Are you a Project Officer who thrives in a role where organisation and efficiency make a real impact?

 

Join our dynamic Principal Gifts team at the University of Oxford’s Development and Alumni Engagement Office and help support world-class research, education, and operations in a globally respected institution.

Location - Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD

Contract: Full Time, Temp-Permanent

 

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

 

The Principal Gifts team is recently established, focusses on transformational gifts in the context of the new campaign, and comprises highly-experienced fundraisers working at a senior level across the collegiate University and internationally. The team currently comprises the Director and five Associate Directors of Development – Principal Gifts (ADDs). This role is at the heart of the Principal Gifts team – a busy, high-performing team working at pace.

 

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.

•       An excellent contributory pension scheme.

•       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.

 

The main duties of this post will be the provision of high quality and efficient project management for the campaign planning group, including:

•       Managing correspondence related to the development of the Principal Gifts team priorities, progressing matters as appropriate, in particular identifying priority items of business for immediate attention, taking action where possible or drafting responses, making judgements about what needs to be dealt with by senior staff, and what may be more appropriately dealt with by other colleagues

•       Supporting the Principal Gifts team by gathering key information to review in relevant meetings, and following up from meetings in a professional and timely and manner – including keeping accurate records

•       Supporting the work of the Principal Gifts Team by arranging meetings, booking rooms, organising A/V requirements, ordering refreshments, and accurately collating and processing associated expenses

•       Supporting members of the Principal Gifts team with the development of draft content and/or gathering of support materials

 

We are looking for someone who has, amongst other skills:

•    An ability to work on a variety of tasks at the same time, and to organise and prioritise own work, including coping with unpredictable volumes of work and busy periods

•    An ability to act independently and decisively when the situation demands it.  Good judgement and the ability to acquire the knowledge necessary to support the task in hand in a timely manner

•    Superlative communication skills, both oral and written, including a good command of the English language; the ability to be highly creative in producing materials and to understand how to articulate projects

•    The ability to absorb substantial detail and keep track of a range of diverse activities and to make connections between them, especially during a period of organisational growth. Experience of managing systems for tracking workflow and follow up actions

 

To apply, please contact Charlie at Allen Associates Charlie@allen-associates.co.uk . You will be asked on upload:

•       A covering letter

•       Your CV

•       The details of two referees

 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 4 April 2025.

Interviews will take place on 8 April 2025 and will be held face-to-face.