Development Executive - Medical Sciences; Fundraiser

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven fundraising experience in a complex organisation and direct involvement in securing major gifts at the £50,000 level and above
• Ability to identify new donor prospects and engage with potential donors to successfully acquire new gifts
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fund‑raising goals
• Ability to establish credibility, confidence and robust relationships with existing and prospective donors, and key stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in the medical sciences
• An interest in higher education and ideally an understanding of the University of Oxford, and its goals in teaching and research

If you have experience in major gift fundraising, have excellent inter‑personal skills, and are passionate about playing a role in enabling life‑changing research then we would love to hear from you.

Oxford is one of the world's leading biomedical universities recognised for its outstanding quality and depth across the medical research spectrum – from genes to molecules, to big data and populations. With the honour of 12 Nobel Laureates over its long and distinguished history, the Division is consistently at the forefront of innovative and lifesaving science. The extraordinary depth and breadth of medical skills at Oxford is devoted to identifying the causes of disease, improving diagnosis and developing effective treatments and prevention.

The Division is particularly interested in the “big” diseases where millions of lives can be saved – cancer, and infectious diseases such as malaria and pandemic preparedness. It also has world‑leading research programmes in cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What this role entails? The Medical Sciences Divisional development team works collaboratively with colleagues across the Division and across the Development and Alumni Engagement team at the University of Oxford. This is a key role within the team and the post holder will have the opportunity to work with donors and academics. Development at Oxford is well established and this role has the scope to work across a number of important and high‑profile projects related to the medical sciences.

The post holder will manage a portfolio of more than 100 major gifts prospects. They will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential donors able to support projects in the Medical Sciences Division at Oxford, typically in the range of £100,000‑£500,000 over time, alongside to supporting the fundraising activity of the Head of Development – Medical Sciences.

• 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.
• Membership to CASE
• 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.
• Training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive range of childcare services