholder will manage the College’s CRM system (Raiser’s Edge/NXT), and will take responsibility for gift administration, reconciliation, data integrity, reporting, segmentation and operational processes. The role requires sound judgement, strong analytical skills and the ability to resolve data, process and finance discrepancies independently within agreed frameworks.

The postholder will provide specialist operational expertise to colleagues, advising on data selection, reporting outputs, CRM use and process improvements. They will play an important role in ensuring that fundraising activity is supported by accurate information, reliable systems and effective financial controls. This is a varied and hands-on role. The postholder will manage a specialist area of Development operations, identify and resolve problems, improve working practices, and support the College’s fundraising ambitions through high-quality data and operational delivery.

How to Apply

Applications are made using the application form on the vacancies page of our website.

Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application (maximum of 2-3 pages) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification, as well as the name and contact details of two referees.

The closing date for applications is 15 July 2026 (end of day). Interviews, including a skills test, are currently scheduled to take place in the week commencing 20 July 2026.

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Individual Giving 

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.  

• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.  

• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.  

• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.  

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.  

• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.  

• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies  

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)  

• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects  

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters  

• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters  

• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes 

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades  

• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition  

• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs  

• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund 

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes. 

• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance. 

• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience  

• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures  

• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns  

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention  

• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting   

• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.  

• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system 

• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.  

• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.  

• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising  

• Commitment to high level of professional standards  

• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience  

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors  

• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

Maternity Cover
Salary: £48,748 - £54,164
Plus London Weighting Allowance of £3,366 for Inner London-based staff, where applicable

If you are an experienced mass participation fundraising leader who wants your work to make a lasting difference, this is an opportunity to lead high-profile fundraising activity that helps protect children and improve childhoods across the UK.

This senior role sits within a supporter-led fundraising function and is responsible for leading a mass participation portfolio spanning third party events, DIY fundraising and schools fundraising. You will provide leadership to the team, shape fundraising strategy, strengthen supporter journeys and drive sustainable income growth.

This maternity cover role needs someone who can provide calm and credible leadership, and support a team through an important period that includes a London Marathon over two days, The Great North Run and the Cardiff Half Marathon, and the continued development of fundraising products.

Why this role matters
You will join at a pivotal time, leading a function that plays an important part in fundraising strategy by bringing in new supporters, deepening relationships and increasing long-term value. You will help ensure that participants receive an excellent experience while maximising the income they generate.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading a mass participation fundraising portfolio across third party events, DIY fundraising and schools fundraising, with accountability for performance and growth
• Owning budget performance across core income streams, including monitoring, managing and reforecasting financial performance and putting contingency plans in place where needed
• Developing and delivering strategy for participant acquisition, stewardship and retention, ensuring supporters are onboarded well and encouraged to build a longer-term relationship
• Leading and developing a team through coaching, mentoring, performance management and regular engagement
• Working collaboratively across departments to build strong supporter journeys, compelling propositions and coordinated plans
• Managing key agency and supplier relationships that support income growth and supporter satisfaction
• Helping the team navigate a busy year, including a new two-day London Marathon, growth in schools fundraising products and improvements to the DIY fundraising offer
• Supporting team wellbeing, removing blockers for experienced managers and giving more hands-on guidance where needed

What we’re looking for

• Significant leadership experience in mass participation fundraising, including events, DIY fundraising or schools fundraising
• Strong strategic planning and development skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for growth
• Substantial experience of budget management and financial planning
• Good understanding of acquisition marketing strategies and integrated marketing planning
• Strong people leadership skills, including managing a diverse and geographically dispersed team and adapting your approach to different levels of experience
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders, build strong peer relationships and keep complex projects moving forward
• Experience of managing supplier and agency relationships, including performance and service delivery
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• A strong understanding of the financial drivers behind fundraising performance, including metrics such as average gift and remittance rates
• Willingness to work flexibly and travel to support a national events portfolio

Working pattern
The team largely works remotely, with quarterly in-person meetings in London and occasional travel to major events. Hybrid contracts are also available. The role will require attendance at key events and some travel as needed.

What’s on offer

• Salary of £48,748 - £54,164
• London Weighting Allowance of £3,366 for Inner London-based staff, where applicable
• The opportunity to lead an established fundraising area that plays an important role in generating support for children across the UK

Our commitment
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is essential for this role.

