St Peter's College, University of Oxford
Head of Major Gifts
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Head of Major Gifts
Location: St Peter's College, University of Oxford
Salary: Grade 8, Currently £47,389 - £56,535 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (35-hour standard working week for the full-time role)
Applications close at the end of the day on 21 August 2026.
As St Peter's College approaches its centenary in 2029, we're preparing for an ambitious fundraising campaign that will shape the College's future for generations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser to play a leading role.
Founded in 1929 to widen access to Oxford, St Peter's combines academic excellence with a welcoming and inclusive community. Philanthropy is central to our future, and we're seeking an exceptional relationship fundraiser to inspire transformational support from alumni and friends.
About the Role
You will be an accomplished major gifts fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant philanthropic gifts and managing a dynamic portfolio of prospects through every stage of the donor journey. Organised, proactive and collaborative, you will be confident in identifying new opportunities, developing tailored engagement strategies and maintaining accurate prospect records. You will also work closely with senior College leaders, Fellows and colleagues to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities that align donors' interests with the College's ambitions.
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Major Gifts Fundraising
- Develop and manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors, with the capacity to give £50,000 or more, including six-figure gifts.
- Lead the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects, developing tailored strategies to maximise philanthropic support.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with alumni and other individuals with the capacity to make significant gifts, as well as with trusts and foundations, and corporate philanthropic funders whose charitable objectives align with those of St Peter's.
- Personally solicit major gifts and work with senior College leaders to secure transformational philanthropic support.
- Meet agreed activity and income targets, maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospects at every stage of the donor journey.
- Ensure all donor interactions, strategies and contact reports are accurately recorded on the College's CRM database (DARS).
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Strategic Relationship Management
- Work closely with the Development Director, the Master, Fellows and senior colleagues to identify funding priorities and develop compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Prepare senior volunteers and College representatives for donor meetings, proposals and cultivation activities.
- Develop a strong understanding of the College's priorities and communicate the impact of these effectively to prospective supporters.
- Ensure donors receive outstanding stewardship, demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy and encouraging long-term engagement.
Please note: This is a brief description of the job role, outlining its key responsibilities and primary duties. For more detailed information, please click apply to download the candidate pack.
St Peter's is an equal opportunities employer that supports underrepresented groups and values diversity.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for St Peter’s College, University of Oxford, please click apply to be redirected to our website for full job description and how to apply.
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