Development Officer - Major Gifts, CHARITY

Development Officer – Major Gifts – CHARITY PEOPLE

Join to apply for the Development Officer – Major Gifts, CHARITY PEOPLE role at Guardian Jobs.

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at a university based in Kingston upon Thames. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we’re embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

We are now seeking a Development Officer – Major Gifts, you will be a key member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income and supporting the pipeline for transformational gifts. This is a dynamic, relationship-driven role and we're looking for someone who thrives on creativity and can spot potential and transform it into meaningful opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, personally soliciting gifts at the four- and five-figure level.
• Support the cultivation of ultra-high-net-worth prospects for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our ambitious fundraising growth strategy.
• Assist with compelling proposals, donor engagement activities, and major gift events.
• Work collaboratively across the University to embed philanthropy and alumni engagement into Kingston's culture.

• Demonstrable experience in development or fundraising, ideally in higher education or charity.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A proven track record of securing and stewarding donations.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging donors.
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for Kingston's mission.
• Passion for the impact you can have through fundraising in the higher education sector.

• A dynamic, ambitious team environment.
• Hybrid working with a strong sense of campus community.
• Opportunities to make a real impact on student success and the University's future.

• Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays.
• Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead.
• Flexible working – we can consider and accommodate various work patterns.
• Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees.
• Exceptional professional development opportunities.

• Location:
  
  Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working – 2-3 days per week on campus).
• Contract:
  
  Full-time, Permanent.
• Salary: £39,407 per annum.
• Closing Date:
  Mon 26 Jan 2026.
• Interview Date:
  Monday 9 Feb 2026.

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People for further details about next steps.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.