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Head of Development, Ashmolean Museum - University of Oxford
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About The Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology and one of the world’s oldest public museums. Renowned globally for its world-class collections, scholarship, and public engagement, the Ashmolean welcomes over a million visitors each year and plays a vital role in advancing the University’s teaching, research, and cultural mission.
The Role
Working closely with the Ashmolean Museum’s Director and senior leadership team, and leading a talented Development team, you will shape and deliver ambitious fundraising plans, deepen engagement with major donors, and build long-term partnerships in the UK and internationally.
At a time of increasing ambition across exhibitions, research, and public engagement, as well as an upcoming major capital project, this role offers the chance to influence the future direction and global reach of the Ashmolean Museum.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Oxford’s Development and Alumni Engagement team at a pivotal moment for philanthropy across the University. As the University embarks on its ambitious Oxford Excellence Campaign, which aims to raise £4 billion to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, the Head of Development for the Ashmolean Museum will play a key role in securing philanthropic support for one of the University’s most renowned cultural institutions.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Ashmolean’s development activity, securing support across its key areas of work
- Designing and delivering effective strategies to support development objectives
- Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, securing six- and seven-figure gifts
- Deliver tailored stewardship to strengthen and retain supporter relationships
- Lead and support the Development team, providing clear direction and management
- Support the Ashmolean Board of Visitors in its fundraising activity, liaising with the Chair
- Collaborate across Gardens, Libraries & Museums (GLAM) and Development & Alumni Engagement to maximise fundraising opportunities
About You
We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and highly credible fundraising leader who thrives in a complex, high-profile environment.
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You will bring a strong track record in securing major gifts and developing high-value donor relationships, alongside the ability to operate confidently across a collegiate and intellectually diverse organisation. You will be an engaging communicator, able to articulate a compelling vision to a wide range of stakeholders, and a motivational leader who builds high-performing teams.
Experience within the arts, culture, or higher education sectors would be advantageous, but is not essential.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit https://berwickpartners.co.uk/opportunities/assignment/96339/
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:
William Pringle
Partner, Head of Charity, Arts, Culture & Heritage Practice
Berwick Partners
+44 (0) 207 518 2635 / +44 (0) 7515 919 648
William.Pringle@berwickpartners.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Friday 14th August 2026
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