Senior Development Executive - Medical Sciences

University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement

Senior Development Executive – Medical Sciences 

Location: Oxford – hybrid  

Salary: Grade 8: £48,235 - £57,255 per annum with a possible extension to £62,407, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata).

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Closing date: 24th February at 12:00 noon 

Interviews: 4th and 5th March in Oxford

Vacancy Ref: 178106

Harris Hill is partnering with the University of Oxford to recruit a Senior Development Executive for their Medical Sciences Division. This pivotal role will focus on raising significant funds from high-net-worth individuals to support Oxford’s globally renowned research.

You will work with key internal and external stakeholders, including Heads of Departments, senior academics, advisory committees, and select donors. Your primary objective will be to secure major gifts, managing a portfolio of prospects and developing strong relationships with donors at the highest level. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to transformative medical sciences research.

Oxford is a world leader in biomedical research, with over 5800 researchers, clinicians, and academics across 16 departments and 73 buildings. The division is at the forefront of ground breaking work that addresses some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. Its history of achievement and 12 Nobel Laureates make it a unique and exciting environment for a fundraising professional.

As part of the Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) team, you will work closely with the Head of Development - Medical Sciences and senior faculty members, while contributing to Oxford’s global fundraising efforts. Your work will directly impact Oxford’s ability to continue its legacy of excellence in medical education, clinical research, and innovation.

About the Role

• Develop and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, trusts, and foundations to secure major gifts for key projects in the Medical Sciences Division.
• Manage a donor portfolio of over 100 prospects, with a focus on gifts in the range of £500,000 to £2.5 million.
• Work closely with senior academics and departmental heads to shape compelling fundraising proposals and projects, including graduate scholarships, research programs, academic posts, and infrastructure development.
• Meet prospective donors, build relationships, and attend key events.
• Achieve income targets of at least £1 million annually through a mix of individual and institutional gifts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across DAE and the University to develop strategic, coordinated approaches to fundraising, ensuring effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all major donors.

About You

We are seeking an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing significant gifts in complex organisations. The ideal candidate will be:

• A strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for high-net-worth individuals and major donors.
• A skilled communicator with the ability to articulate complex scientific projects in accessible terms and engage donors effectively.
• Experienced in managing a diverse portfolio of major gift prospects, with an ability to build strong, long-term relationships.
• Knowledgeable in the field of medical sciences, and passionate about advancing the University’s research and teaching priorities.
• Self-motivated, with a drive to meet and exceed fundraising goals, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

•       38 days of annual leave 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 maternity and adoption leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay leave, followed by additional statutory and unpaid leave options.

•       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.

•       Opportunities for growth and development, including membership to CASE. 

Application Process

To apply for this role and for further details, including a job description and person specification, please email Hannah at Harris Hill on hannah.laking@harrishill.co.uk or call her on 020 7820 7331.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 February 2025

Interviews will take place on 4th and 5th March 2025 and will be held face-to-face.