Head of Development and Alumni Relations (Maternity Cover)

Location: Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

About the Blavatnik School of Government

Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.

What we offer

The School is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford. More information about working at the School can be found on our jobs page.

About the role

You will provide strategic leadership for the School’s fundraising and alumni engagement, shaping the next phase of its national and international approach to philanthropy. Working with the Dean, Associate Dean, senior faculty, alumni and senior volunteers, you will develop major gift opportunities, strengthen philanthropic partnerships and ensure donors receive thoughtful, personalised stewardship that builds enduring relationships with the School.

As a senior leader within the Development and Alumni function and the wider professional services community, you will lead a team of fundraising and alumni relations professionals while managing significant donor relationships directly. You will oversee prospect development, compelling cases for support and proposals, donor stewardship and alumni engagement, ensuring activity is informed by effective use of data, sound judgement and the University’s policies on gift acceptance and fundraising.

You will also help shape high-performing, joined-up professional services, building productive relationships across the School and the collegiate University, including international development colleagues. Through strong leadership, professional development and collaboration, you will support the team to extend philanthropic and alumni engagement in ways that advance the School’s teaching, research and wider engagement.

About you

You will bring substantial major gift fundraising experience, including a proven record of in major gift fundraising and experience working with high-net-worth individuals and/or funding organisations. You will be a strategic thinker who can identify opportunities to develop income, supported by strong knowledge of fundraising best practice, stewardship and data protection. You will also be confident using CRM systems and data analysis to generate meaningful insight, alongside Microsoft Office and other standard digital tools.

An inclusive and effective team leader, you will combine strong influencing, communication and relationship-building skills with the confidence, diplomacy and judgement required when working with senior and high-profile stakeholders. You will be able to produce persuasive donor proposals, communicate qualitative and quantitative information clearly, manage competing priorities and tight deadlines with close attention to detail, and build productive relationships across organisational boundaries. You will be proactive, adaptable and resilient, bringing a constructive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to embrace new ideas and ways of working.

Application process

Please upload a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria in your own words, along with your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is at 12 noon (UK time), Monday 19 October 2026.

Interviews will be held in-person on Monday 2 November and Friday 6 November 2026.

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