Senior Development Executive School of Global and Area Studies; OSGA), University

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

Oxford

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

Full‑time, Fixed‑term for 2 years

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.