Head of Development (Major Gifts)

37.5 hours per week

Park End Street, Oxford and Egrove Park, Kennington

Saïd Business School blends the best of new and old. Founded in 1996, the School is a young, vibrant and innovative business school that is deeply embedded in 900-year-old world-class university. With a focus on tackling complex world-scale challenges, the School prepares business leaders for the task of making the world a better and more equitable place. To this end, it delivers cutting-edge education and ground-breaking research that transforms individuals, organisations, business practice, and society. Programme participants arise from over 60 countries, creating a unique, democratic and diverse community. 

Philanthropic income is one of the vital revenue pillars for the School, supporting key capital projects, scholarships, academic posts, and global research programmes. Recent philanthropic successes have enabled ground-breaking advances in medical research and implementation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, global enterprise, and women in leadership. In response to the vast potential for philanthropy, there has been a recent step change in strategic pace resulting in exceptional year-on-year growth. In the last financial year, philanthropic income exceeded £24m, with this year’s target sitting at an ambitious £40m.

The Head of Development, Major Gifts will be a key member of our recently expanded Development & Alumni team. Reporting to the Associate Director, Development and working closely with key stakeholders across the School and wider collegiate university, you will successfully manage and cultivate a mixed portfolio of c.85 prospects of individuals, corporations, and trusts & foundations, and secure philanthropic support for high-profile projects and strategic institutional priorities. 

This role presents a tremendous opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who is keen to make their mark and build on their major gifts track record. You will have the opportunity to work with an international community and on gifts up to the seven-figure level. You therefore need to bring proven experience of major donor fundraising, ideally with exposure to the corporate world, and a strong track record of working with subject matter experts in translating their work into robust cases for support. You will have an entrepreneurial mindset that is supported by your knowledge of fundraising best practice, and are extremely well organised to enable you to operate successfully in fast-paced environments.

In return, you will be joining a progressive and growing team, and be part of a premier institution of higher learning. Additionally, an excellent benefits package will be available to the successful candidate, including enhanced access to executive education and professional development.

At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.

Further benefits include 38 days’ holiday, a generous USS pension scheme and a hybrid working policy of two days per week on site.

For further information, including details of how to apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date for applications is 9 am on Friday 26 September 2025. Interviews will be held in mid-October 2025.

Please apply via the link above ONLY and NOT via the 'Apply Now' button below as your application will not be accepted.

Contact Person: Nicola Reames

Contact Phone: +44 (0)20 3617 9240

Contact Email: nreames@richmond-associates.com

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