Senior Development Manager

Location: Durham / Hybrid - At least two days on campus

Help shape the future of a globally recognised university as Durham builds towards its bicentenary and an ambitious fundraising campaign.

Who we are

Durham University is one of the world's leading universities, combining academic excellence, a distinctive collegiate community and a global network of more than 200,000 alumni and supporters.

As we approach our bicentenary in 2032, philanthropy will help us widen opportunity, support world-leading research, enrich student experience and invest in projects that benefit future generations through an ambitious fundraising campaign. The campaign will build on almost 200 years of achievement and create new opportunities for students, researchers and communities.

The Development and Alumni Relations Office sits at the centre of this work, building lifelong relationships with supporters and securing philanthropic investment.

About the role

We are recruiting a Senior Development Manager to join our Major Gifts Team. Postholder will manage a portfolio of alumni and supporters with the potential to make gifts of between £100k and £1m. You will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors, working closely with senior leaders, academics and colleagues across the University to develop compelling opportunities for support.

What we are looking for

We are seeking confident, relationship-led fundraisers who can manage a portfolio, build trust with senior stakeholders and move significant opportunities forward. You will bring experience of fundraising, stewardship, business development or another relevant client-facing environment, together with evidence of securing significant support or developing high-value relationships.

Higher education experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. We welcome candidates from charities and other values-led organisations who can demonstrate strong judgement, curiosity, initiative and the ability to communicate a compelling story.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 24^th August 2026

Durham University are working in partnership with Peridot to recruit to this post. Applications submitted via this portal will not be considered.

For further information and details of how to apply: www.peridotpartners.co.uk/jobs/senior-development-managers-durham-university

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

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