Are you an ambitious senior major gifts fundraiser inspired by the power of medical research to transform lives?
Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with the University of Oxford – one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions – to recruit a Senior Philanthropy specialist 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 Oxford prepares for their 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, Oxford 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 or reduced hours considered.
Salary: Grade 8 – £49,119 to £58,265, with potential progression to £63,336, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 (pro‑rata)
About the role
With 12 Nobel Laureates across its long and distinguished history, Oxford’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 on a portfolio of major and principal gift relationships, securing transformational philanthropic support for pioneering medical research. As well as building long-term partnerships with high-value donors, you’ll also closely collaborate with senior academics and researchers to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities, inspired by world-class science.
This is a role offering real autonomy, influence and intellectual breadth, with a rare opportunity to help shape the future of medicine and health at a world‑leading institution.
About you
You’re a confident, relationship-led fundraiser with a track record of securing complex, high-value philanthropic support, already having secured six-figure gifts and possibly beyond.
We’re looking for someone with:
- 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 within higher education, healthcare, medical research, life sciences or global health would be highly beneficial, but 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.
What’s on offer
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
To find out more or to apply, please get in touch with Amelia Lee at Charity People with a copy of your CV or professional profile. If your experience matches what we’re looking for, then we’ll be in touch with more details.
Deadline: 9am on Monday 22nd June