Description

Senior Development Executive – Department of Economics

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with some hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

"Salary: Grade 8 role with a salary range of £49,119 - £58,265 pa, with possible extension to £63,489 (including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year, pro rata)"

This is an exceptional career opportunity to help deliver philanthropic support that creates knowledge, shapes policy and inspires future leaders.

The University of Oxford’s Department of Economics is home to one of the largest and most diverse groups of academic economists.  With strong policy impact, outstanding academic programmes and world-class research tackling issues from climate change and improving refugee resettlement to AI and reducing unemployment, Oxford is a global centre of excellence in economics.

As a Department we aim to produce transformative and innovative economic research; to have a sustained impact on economic policy outside academia; and to develop and train the next generation of researchers and research leaders. Our goal is always to create a stimulating, supportive and collaborative environment that allows researchers and research groups to pursue cutting-edge agendas. A priority is to achieve this within an inclusive and diverse department.

The Department sits within the University’s Social Sciences Division, which is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academe.  You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that helps to fund breakthroughs in research with positive global impact.  If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, please read on.

The opportunity

Philanthropy has played a key role in enabling the ambitions of the Social Sciences Division and wider University, and we are seeking a talented fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to  raise money to support the very best academics and ensure that an Oxford education in economics is accessible to exceptional students from around the world, regardless of financial means.  Oxford will shortly be embarking on the public phase of a multi-billion campaign – the most ambitious in higher education outside North America  .  This could be your opportunity to help the brightest students, academics and researchers develop interventions and solutions that protect and improve the lives of people everywhere, at a career defining moment in the higher education sector in the UK. 

Working closely with the Head of Development – Social Sciences and the senior leadership of the Department of Economics, as well as some of the most inspiring academics and researchers in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors to the department.  You will have the support of excellent colleagues across Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office.

About you

You are a skilled major gifts specialist with a proven track record of successfully building and  managing portfolios of relationships with individual and corporate donors and prospects with the capacity to give in the £100k - £1m+ range.  Bringing creativity and a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit, you enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues to identify and design engagement opportunities, and securing philanthropic gifts.  The foundations of your success include your:

• track record of securing philanthropic gifts at the six-figure level or more
• gravitas and innate ability to establish trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels
• highly developed interpersonal skills, diplomacy and negotiation skills
• ability to lead through ambiguity by shaping, designing, and delivering transformative initiatives

You do not need an academic or professional background in economics – we’re more interested in someone with intellectual curiosity and a passion for engaging philanthropy to drive positive change in the world.

In return

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• Flexible hybrid working
• An excellent contributory pension scheme38 days annual leave
• Membership to CASE
• Training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search.  To request a copy of the candidate information pack and to apply, please visit https://richmond-associates.com/job/uox-senior-development-executive-economics or contact them on info@richmond-associates.com or +44 (0)20 3617 9240.

Closing date for applications is 9AM, Monday, 6 April 2026

Interviews with the University of Oxford are scheduled to take place from late April 2026.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.