We are committed to fairness, equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

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.

Location: Hybrid / The Grange, Saunderton, Princes Risborough

Hours: 35 hours per week

We are looking to recruit a Senior Trusts and Foundations Officer to join our Trusts and Foundations team and support the delivery of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s fundraising strategy. The Trusts and Foundations team is working towards an income target of £1.3m in 2026 to 2027, with planned growth to £2.1m by 2029 to 2030. 

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your fundraising career within a collaborative and ambitious team. You will contribute to securing income from charitable trusts and foundations, building funder relationships, and managing our small trust mailing. 

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate passion for our cause, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to write compellingly about the difference Hearing Dogs makes to the lives of deaf people. You will be confident communicating with a wide variety of people, including funders, volunteers, and senior colleagues, and will bring a proactive and positive approach to everything you do.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service Payment
• Annual leave enhancements recognising long service 
• Day off for your birthday 
• Defined contribution group personal pension plan 
• Enhanced sick pay 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay 
• Eye care 
• Hearing tests 
• Learning and Development opportunities 
• Discounts on merchandise at Hearing Dog gift shops 
• Pet Dog Policy

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 16th July 2026.

Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).

We are looking for an adaptable administrator to join our friendly Membership Team!

Membership Assistant
Contract type: Fixed term until 31 March 2027
Working hours: Part time, 14 hours per week (Including Wednesdays)
Salary: £24,000 - £25,213 per annum, pro rata (£9,600 - £10,085 per annum for 14 hours per week)
Location: Compass House, Farmoor, Oxford, OX2 9LU with Hybrid Working
Work Pattern: Wednesdays in the office, plus one other day or two half days which can be worked from home or the office

About Us

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust has a vision for “more nature everywhere, for everyone”. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. This includes you being comfortable bringing your whole self to work, and us co-working with the diverse communities we serve to ensure we are meeting everyone’s needs.

As a Membership Assistant, you’ll support our members by carrying out a range of administrative tasks, ensuring processes run smoothly, accurately, and efficiently – while delivering a consistently high standard of customer service.

What you’ll be doing:

• Processing new member and supporter details, importing new online memberships and donations
• Welcome letters, cancellation letters, appeal donation acknowledgements, condolence letters, using letter templates and mail merge
• Making up and distributing welcome packs to new members, and Wildlife Watch children’s welcome packs
• Acting as the first point of contact for e-mail, telephone and letter enquiries or complaints

What we’re looking for

• Proficient IT user (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel) and good computer data entry skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to engage clearly and effectively with others via telephone, written correspondence, and email, adapting approach to different preferences

For all your hard work you can expect a great rewards package in return. In addition to being part of a friendly, skilled and knowledgeable team, passionate about making a difference, when you work for us, you’ll also receive

• Generous annual leave entitlement with paid birthday leave, balance days, urgent personal business leave and generous occupational sick pay
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and family-friendly policies
• Flexible working to achieve work-life balance
• Salary exchange pension with generous employer contribution
• Learning & Development Programme for all
• Wellbeing initiatives including qualified Mental Health First Aiders, YuLife benefit package - access to immediate and confidential help for any work, health, or life matters; 3x life assurance, online GP access, discounts and trade YuCoin points for gift cards
• Salary sacrifice Cycle scheme & Electric Vehicle scheme
• Membership to BBOWT’s, and The Wildlife Trusts’, Staff Network Groups for social interaction, peer support, mentoring and personal development

Closing date: 11.59pm on Sunday 12 July 2026
First stage interviews will take place Tuesday 21st July 2026 via MS Teams.
Stage 2 will be at Compass House, Farmoor, Oxford on Wednesday 29th July 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

BBOWT values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We want every candidate to have the best chance of success as part of this process. In order to do this, we know that some candidates will need reasonable adjustments. You will be able to contact us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can provide during the recruitment process.

Whilst we appreciate ChatGPT and other AI platforms can answer these questions, we know what they have to say (and generally the answer they generate isn't great). We want to hear your perspective written in your own words.

We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underserved within the communities in which we operate. This includes people from visible ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities (including those who are neurodivergent), the LGBTQ+ community, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and younger people. We are committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

No agencies please.