Senior Philanthropy Manager, CHARITY

Are you an ambitious major gifts fundraiser inspired by the power of medical research to transform lives? Charity People is delighted to partner once again with one of the UK's top universities – and one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions – to recruit a Senior Development Executive into its high‑performing Medical Sciences Development team.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a collaborative, internationally respected fundraising team at the forefront of global medical advancement, securing philanthropic investment that accelerates discoveries from lab to patient. You’ll join at a pivotal moment as this institution prepares for its landmark campaign, Oxford Excellence, with a major strategic focus on improving health so that we can all live longer, healthier lives.

As a truly global institution, it actively welcomes applications from candidates around the world and particularly encourages applications from the global majority. There is potential for visa sponsorship and relocation support, where required.

Location: Oxford, with hybrid working (typically 2‑3 days per week working from home)

Contract: Permanent, full‑time

Salary: Grade 8 – £49,119 to £58,265, with potential progression to £65,336, including a University Weighting of £1,730 (pro‑rata)

With 12 Nobel Laureates across its long and distinguished history, this university’s Medical Sciences Division is internationally recognised for excellence across the full spectrum of medical research – from molecular science and genetics to population health, policy and global health initiatives.

Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling this work, helping researchers push forward life‑changing discoveries and translating innovation into real‑world impact.

Working closely with the Head of Development, you’ll lead a portfolio of major and principal gift relationships, securing transformational philanthropic support for pioneering medical research. As you build long‑term partnerships with high‑value donors, you will also collaborate with senior academics and researchers to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities inspired by world‑class science.

This role offers real autonomy, influence and intellectual breadth, with a rare opportunity to help shape the future of medicine and health at a world‑leading institution.

You are a confident, relationship‑led fundraiser with a track record of securing complex, high‑value philanthropic support, having already secured six‑figure gifts and possibly beyond.

• Significant experience in major gifts fundraising, with the ability to lead sophisticated donor relationships with confidence and credibility.
• Strategic thinking coupled with precise delivery skills – organised, proactive and outcome‑focused.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Curiosity, adaptability and the intellectual agility to work across diverse medical research themes and priorities.

Experience with in higher education, healthcare, medical research, life sciences or global health would be highly beneficial, but is not essential if you have the appetite and ability to learn. Above all, you’re inspired by Oxford’s unique potential to transform philanthropic gifts into breakthroughs in medicine and health.

Your wellbeing matters, and the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including:

• Flexible hybrid working
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• Membership of CASE
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership of a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loan

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our recruitment and working practices will be fair and inclusive, ensuring that individual differences are valued and employees have the opportunity to develop their skills and careers.