Head of Development - Medical Sciences

Help turn extraordinary medical research into life-changing impact.

What if your next fundraising leadership role could help accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment, advance our understanding of neurological diseases or support the next generation of medical researchers?

At the University of Oxford, philanthropy makes ambitious discoveries possible. We are seeking an experienced fundraising leader to join us as Head of Development - Medical Sciences. You will lead major gift fundraising for one of Oxford’s highest performance teams and build meaningful donor relationships to help shape the future of medical research.

Location: Oxford
Salary: Negotiable
Contract: Permanent, full-time

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for eleven consecutive years and number one in the world for medicine for fifteen consecutive years. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges – from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions.

Oxford's Medical Sciences Division is internationally recognised for pioneering biomedical research, with 12 Nobel Laureates in its history. From infectious diseases to cardiology, diabetes and primary care, our researchers are working to improve lives worldwide.

Through our ambitious £4 billion Oxford Excellence Campaign, we are building on this work by securing philanthropic support for research, education and innovation.

What We Offer

Working at Oxford comes with an excellent range of benefits, including:

• 38 days' annual leave, including public holidays, with options to purchase additional leave.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• Hybrid and flexible working, balanced with the role's on-site requirements.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Sustainable travel benefits, including cycle loans, discounted bus travel and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As Head of Development, you will lead the Medical Sciences Division's philanthropic fundraising strategy, connecting world-leading research with donors who share our ambition to transform human health.

You will manage a portfolio of approximately 80 major gift prospects, cultivate donations up to £10 million, and secure a minimum of £3 - 5 million annually in new funds raised. You will also lead and develop a talented and ambitious fundraising team, creating the partnerships and strategies needed for lasting success.

Working alongside senior academics and university leaders, you will help secure vital support for medical research, scholarships, academic posts and facilities. Your influence will extend far beyond Oxford, helping make discoveries and opportunities possible for generations to come.

About You

We welcome applications from experienced fundraising professionals who bring:

• A university degree or equivalent educational attainment.
• A proven track record in major gift fundraising and securing significant philanthropic support.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating major giving fundraising teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to navigate complex organisations.
• A genuine interest in medical sciences, higher education and the impact of research.
• A collaborative, adaptable approach and willingness to travel internationally and work outside regular hours when required.

Application Process 

To apply, please upload: 

• A covering letter/supporting statement 

• Your CV 

• The details of two referees 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 23 November 2026.

First stage interviews will take place on 4 December 2026.

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