Senior Development Executive - Medical Sciences

Harris Hill is partnering with the University of Oxford to recruit a Senior Development Executive for their Medical Sciences Division, focused on securing major funds from high-net-worth individuals to support Oxford’s world-class research.

You will collaborate with key stakeholders, including Heads of Departments, senior academics, and select donors, to secure major gifts, manage a prospect portfolio, and build strong donor relationships. This is a unique opportunity to support transformative medical research.

Oxford is a global leader in biomedical research, with over 5,800 researchers across 16 departments. Its ground-breaking work tackles major health challenges, including cancer and infectious diseases, and its 12 Nobel Laureates create a dynamic environment for fundraising professionals.

As part of the DAE team, you'll collaborate with the Head of Development - Medical Sciences and senior faculty, contributing to Oxford’s global fundraising efforts and supporting its legacy in medical education, research, and innovation.

About the Role

• Develop and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, trusts, and foundations to secure major gifts for key projects in the Medical Sciences Division.
• Manage a donor portfolio of over 100 prospects, with a focus on gifts in the range of £500,000 to £2.5 million.
• Work closely with senior academics and departmental heads to shape compelling fundraising proposals and projects, including graduate scholarships, research programs, academic posts, and infrastructure development.
• Meet prospective donors, build relationships, and attend key events.
• Achieve income targets of at least £1 million annually through a mix of individual and institutional gifts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across DAE and the University to develop strategic, coordinated approaches to fundraising, ensuring effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all major donors. 

The ideal candidate will be:

• A strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for high-net-worth individuals and major donors.
• A strong communicator, able to simplify complex scientific projects and engage donors effectively.
• Experienced in managing a diverse portfolio of major gift prospects, with an ability to build strong, long-term relationships.
• Knowledgeable in medical sciences and passionate about advancing the University’s research and teaching.
• Self-motivated, with a drive to meet and exceed fundraising goals, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Experienced development professional with a proven track record in securing major gifts in complex organizations.

What We Offer

• 38 days of annual, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• Generous maternity and adoption leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay leave, followed by additional statutory and unpaid leave options.
• Hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Opportunities for growth and development, including membership to CASE.

Application Process

To apply for this role and for further details, including a job description and person specification, please email Hannah at Harris Hill on hannah.laking@harrishill.co.uk or call her on 020 7820 7331.

Closing date: 12 noon on 24 February 2025

Interviews: 4^th and 5^th March 2025 and will be held face-to-face.

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