Oxford Brookes University
Senior Development Manager (Corporate Partnerships)
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Oxford Brookes is a distinctive, globally recognised institution.
We are a modern and forward-thinking University, rooted in a city with a rich history of culture and learning. Our vision is to “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
While we enjoy strong, established relationships across key industries, philanthropy is an exciting, emerging focus for the University. Your role will be to help us explore this potential translating these existing institutional links into philanthropic partnerships across our three strategic pillars: Equity in Education (student success and belonging), Empowering Spaces (thriving campus communities), and Research for Society (accelerating global solutions).
This is a great chance to help shape our corporate fundraising strategy from its early stages as we explore its long-term potential. If you are a proactive leader ready to help us map out our philanthropic future, we want you by our side.
About the Role & Team
Reporting directly to the Head of Development and Alumni Relations, you will join the small Development and Alumni Relations Team. Through a strategic, insight-led approach, you will take full ownership of developing and stewarding a portfolio of corporate partners to contribute to the long-term growth of philanthropic income. At the same time, you will line manage and support the Senior Development and Alumni Manager, supporting a collaborative team environment.
What will I be doing?
- Leading Corporate Strategy: Partnering with senior leaders to design and implement the University’s first corporate fundraising plan.
- New Business Development: Identifying and qualifying a corporate prospect pipeline, creating persuasive proposals and pitches.
- Relationship Management: Acting as the primary lead for key corporate accounts, ensuring exceptional stewardship and long-term engagement.
- Internal Collaboration: Leading cross-University working groups and advising on ethical fundraising, proposal development, and corporate engagement.
- Reporting & Compliance: Managing budgets, tracking performance via Raiser’s Edge, and ensuring all activities meet GDPR and ethical fundraising standards.
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What skills do I need?
- A Proven Track Record: Experience in securing and managing high-value, strategic corporate partnerships and lead generation.
- Influencing Skills: Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior corporate leaders and academic stakeholders.
- People Management: Direct experience in line managing and developing staff.
- Strategic Communication: Ability to translate complex institutional priorities and activities into compelling funding propositions.
- Sector Knowledge: A strong understanding of the higher education fundraising landscape, ethical frameworks, and corporate CSR trends.
- Qualifications: Educated to degree level.
For more information about the role please see the attached Candidate Pack.
About the location
This role is based at our Headington Campus, located just one mile from Oxford city centre, and set within a vibrant, modern office environment with excellent public transport links. We support a hybrid working model, with an expected split of 50/50 between home and office-working, allowing you to balance campus engagement with flexibility.
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Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
- Brookes on-site Nursery.
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 50km)
- Training and development opportunities
- Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
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