University of Derby
Development Officer
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We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact.
Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences.
From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high-impact work that is central to the University’s success. Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s long-term ambitions.
About the Role
The University of Derby’s award-winning External Relations team is at an exciting stage of growth, building on a strong track record of high-impact philanthropic partnerships and major capital project support. As Fundraising Officer, you will play a key role in sustaining this momentum by developing and managing relationships with donors, prospects, and key stakeholders. Working closely with the Head of Development, you will help shape and deliver fundraising strategies that generate long-term, sustainable support for students, research, and wider community impact.
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In this role, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of donors and supporters, cultivating meaningful relationships through face-to-face meetings, written communications, and events. You will create compelling cases for support, lead on fundraising campaigns, and steward donors with professionalism and care. A central part of your work will also involve building strong internal and external networks, collaborating across the University, and identifying opportunities across corporate partnerships, trusts, and philanthropic individuals to maximise income generation.
This is a fast-paced, collaborative environment suited to someone proactive, highly organised, and confident working with senior stakeholders. You will contribute to the development of effective fundraising systems and processes, support high-quality events, and help embed a culture of giving across the University. In return, you will join a forward-thinking team where your work directly contributes to meaningful, measurable impact across the institution and beyond.
About You
The ideal candidate is an experienced and confident fundraising professional with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising campaigns across multiple income streams, ideally with particular expertise in generating income from Trusts and Foundations. You will have hands-on experience managing donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, and working with a range of stakeholders including individuals, corporates, trusts, and senior internal leaders. Experience within higher education or a similarly complex, relationship-driven environment would be highly advantageous.
You will be a strong communicator with the ability to engage, influence, and inspire a wide range of audiences, from major donors to senior university colleagues. You will be comfortable developing compelling cases for support, representing the organisation externally, and building long-term relationships based on trust, professionalism, and shared purpose. A high level of attention to detail, alongside strong organisational and event management skills, is essential.
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Crucially, you will be proactive, self-motivated, and solutions-focused, thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment. You will be digitally confident, particularly with CRM systems and data management, and will understand fundraising compliance and best practice. Above all, you will be collaborative and driven by impact, motivated by the opportunity to help grow philanthropic income that directly supports students, research, and the wider community.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Sarah Duncan, Head of Development via s.duncan@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern. Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
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