Overview
Oxford invites applications for the Head of Development – School of Geography and the Environment role at University of Oxford. The Head of Development will lead fundraising for the School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE) as a key member of the Social Sciences Development team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE). The role will establish a small Geography team and develop a fundraising strategy that serves the School’s goals and grows its philanthropic support.
SoGE is one of the foremost geography and environment university departments in the world, internationally recognised for the quality of its research and teaching. Geography at Oxford is a large, vibrant and intellectually diverse community comprising the core academic department of SoGE, its three research centres: the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the Transport Studies Unit (TSU) and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment (SSEE) and others across the wider university.
This is a special opportunity to work collaboratively with academic colleagues who craft robust, imaginative and forward-looking answers to pressing questions about the environment, technology, geopolitics and socio-economic change.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who is looking to grow their career in Higher Education through a senior role combining significant fundraising with management of a small team. You will be a collaborative fundraiser with expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be strategic, communicative, adaptable, and adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across internal and external stakeholders will be key, as will a knowledge of and passion for issues relating to the School’s work and that of the Social Sciences more broadly. Experience in Higher Education or the charitable sector, as well as managing staff, is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
* 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
* One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
* A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
* Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
* Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
Sponsorship and Right To Work
This role may meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.
Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
* A covering letter/supporting statement
* Your CV
* The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 26 September 2025
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 and will be held in person in central Oxford.
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.
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