Job Description

Head of Development Operations

Application Deadline: 23 November 2026

Department: Development

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Oxford

Compensation: £50,066 - £59,396 / year

Description

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and highly organised Head of Development Operations to play a key role in delivering the College’s fundraising and alumni engagement strategy. Working closely with the Director of Development, you will lead on fundraising data, reporting, prospect research, database management and donor stewardship. You will use insight and analysis to strengthen fundraising performance, support major gift activity and build lasting donor relationships. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for data, fundraising and relationship-building, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Development to devise and deliver a strategic fundraising and marketing programme for the Development Office.
• Responsible for the overall integrity and management of the Development Office database (DARS) within College, including the management of gift recording and acknowledgement, major gift pipeline procedures, reporting, and data compliance.
• Working closely with the College’s Accounts Office, ensure that donation income is recorded and processed accurately.
• Responsible for the delivery of termly financial reports to the Development Committee in consultation with the Director of Development.
• The post holder will guide all team members in best database practices, in accordance with internal policies and external legislation/regulations.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria

• Excellent working knowledge of the DARS database and/or previous experience with equivalent fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge, Donor Strategy).
• Able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the UK charitable/philanthropic/HE sector
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Previous experience of prospect research in fundraising and database management
• Excellent IT skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Ability to use databases to a high standard and perform complex queries and reports
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent numeracy, analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Will demonstrate a high standard for organisational as well as administrative skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision and to prioritise own workload.
• Ability to work productively as part of a team.
• Willingness to attend alumni events out of hours

Desirable Criteria

• Ability to work flexibly, as necessary.
• Sound understanding of data protection legislation.
• An interest in philanthropy and an understanding of the non-profit sector.
• Understanding of the Oxbridge system or higher education charities.

Benefits

As well as becoming a valued member of our friendly community, and working in beautiful historic surroundings, we also offer the following benefits:

Meals - A free meal is available when on duty and the kitchen is open.

Holiday - A generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days per year (pro rata for part time posts), which includes all Bank and Public holidays.

Pension - On joining the College you will be automatically enrolled into either the University Superannuation Scheme, (“USS”) .

Private Medical Insurance - Individual cover.

Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 access for you and your spouse/partner to a broad spectrum of services, including Health Management, Online and Face-to-Face Counselling, and Debt Management. Practical information and advice can also be accessed on all common topics, such as Consumer, Legal, Finance, Housing, Benefits, Family.

Bus Ticket Loan - You may, on the completion of your probation period, be entitled to receive an interest-free loan to enable you to purchase an annual season ticket for travel by bus, with a discount of 5% on the overall cost.

Personal Development - Staff are encouraged to develop both professionally and personally and the College supports employees to develop their skills and improve their performance throughout their time with the College.

Family-friendly policies - The College has a range of family-friendly policies in place, including parental and family leave, and flexible working.

Childcare Services - Open to University and College Staff and Students, the University owns a number of nurseries and has places at a number of Community nurseries which employees can apply for.

Oxford University Discounts - College staff will receive a University card which provides the following discounts:

• Free entry to Oxford Colleges and libraries
• 10% discount in some University shops.
• Free access to the University Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum.
• Discounted computer software from the University Computing Service.
• Access to Sports Facilities and Punt Hire - Staff may use the College’s sports facilities and sign up for punt hire during the summer period for a small fee. Staff can also sign up for free to the University Club and use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates.

Library - College staff have access to the Meyricke Library, open 24 hours a day.

Eye Test/Glasses Reimbursement - a free eye test and a glasses contribution are offered for staff that are regularly display screen equipment (DSE) users and who have been advised they need glasses for DSE use.

Flu Vaccinations - a yearly flu vaccination scheme where staff not otherwise eligible to receive a free vaccination can obtain one at the cost of the College.

Staff Entertainment - The College arranges social events including coffee mornings, staff summer and Christmas party as well as a children’s Christmas party.

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to earnings criteria) via Tusker.

Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme – also recently launched provided by Green Commute initiative.

Secure Bike Parking - bikes can be locked away securely on site.

On site Gym

Multifaith Room – available for staff and students.

Discounted Guest Rooms - Staff may book a guest room at Jesus College at a discounted rate, subject to availability and terms and conditions.