Senior Development Executive – Medical Science
Full time, permanent.
Grade 8: Grade 8: £48,235 - £57,255 per annum with possible extension to £62,407, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata).
Closing date: Monday 24th February
Interviews dates are 4 and 5th March 2025
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.
Why Join Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division?
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 groundbreaking 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.
What You’ll Do:
• 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.
Why Apply?
• A dynamic and collaborative environment within one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.
• Flexible working options with the opportunity for regular remote work.
• Career development opportunities within the University’s Development and Alumni Engagement team, including access to courses and training to help you reach your potential.
The chance to contribute to transformative medical sciences research
Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and a leading charity recruitment agency, committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices. Applications from all sections of the community are actively welcomed, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.